Latest News On Disparities

Latest KFF Health News Stories

San Francisco Hopes To Improve Care For People With Mental Illness Living On Streets

KFF Health News Original

Dr. Anton Nigusse Bland, a veteran of public health psychiatry, was appointed by San Francisco’s mayor earlier this year to a newly created job: director of mental health reform. His main task is to improve mental health and addiction treatment for people experiencing homelessness.

In Hamburg, ‘Gesundheit’ Means More Than A Wish For Good Health

KFF Health News Original

Even with Germany’s generous universal coverage, sizable health disparities persist between Hamburg’s wealthier and poorer neighborhoods. Two health centers are among those trying to close the gaps.

Georgia Sheriff’s Deputy Sues Over Lack Of Transgender Insurance Coverage

KFF Health News Original

A sheriff’s deputy in central Georgia filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Houston County, whose employee insurance plan has denied coverage for her transgender-related health care. The decision would likely result in a ruling that affects the entire state, if not the entire Southeast, and comes after decisions in Wisconsin and Iowa sided with other transgender patients.

As Health Care Costs Rise, Workers At Low-Wage Firms May Pay A Larger Share

KFF Health News Original

People at companies with large numbers of people earning $25,000 or less faced bigger deductibles for single coverage and were asked to pony up a larger share of their income in premiums than those at other firms.

Watch: Trump-Pence Policy Shift Makes Birth Control Harder To Get

KFF Health News Original

The Trump administration’s policy shift on Title X family planning funds is likely to make birth control harder to get and more expensive for low-income women. It will also shift funds from organizations like Planned Parenthood to the Obria Group, which does not give women hormonal contraceptives or condoms in its clinics.

Charity Care Spending By Hospitals Plunges

KFF Health News Original

The proportion of money that California hospitals spent on free and discounted care for low-income people dropped by more than half from 2013 to 2017 — even for nonprofit hospitals. Hospitals say there’s less demand for charity care because more people now have health insurance, but consumer advocates counter that people still need help.

Migrant Moms Await Due Dates And Court Dates

KFF Health News Original

A growing number of pregnant women are among the migrants seeking asylum in the United States. Many must wait in Mexico until their cases are heard, spending weeks or months in migrant shelters with limited access to health care.

How The Eastern Cherokee Took Control Of Their Health Care

KFF Health News Original

An innovative hospital run by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina showcases an alternative model of health care that could have lessons for other tribal communities and beyond.

New Budget Boosts Health Coverage For Low-Income Californians

KFF Health News Original

California lawmakers spent big on Medi-Cal in the 2019-20 state budget, voting to cover more older residents and people with disabilities, restore benefits cut during the recession and open the program to eligible young adults who are in the country illegally. 

Non-English Speakers Face Health Setback If Trump Loosens Language Rules

KFF Health News Original

A rule proposed by the Trump administration would leave patients with limited English proficiency with fewer guarantees of a written notice that free translation services are available. It also would no longer require directions on how patients can report discrimination they experience in a medical setting.

Good Health Goes Beyond Having A Doctor And Insurance, Says AMA’s Equity Chief

KFF Health News Original

Dr. Aletha Maybank was recently named the first chief health equity officer for the American Medical Association. In an interview, the pediatrician spoke about how racism’s impact on health affects everyone and what practices could help doctors end disparities.