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Latest KFF Health News Stories

California Lawmakers Approve Nation-Leading $25 Minimum Wage for Health Workers

KFF Health News Original

A sweeping agreement approved by state lawmakers would gradually raise the minimum wage for hundreds of thousands of health workers to a nation-leading $25 an hour. The pact would also end labor’s years-long battle with dialysis clinics.

California Legislature Passes Gov. Newsom’s Proposal to Retool Mental Health Services Act

KFF Health News Original

The California Legislature greenlighted Gov. Gavin Newsom’s latest plan to build more housing and increase addiction treatment as part of his response to the state’s homelessness and drug crises.

Rural Nursing Home Supporters Fear Proposed Staffing Standards Will Trigger More Closures

KFF Health News Original

The Biden administration says a recently proposed minimum staffing standard would help ensure quality care, but nursing home leaders predict many rural facilities would struggle to meet it.

A New Covid Booster Is Here. Will Those at Greatest Risk Get It?

KFF Health News Original

The CDC says everyone over 6 months old should get the new covid booster. But the emergency response mechanisms that supported earlier vaccine campaigns are gone. As one expert wonders: How to get boosters to people beyond Democrats, college graduates, and those with high incomes?

What the Health? From KFF Health News: Underinsured Is the New Uninsured

Podcast

The percentage of working-age adults with health insurance went up and the uninsured rate dropped last year, the U.S. Census Bureau reported this week. There isn’t much suspense about which way the uninsured rate is now trending, as states continue efforts to strip ineligible beneficiaries from their Medicaid rolls. But is the focus on the uninsured obscuring the struggles of the underinsured? Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet, and Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico join KFF Health News’ Emmarie Huetteman to discuss these issues and more.

Muchos estados todavía no financian la exitosa línea 988 para crisis de salud mental

KFF Health News Original

Según un análisis de KFF de datos de la línea de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis, desde el verano pasado el 988 recibió casi 5 millones de contactos, incluyendo llamadas, textos y mensajes de chat.

As More Patients Email Doctors, Health Systems Start Charging Fees

KFF Health News Original

Doctors say billing for email consultations reduces message volume and gives them more free time. The increasingly prevalent practice has also raised fears about negative impacts to patient care.

Abortion Bans Fuel a Rise in High-Risk Patients Heading to Illinois Hospitals

KFF Health News Original

High-risk patients from states that heavily restrict abortion are coming to hospitals in states such as Illinois that protect abortion rights. The journey can mean more medical risks and higher bills.

Pacientes reciben facturas por enviarles correos electrónicos a sus médicos

KFF Health News Original

Con un fuerte aumento de los mensajes de correo electrónico durante la pandemia de covid, un número creciente de sistemas de salud han empezado a cobrar a los pacientes cuando los médicos y otros profesionales clínicos responden a sus mensajes.

Dr. Google conoce a Dr. ChatGPT: la inteligencia artificial empieza a impactar en la salud

KFF Health News Original

La sintaxis fluida, el tono de autoridad y la destreza de la IA generativa han atraído a todos los sectores de la sociedad, y algunos comparan su impacto futuro con el de la propia Internet.

Por qué los CDC recomiendan el nuevo refuerzo contra covid para todos

KFF Health News Original

El Comité Asesor sobre Prácticas de Inmunización de los CDC votó 13-1 a favor de la moción después de meses de debate sobre si limitar los refuerzos a grupos de alto riesgo.

Why the CDC Has Recommended New Covid Boosters for All

KFF Health News Original

As covid-19 hospitalizations tick upward with fall approaching, the CDC says it’s time for new boosters — and not only for those at highest risk of serious disease. Here are seven things you need to know.

Despite Successes, Addiction Treatment Programs for Families Struggle to Stay Open

KFF Health News Original

Residential addiction treatment programs that allow parents to bring their children along have been recognized for their success. But a mix of logistical challenges and low reimbursement rates mean they struggle to stay afloat.

Watch: In Emergencies, First Comes the Ambulance. Then Comes the Bill.

KFF Health News Original

This installment of InvestigateTV and KFF Health News’ “Costly Care” series delves into the lack of cost protections for patients who find themselves on the hook for an emergency ground ambulance ride.

Pzifer y Moderna presionan por un nuevo refuerzo contra covid. ¿Deberías recibirlo? Los CDC están por decidir

KFF Health News Original

A pesar de las amplias recomendaciones para el refuerzo anticovid actualizado publicadas el otoño pasado, sólo el 17% de la población la recibió, y alrededor del 43% de las personas de 65 años o más.

‘Dr. Google’ Meets Its Match: Dr. ChatGPT

KFF Health News Original

With the rise of generative AI, people who once turned to “Dr. Google” to check on medical symptoms are now turning to chatbots. Researchers say the bots are often more accurate, but urge caution in the absence of any regulations.

Un padre soñaba con una casa para su familia. La deuda médica casi los deja en la calle

KFF Health News Original

En todo el país, la deuda médica obliga a legiones de estadounidenses a hacer sacrificios dolorosos. Muchos recortan gastos en alimentos, asumen trabajos adicionales o agotan sus ahorros para la jubilación. Miles no pueden conseguir vivienda.