Latest KFF Health News Stories
Use Of Psychiatric Drugs Soars In California Jails
A combination of factors has led to an “astronomical” increase in mentally ill inmates, followed by increased efforts to identify those who need prescriptions. Some say the meds are underprescribed; others, that they are given inappropriately, without the benefit of comprehensive treatment.
Federal Officials Say No-Go To Lifetime Limits On Medicaid
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rejects a plan by Kansas to cap benefits at three years.
Today’s Special: Obamacare Menu Labeling Rules Ushered In
Restaurants, convenience stores, vending machines and pizza delivery services are among the businesses that will have to provide calories counts to consumers.
Alarming Suicide Rate Jolts Texas Community Into Action
Tyler, Texas, and the surrounding county has the highest suicide rate among the state’s 25 most populous counties, and community leaders are determined to change that.
‘Pharma Bro’ Shkreli Is In Prison, But Daraprim’s Price Is Still High
The saga of Martin Shkreli and Turing Pharmaceuticals focused a lot of attention on prescription drug prices, but no reversal of the exponential price increases for the lifesaving drug Daraprim resulted. The story offers an object lesson into the interworkings of the pharmaceutical market.
Weak Oversight Blamed For Poor Care At California Nursing Homes Going Unchecked
The scathing report cites a significant increase in cases of poor care — especially ones with the potential to cause serious injuries or death. A state lawmaker called the findings “very, very disturbing.”
Listen: Device Is Said To Ease Opioid Withdrawal, But Does The Evidence Support It?
A device called the Bridge is supposed to mitigate the misery of withdrawal sickness, but scientific evidence doesn’t yet show that it works.
Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ Medicaid, Privacy And Tom Price’s Return
Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Joanne Kenen of Politico, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times and Alice Ollstein of Talking Points Memo discuss the latest on states’ efforts to reshape their Medicaid programs, the kerfuffle over President Donald Trump’s medical records and comments by former Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price about Congress’ repeal of the Affordable Care Act’s “individual mandate” penalty. Rovner also interviews Harvard professor Robert Blendon about the complex politics of health in the coming midterm elections.
Voces oficiales aseguran que esta supervisión deficiente hizo que el número de incidentes que podrían causar lesiones graves o la muerte haya aumentado significativamente en los últimos años.
Sprained Your Ankle? The Cost Of A Brace Could Sprain Your Wallet.
Your health insurance might not cover items such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and braces, or you may have to deal with a supplier that has a contract with your insurer.
“Un acertijo persistente”: californianos adoptan Medicaid, pero… ¿cupones de alimentos? No tanto.
Millones de californianos que podrían participar de este programa, no lo hacen. Expertos explican las posibles razones y qué se está haciendo para que más familias obtengan este beneficio.
As Proton Centers Struggle, A Sign Of A Health Care Bubble?
Companies pushed proton machines and counted on advertising, doctors and insurers to ensure a steady business treating cancer. But the dollars haven’t flowed in as expected.
‘A Persistent Puzzle’: Californians Embrace Medicaid — But Food Stamps? Not So Much.
The Golden State ranks near the bottom in its enrollment of eligible people in the food assistance program known as SNAP. Now state officials want to tap its robust Medicaid rolls to boost SNAP signups.
Postcard From D.C.: Kicking Around The ACA? For Tom Price, That’s So 2017.
The former secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services says the law eliminating penalties for most people who don’t have insurance coverage will hurt the insurance marketplaces.
Ayudan con arte a que los cuidadores familiares tengan un merecido recreo
Hay cerca de 42 millones de personas que cuidan a un familiar, adulto o niño, enfermo como un trabajo de tiempo completo. Programas de arte les ofrecen un respiro.
Telemedicine Opening Doors To Specialty Care For Inmates
Getting prisoners to a medical facility can be difficult, so corrections officials are increasingly setting up telemedicine programs for specialized needs, such as psychiatric, cancer and cardiac care.
Telemedicina abre las puertas para que presos reciban atención de especialistas
Expertos aseguran que la salud de los reclusos mejora al ser atendidos por especialistas a través de videoconferencias, con la asistencia del médico del centro penitenciario.
Family Caregivers Are Getting A Break — And Extra Coaching
Across the country, community groups, hospitals and government agencies are stepping in to support the estimated 42 million family caregivers.
How A Drug Company Under Pressure For High Prices Ratchets Up Political Activity
Denmark-based drugmaker Novo Nordisk has invested more in lobbying and doubled political donations since 2015.
Tax-Funded Mental Health Programs Not Always Easy To Find
Revenue from California’s Mental Health Services Act has funded billions of dollars in mental health programs across the state, but finding out what’s available — and to whom — could be a challenge for consumers.