Latest News On Pennsylvania

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Pandemic-Stricken Cities Have Empty Hospitals, But Reopening Them Is Difficult

KFF Health News Original

In Philadelphia, New Orleans and Los Angeles, former safety-net hospitals sit empty in the middle of the city. But reopening a closed hospital, even in the midst of a pandemic when health resources are scarce, is not easy or cheap.

‘Crackhouse’ Or ‘Safehouse’? U.S. Officials Try To Block Philly’s Supervised Injection Site

KFF Health News Original

An average of three people a day died of opioid overdose in Philadelphia in 2018. But efforts to combat the crisis with a supervised injection site could be stymied by “the crackhouse statute,” a portion of federal law meant to protect neighborhoods during the crack epidemic of the 1980s.

Why Some CEOs Figure ‘Medicare For All’ Is Good For Business

KFF Health News Original

While national business groups fight the single-payer concept, the founder and CEO of a large Pennsylvania picture frame manufacturer tries to convince other employers that it’s the only way to control costs and fix the U.S. health system.

Hospitals Check To See If Patients Are Donor-Worthy — Not Their Organs, But Pockets

KFF Health News Original

Hospitals often contract with market data firms to screen patients’ wealth. That software allows the hospitals to gauge patients’ propensity to donate based on public records, including property and stock ownership and campaign donations.

Playing On Fear And Fun, Hospitals Follow Pharma In Direct-To-Consumer Advertising

KFF Health News Original

Hospitals are increasingly advertising medical services directly to patients to enhance their national brands. They think the image building improves their ability to negotiate with health plans and brings in wealthier patients.

Insurer Tries A Soft Touch — Puppies! — For This Year’s Hard Sell Of Obamacare Plans

KFF Health News Original

Open enrollment for health insurance on the Affordable Care Act exchanges started last week. Across the country, municipalities, insurers and grass-roots groups are working hard to help folks navigate the hoops.

Opioid Treatment Funds In Senate Bill Would Fall Far Short Of Needs

KFF Health News Original

The $45 billion for opioid treatment in the Senate bill sounds like a lot of money, but an advocate estimates it would provide $1,000 to $2,000 per year for each person in Pennsylvania who might need treatment. Meanwhile, one year of methadone treatment for opioid addiction costs about $4,700 per year,

People In Recovery Worry GOP Medicaid Cuts Would Put Treatment Out Of Reach

KFF Health News Original

In Pennsylvania alone, 124,000 people received drug or alcohol addiction treatment through Medicaid. Republicans in Congress want to cut Medicaid by as much as $800 billion over the next decade, leaving people in recovery wondering what will happen to their treatment.

Insurance Customers In Pennsylvania Look To Trump To Ease Their Burden

KFF Health News Original

Two Pennsylvania voters who buy health insurance on healthcare.gov are frustrated with how expensive the plans have become. They voted for Trump in hopes he can bring down health insurance costs.

Will A Study Save Victims Of Violence Or Gamble With Their Lives?

KFF Health News Original

A major study in Philadelphia will look at whether it is better for people with gunshot or stab wounds to get basic care from paramedics or more advanced care before going to the hospital, as most do now.