Archive

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Two Crises In One: As Drug Use Rises, So Does Syphilis

KFF Health News Original

A significant portion of syphilis transmission in heterosexuals occurs among people who use drugs, particularly methamphetamine, a new report shows. Public health officials warn that you can’t treat one problem without addressing the other.

Beyond Beltway’s ‘Medicare-For-All’ Talk, Democrats In States Push New Health Laws

KFF Health News Original

As calls for “Medicare-for-all” grow louder among Democrats in Congress, Democratic governors and mayors have been pushing ahead with urgency to corral medical costs and bring health care to those who remain uninsured.

Utah’s Novel Plan For Medicaid Expansion Opens Door To Spending Caps Sought By GOP

KFF Health News Original

Utah’s proposal to limit federal and state funding on Medicaid is a radical change. Anti-poverty advocates are concerned that caps could limit how many people are enrolled and restrict services. They also worry other states would adopt a similar plan.

Can California Beat The Federal Government In Lowering Drug Prices?

KFF Health News Original

Unwilling to wait for federal action, California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he has a plan that could extract discounts from drugmakers and save the state money — one he hopes other states can join.

Facebook Live: Helping People Age With Independence

KFF Health News Original

KHN columnist Judith Graham speaks with Sarah Szanton, director of the Center for Innovative Care in Aging at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, about helping people age with independence.

Vaccine Storage Too Often Fails To Meet Standards

KFF Health News Original

Federal officials regulate the handling of vaccines that are provided through the Vaccines for Children program, which offers the medicines generally for children whose families could not afford them. But there is no federal oversight of how these drugs are stored among other health care providers.

What ‘Dope Sick’ Really Feels Like

KFF Health News Original

Just as each person’s journey into addiction is unique, different approaches work for people trying to find their way out. For me, detoxing was nightmarish. And a long-held dream come true.