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Latest KFF Health News Stories

On the Hook for Uninsured Residents, Counties Now Wonder How They’ll Pay

KFF Health News Original

Millions of people gained health coverage under the Affordable Care Act, reducing pressure on counties in states that fund care for the uninsured. With federal policies expected to reverse that trend, county officials wonder how they will fill the gap — and who will pay for it.

To Knock Down Health-System Hurdles Between You and HIV Prevention, Try These 6 Things

KFF Health News Original

It’s been more than 10 years since the FDA first approved an HIV prevention drug. Today, people who could benefit from preexposure prophylaxis often struggle to access the lifesaving medicine or run into doctors without the education or empathy to offer affirming care. And those lapses can produce billing headaches.

Iowa Doesn’t Have Enough OB-GYNs. The State’s Abortion Ban Might Be Making It Worse.

KFF Health News Original

Abortion bans like Iowa’s have put OB-GYNs under increasing strain and surveillance, complicating the standard medical treatments for miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, premature membrane rupture, and other pregnancy problems. As many rural areas face worsening maternity care deserts, some physicians fear these laws could drive much-needed doctors out of state and dissuade others from moving in and establishing a practice.

Medical Bills Can Be Vexing and Perplexing. Here’s This Year’s Best Advice for Patients.

KFF Health News Original

As the crowdsourced investigative series from KFF Health News approaches its eighth anniversary, “Bill of the Month” offers its top takeaways of 2025 to help patients manage, decipher, and even fight their medical bills.

It’s the ‘Gold Standard’ in Autism Care. Why Are States Reining It In?

KFF Health News Original

States facing yawning budget shortfalls have begun cutting Medicaid reimbursements for a wide variety of services. In some states, dramatic cuts are targeting therapies that many families of autistic people say are essential to caring for their loved ones.

Medicaid Health Plans Step Up Outreach Efforts Ahead of GOP Changes

KFF Health News Original

Even as President Donald Trump and GOP lawmakers say the One Big Beautiful Bill Act targets waste, fraud, and abuse, Medicaid health plans are hosting events across the U.S. to prevent low-income families from losing health insurance and food benefits next year.

Baltimore Drove Down Gun Deaths. Now Trump Has Slashed Funding for That Work.

KFF Health News Original

A spike in shootings during the covid pandemic propelled community violence intervention, a field that aims to stop gun deaths at the root. Baltimore used federal funds to launch a violence prevention office. But President Donald Trump has throttled such funds and instead is sending troops into cities.

Criminally Ill: Systemic Failures Turn State Mental Hospitals Into Prisons

KFF Health News Original

There has been a steep rise in the share of people with severe mental illnesses being sent to state psychiatric hospitals on court orders after being accused of serious crimes. The shift has all but halted patients’ ability to get care before they have a catastrophic crisis.

Judge in Nursing Home Bankruptcy Case Gives Families Fresh Hope of Compensation for Injuries, Deaths

KFF Health News Original

Genesis HealthCare’s controlling investor, Joel Landau, had sought to rebuy the nursing homes while gaining protection from settlement payments over allegations of poor care. A judge rejected the proposal and ordered a new auction. A KFF Health News investigation found Genesis settled hundreds of lawsuits but didn’t pay them out fully.

Las armas promovidas para la seguridad personal provocan una crisis de salud pública en comunidades negras

KFF Health News Original

Las verificaciones de antecedentes para comprar armas aumentaron 60% de 2019 a 2020, año en que el gobierno federal declaró la emergencia sanitaria por covid.
Ese mismo año, más de 45.000 personas murieron por violencia con armas de fuego.

Inside the FDA’s Vaccine Uproar

KFF Health News Original

An internal email claiming covid vaccines killed children triggered a formal response from a dozen past FDA commissioners. The email, sent by the head of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, outlines a framework that could have significant impact on the nation’s vaccine policies.