Latest KFF Health News Stories
Threat Of Losing Obamacare Turns Some Apolitical Californians Into Protesters
New advocacy groups like Indivisible California weigh strategies for long-haul political activism, including protests.
Q&A: Efforts To Extend Health Coverage To Undocumented Immigrants
California state Sen. Ricardo Lara talks about progress and setbacks in the Trump era.
Prescribing Opioids To Seniors: It’s A Balancing Act
An expert geriatrician says the benefits for the patient, such as alleviating pain and maintaining independence, must be weighed against the possible risks. Her motto: ‘start low and go slow.’
Drug Prices, Opioids, And Obamacare: A Conversation With Assemblyman Jim Wood
Wood, who chairs the Assembly Health Committee, lays out his priorities for 2017.
California Fines Kaiser Permanente $2.5 Million Over Missing Medicaid Data
The HMO blew two deadlines to supply information required by the state to monitor Medi-Cal managed care plans. Kaiser says it is “taking steps” to resolve the problem.
‘Not Turning Back’: California Governor Vows To Protect State’s Health Care
Gov. Jerry Brown said he will work with other governors and lawmakers to prevent a loss of federal health dollars that could “devastate” the state’s budget.
From Its Counterculture Roots, Haight Ashbury Free Clinic Morphs Into Health Care Conglomerate
Since it opened 50 years ago, the Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic has been a refuge for everyone from flower children to famous rock stars to Vietnam War veterans returning home addicted to heroin.
For Conservatives, A New Day In Health Care
We talk with a leading expert about Republican ideas for reform. Lanhee Chen of the Hoover Institution says it’s a mistake to think conservatives have too few ideas — rather they have too many.
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.
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.
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.
Los Angeles Doctor Sues Molina Healthcare Over Medi-Cal Reimbursements
A high-profile whistleblower attorney representing the physician is seeking class action status.
Merger May Revitalize California’s Flagging Effort To Pool Medical Records
An Obama administration veteran will take the helm of Cal INDEX as it combines with the Inland Empire Health Information Exchange, creating a database covering nearly 17 million patients.
Meals On Wheels Wants To Be The ‘Eyes and Ears’ For Hospitals, Doctors
By checking up on the health and safety of meal recipients, volunteers for the nonprofit network can provide valuable information to medical providers and help ensure better care.
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.
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.
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.
Fear Of Deportation, Hate Crimes Reportedly Threaten Mental Health Of Young Californians
Teachers and health professionals report post-election depression, anxiety and stress in young immigrants and minorities.
California Hopes $3 Billion Experiment Will Improve Health Of Neediest
Pilot projects are being launched in 18 counties to reduce ER visits among Medi-Cal’s most costly patients.