Latest KFF Health News Stories
Trump’s First Order Has Strong Words On Health. Actual Impact May Be Weak.
Trump administration has tools to break the health law. Will it use them?
One GOP Plan Says Calif. And Other States That Like Their Obamacare Can Keep It
States could continue to cover people under the ACA or create new approaches, according to a bill introduced Monday. Many Democrats fear such state options won’t draw enough federal funding and will fragment coverage nationwide.
Trump’s HHS Choice: First A Letter To Medicare. Then A Campaign Contribution.
Rep. Tom Price, up for running HHS under President Trump, helped a company that became a top campaign donor, records show.
People With Medical Debt Most Likely To Be Dunned By Collection Agencies
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports in a new study that 59 percent of people contacted by a debt collector had outstanding medical bills.
In A Liberal Pocket, Assisted Living Residents Fear Obamacare’s Death
Seattle seniors at an upscale assisted living center lament Washington’s rush to repeal and replace Obamacare with no alternative on the table.
Health Law Coverage Has Helped Many Chronically Ill — But Has Still Left Gaps
New research finds that the Affordable Care Act — especially the Medicaid expansion — helped about 4 million people with chronic health problems get coverage. Researchers say their findings could help Republicans planning a replacement.
Trump’s HHS Pick Favored Drugmakers, Device Makers And Doctors
Letters sent to Medicare from U.S. Rep. Tom Price, President Trump’s pick to run HHS, supported physicians as well as drug or device makers, records show.
Tackling Patients’ Social Problems Can Cut Health Costs
Intense, “high touch” care that focuses on housing as well as health care brings down medical costs for the most expensive patients. But it’s been hard to replicate successful programs.
California’s Community Clinics, Big ACA Beneficiaries, Worry About Their Future
A flow of Medi-Cal expansion dollars — and patients — has fueled significant growth, making clinics in California one of the linchpins of primary care under Obamacare.
Sleeping Like A Baby Is A $325 Million Industry
Newborn sleep is a valuable commodity.
Trump Stays Silent On Health Law In Speech, Then Sets Tone For Repeal
Trump did not mention his plans for the health law in his inaugural address but later that day signed an order intended to “minimize the economic burden” of the health law.
Doctors’ Rights To Ask About Guns Not Affected By Health Law Provisions
The practice, which has been criticized by some gun groups, is not addressed in the health law and federal courts have so far upheld doctors’ rights.
California Withdraws Bid To Allow Undocumented To Buy Unsubsidized Plans
State lawmaker says he was worried the Trump Administration would use information on those who purchased plans to try and deport them.
Trump’s Nominee For Agriculture Has Key Health Role
From nutrition assistance programs to preventing food-borne illness, the Agriculture Department is keenly involved in health policy.
One Foot Out the Door, Medicare Chief Launches His Own Twitter Barrage
Acting CMS administrator Andy Slavitt is taking to social media to defend the Affordable Care Act from GOP dismantling.
California Aims To Boost Worker Safety, One Nail Salon At A Time
Effort asks salon owners to voluntarily improve air quality and use less toxic chemicals.
Advocacy Group Pushes For Changes In U.S. Food Assistance Program
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, which eschews meat and pushes for nutrition to have a stronger influence in health policy, is suggesting alterations in how food aid to low income people is structured.
Crucial California HIV Program In Disarray After Contract Switch
Patients who depend on the state-run AIDS Drug Assistance Program are having trouble getting medical appointments and life-saving medications.
Foul-Up Means Thousands On State Exchange Surprised By Higher Premiums
Covered California sent the wrong subsidy information to insurers, who charged most consumers less than they really owed. Now they have to pay up.
KHN Video: Orphan Drugs Creating Gold Rush For Pharmaceutical Firms
The designation, which is made by the Food and Drug Administration, allows drugmakers to claim seven years of market exclusivity.