Latest KFF Health News Stories
One In Three Women With Breast Cancer Treated Unnecessarily, Study Concludes
Mammograms find many slow-growing cancers that aren’t life-threatening and shouldn’t be treated, a Danish study said.
Obamacare Boosted Community Health Centers’ Reach. Now What?
Two studies quantify gains made as a result of the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion and fuel concerns about how GOP plans to repeal and replace it might undermine these advances.
En Puerto Rico persiste el rechazo al aborto, a pesar del zika
La Isla enfrenta una epidemia de Zika que pone a sus habitantes frente a dilemas médicos y religiosos.
New Rules to Limit ‘Death Fees’ For California Medicaid Enrollees
Medi-Cal’s controversial program to go after your assets when you die will be significantly curtailed, but some enrollees could be hit by new claims.
Trump’s Health Secretary Nominee Sought Special Treatment for Industry Donors
Rep. Tom Price advocated on everything from a sperm test to a hot pepper ingredient on behalf of medical interests that included campaign donors.
In Puerto Rico, The Joy Of Pregnancy Is Tempered By Fear Of Zika
Because of the fears about devastating birth defects, carrying a child to term can be daunting for women in the commonwealth.
Obama’s Challenge To GOP: Show Me Your Plan Before Repealing Mine
In an interview and written commentary, the president comes out swinging about Republicans’ plans to delay a health law replacement, if they repeal the current law. That strategy, he said, “is, simply put, irresponsible.”
Alzheimer a los 40: científicos estudian la “mutación de Jalisco”
Investigadores están estudiando a familias de los Estados Unidos y México, portadores de una mutación genética que los hace desarrollar Alzheimer a edad temprana, con la esperanza de encontrar tratamientos para frenar este mal.
Only 20 Percent Of Americans Support Health Law Repeal Without Replacement Plan
A new poll shows that GOP lawmakers’ strategy lacks widespread support and most people are more concerned that health care is affordable and available.
Federal Judge Denies Request To Delay EEOC Rules On Wellness Programs
AARP had sought a preliminary injunction because it argued the new regulations – which allow employers to tie participation to 30 percent of the cost of individual health coverage – could be coercive.
Medicare Failed To Recover Up To $125 Million In Overpayments, Records Show
Medicare overpaid five insurance plans by $128 million yet only recovered $3 million, audits show.
Keeping Lonely Seniors Company Can Help Keep Them Healthy
Little Brothers, which operates in San Francisco and several other cities, sends volunteers to brighten the lives of isolated elderly people, helping to reduce the risk of serious illness.
A Peer Recovery Coach Walks The Frontlines Of The Opioid Epidemic
Charlie Oen was addicted to heroin as a teenager. At 25, he’s now clean and a peer counselor in Lima, Ohio, where he tries to help people who started using drugs before he was born.
In Towns That Lost Most Obamacare Insurers, Rate Increases Still Competitive
Premiums on 2017 plans are rising by comparable amounts both in counties where multiple insurers still compete and in those where only one insurer remains after several companies stopped selling individual plans under the health law, according to Avalere, a consulting firm.
New Nursing Home Rules Offer Residents More Control Of Their Care
People in these facilities are now guaranteed more flexibility on food and roommate choices, as well as improved procedures for grievances and discharges.
Leading Republicans See A Costly Malpractice Crisis — Experts Don’t
The incoming HHS secretary wants to boldly reform the malpractice system, saying hundreds of billions are wasted on “lawsuit abuse” and defensive medicine. Industry experts say premiums and claims are down and “it’s a wonderful time for doctors.”
Early Alzheimer’s Gene Spells Tragedy For Patients, Opportunity For Science
Researchers are studying families from the U.S. and Mexico for clues to how Alzheimer’s develops in young patients, with the hope of finding treatments and even cures for the more common form of the disease.
Vowing To Jettison Obamacare, Republicans Face Immediate Resistance And Risks
Republicans agree that they want to get rid of President Barack Obama’s signature achievement, but replacement strategies will be a heavy lift.
Bundled Payments Work, Study Finds, But HHS Nominee No Fan
A study found that Medicare’s bundled payments model for joint replacement could save the government billions of dollars without harming patient care.
Offering Syringes Along With Prayers, Churches Help IV Drug Users
Some churches and other faith-based organizations are offering clean syringes to IV drug users, while still others are voicing their support for comprehensive treatment, testing and education programs that also help stem transmission of diseases like HIV and hepatitis C.