The New Covid Vaccine Is Out. Why You Might Not Want To Rush To Get It.
By Arthur Allen Eliza Fawcett, Healthbeat Rebecca Grapevine, Healthbeat
Updated September 5, 2024
Originally Published August 26, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Although public health officials recommend the newly approved covid vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, it may make more sense to wait until closer to the holiday season.
Do We Simply Not Care About Old People?
By Judith Graham
Illustration by Oona Zenda
February 9, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Recently, thousands of older Americans have been dying weekly of covid. But most Americans aren’t wearing masks in public, a move that could prevent infections. Many at-risk seniors aren’t getting antiviral therapies, and older adults in nursing homes aren’t getting vaccines. Why?
The Medicare Advantage Influence Machine
By Fred Schulte Holly K. Hacker
September 30, 2024
KFF Health News Original
New court filings and lobbying reports reveal an industry drive to tamp down critics — and retain billions of dollars in overcharges.
Ya está disponible la nueva vacuna contra covid, pero piensa bien cuándo conviene vacunarte
By Arthur Allen Eliza Fawcett, Healthbeat Rebecca Grapevine, Healthbeat
August 26, 2024
KFF Health News Original
La Administración de Drogas y Alimentos ha aprobado una vacuna actualizada contra covid para todas las personas de 6 meses en adelante, lo que renueva un dilema que ahora es anual: ¿Recibir la vacuna ya, con el brote de covid aún por todo el país, o reservarla para la ola invernal?
How Medicare Advantage Plans Dodged Auditors and Overcharged Taxpayers by Millions
By Fred Schulte Holly K. Hacker
December 13, 2022
KFF Health News Original
Facing rare scrutiny from federal auditors, some Medicare Advantage health plans failed to produce any records to justify their payments, government records show. The audits revealed millions of dollars in overcharges to Medicare over three years.
A Billing Expert Saved Big After Finding an Incorrect Charge in Her Husband’s ER Bill
By Bram Sable-Smith
October 25, 2022
KFF Health News Original
A medical billing specialist investigated her husband’s ER bill. Her sleuthing took over a year but knocked thousands of dollars off the hospital’s charges — and provides a playbook for other consumers.
How to Crush Medical Debt: 5 Tips for Using Hospital Charity Care
By Emily Pisacreta
October 15, 2021
KFF Health News Original
The law says nonprofit hospitals are supposed to offer low-income patients financial assistance. But the average person doesn’t know about it. Here’s how to get help.
Cómo hacer desaparecer una deuda médica: 5 consejos para usar la asistencia caritativa del hospital
By Emily Pisacreta
October 15, 2021
KFF Health News Original
La Ley de Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio (ACA), también conocida como Obamacare, requiere que los hospitales sin fines de lucro pongan a disposición de los pacientes de bajos ingresos asistencia financiera, y que publiquen esas políticas en línea.
Montana Med School Clash Revives For-Profit Vs. Nonprofit Flap
By Victoria Knight
June 7, 2021
KFF Health News Original
Two medical schools vie to open in Montana, highlighting the rapid spread of for-profit schools and their previously tarnished business model.
Last Call for COVID: To Avoid Bar Shutdowns, States Serve Up Curfews
By Jordan Rau
December 4, 2020
KFF Health News Original
Authorities are ordering early closures — generally around 10 p.m. — to curb the spread of COVID-19. But will the coronavirus observe this curfew?
Thousands of Doctors’ Offices Buckle Under Financial Stress of COVID
By Laura Ungar
November 30, 2020
KFF Health News Original
Across the nation, primary care practices that were already struggling are closing, victims of the pandemic’s financial fallout. And this is reducing access to health care, especially in rural and other regions already short on doctors.
Imponen toques de queda en restaurantes y bares mientras aumentan los casos de Covid-19
By Jordan Rau
December 4, 2020
KFF Health News Original
Con brotes de coronavirus originándose en bares y restaurantes, los toques de queda están siendo adoptados no solo por funcionarios, sino también por propietarios de establecimientos.
It’s Not Just Insulin: Lawmakers Focus on Price of One Drug, While Others Rise Too
By Rachana Pradhan
September 22, 2020
KFF Health News Original
While insulin is the poster child for outrageous prescription costs, patients are paying ever more to treat depression, asthma, HIV, cholesterol and more. And the pandemic has overtaken efforts to force the issue in Congress.
As Coronavirus Patients Skew Younger, Tracing Task Seems All But Impossible
By Anna Almendrala
July 20, 2020
KFF Health News Original
Although younger people are hospitalized and die less frequently than their elders when infected with COVID-19, their cases are harder to trace. As a result, the virus is spreading uncontrollably throughout much of Southern California. Even hospital staffs are affected by community spread.
Task Force Outlines Strategy To Address California’s Shortfall Of Health Workers
By Anna Gorman
February 4, 2019
KFF Health News Original
A new report by a coalition of health, education and labor leaders concludes that the state must build a larger and more culturally diverse pool of medical, mental health and home care professionals to meet the needs of a growing population. The findings point to a big challenge for Gov. Gavin Newsom as he seeks to extend health insurance to many of California’s nearly 3 million uninsured residents.
Health Care Tops Guns, Economy As Voters’ Top Issue
By Phil Galewitz
October 18, 2018
KFF Health News Original
Nearly three-quarters of voters say that health care is the most important issue for them, but fewer than half are hearing much from candidates about it, according to a poll released by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Surprise Medical Bills Are What Americans Fear Most In Paying For Health Care
By Jordan Rau
September 5, 2018
KFF Health News Original
Two-thirds of Americans worry about unexpectedly large bills from doctors, hospitals or other medical providers, a poll shows. Four in 10 have received one in the past year.
About A Third Of Americans Unaware Of Obamacare Open Enrollment
By Phil Galewitz
November 17, 2017
KFF Health News Original
Nonetheless, federal officials report sign-ups are robust so far this year.
Medicare Failed To Recover Up To $125 Million In Overpayments, Records Show
By Fred Schulte
January 6, 2017
KFF Health News Original
Medicare overpaid five insurance plans by $128 million yet only recovered $3 million, audits show.
A Dying Man’s Wish To Save Others Hits Hospital Ethics Hurdle
By Karen Shakerdge, Side Effects Public Media
January 3, 2017
KFF Health News Original
One terminally ill man’s hope to be disconnected from his respirator and donate his organs was almost thwarted, despite his best laid plans.
