Latest KFF Health News Stories
Calif. Advocates Hail Coverage Of Children In State Illegally, Seek Inclusion Of Adults
The budget deal announced by Gov. Jerry Brown last month grants Medicaid coverage to young Californian immigrants who are in the state without legal permission. Now comes the push for coverage of their parents and other adults.
‘A Terrible Way To End Someone’s Life’
Doctors often opt to forego aggressive care for terminal illnesses but fail to talk to their patients about their preferences.
Implementation Of Obamacare Remains A Work In Progress
With the Supreme Court decision, it appears the Affordable Care Act will stand, but that doesn’t mean the law’s troubles are over. NPR’s Renee Montagne talks to KHN’s Julie Rovner.
LA Police Unit Works To Get Treatment For Mentally Ill Instead Of Jail Time
When officers in Los Angeles encounter people who may be mentally ill, they call in a specialized unit that offers help on the spot.
States Limiting Patient Costs For High-Priced Drugs
More states are stepping in to cushion the financial pain for patients who need medicine that can cost up to hundreds of thousands of dollars a year.
Study Finds Doctors Order Fewer Preventive Services For Medicaid Patients
Researchers report in the journal Health Affairs that doctors are less likely to include some preventive care services in appointments with women covered by Medicaid than in those with women who are privately insured.
After Court Victory, Obama Asks GOP To Work With Him To Improve Health Care
In a visit to Nashville, Tenn., the president calls for health law critics to drop their opposition and begin the work of improving the law and health care delivery.
Study Predicts Huge Toll Of Hepatitis C Drugs On California Budget
Highly effective drugs for Hepatitis C patients in California’s Medicaid program, prisons and hospitals could cost the state billions, an insurance-industry sponsored study found.
California’s Tough New Law Overcomes Decades-Old Distrust Of Vaccines
California went from being a state with relatively lax vaccination rules to one of the most strict in the country. But opposition to vaccines is far from new.
Supreme Court Reprieve Lets 10 Texas Abortion Clinics Stay Open For Now
Abortion providers and foes react to the Supreme Court’s action that will allow 10 abortion clinics in Texas to remain open until a state law that would close them can be fully reviewed by the court.
He says they’re better off having some insurance coverage, even if they have high deductibles. But advocates say they lose access to free clinics and can’t afford to use their coverage because of the deductibles.
Your Colonoscopy Is Covered, But Surprise! The Prep Kit May Not Be
KHN’s consumer columnist Michelle Andrews answers questions from readers about the coverage of bowel prep kits for a colonoscopy, how travel insurance handles pre-existing conditions and prenatal screening coverage for tobacco, drugs and alcohol.
Advocates For Disabled Are Troubled By California’s Assisted Suicide Bill
Disability rights advocates say the bill allowing doctors to prescribe lethal medications to terminally ill patients could lead some disabled people to prematurely end their lives.
High Court’s Decision On Same Sex Marriage Expected To Boost Health Coverage Among Gay Couples
By marrying partners with employer health plans, people in same-sex relationships are more likely to gain coverage.
State, L.A. Near Deal To Boost Nursing Home Inspections
Supervisors are slated to vote Tuesday on a contract that would provide nearly $15M in additional state funds to hire 70 more staffers.
Disability Advocates Fight Assisted Suicide Measures
Disability rights advocates are speaking up in opposition to a bill currently being considered by California legislators that would allow terminally ill patients to get prescriptions to end their lives. Their opposition stems from worries that if it becomes law, depression and incorrect prognoses may lead people with serious disabilities to end their lives prematurely.
Burwell Says There Is Still ‘Work To Do’ On Health Law
After Supreme Court’s ruling, the HHS secretary says the administration faces challenges to enroll more people in marketplace plans and expand Medicaid.
Advocates say the law has permitted homes to give anti-psychotic drugs, use restraints and withdraw treatment without allowing patients to object. But the industry warns the ruling will make it more challenging to provide routine care to such patients.
Study Finds Almost Half Of Health Law Plans Offer Very Limited Physician Networks
More than 40 percent of the plans included less than a quarter of the doctors in the area, University of Pennsylvania researchers found.
Obamacare’s Next 5 Hurdles to Clear
In its first five years, the Affordable Care Act has survived technical meltdowns, a presidential election, two Supreme Court challenges — including one resolved Thursday — and dozens of repeal efforts in Congress. But its long-term future still isn’t ensured. Here are five of the biggest hurdles left for the law.