Cost and Quality

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Sprained Your Ankle? The Cost Of A Brace Could Sprain Your Wallet.

KFF Health News Original

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.

As Proton Centers Struggle, A Sign Of A Health Care Bubble?

KFF Health News Original

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.

KFF Health News Original

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.  

Peak Health Plan Premiums Give Rise To Activism — And Unconventional Solutions

KFF Health News Original

For people who buy their health coverage rather than get it from the government or through work, Charlottesville, Va., has claimed the title of having the country’s highest health insurance costs, and its residents are fighting back.

Cuatro nuevas razones para evitar la multa por no tener seguro de salud

KFF Health News Original

Nuevas reglas permitirán pedir exenciones al requisito de pagar una multa por no tener coebrtura de salud, en base al lugar de residencia y a la opinión sobre el aborto.

4 New Ways You Can Avoid Fines For Not Having Health Insurance

KFF Health News Original

Among changes by the Trump administration, new rules protect consumers living in areas with only one marketplace plan as well as those who oppose abortion and can’t find a plan that doesn’t cover the procedure.

Calif. Leads Nation In Pushing Back Against Trump Administration Health Policies

KFF Health News Original

In the face of federal efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, policymakers in the largest state are proposing laws and other changes to counter them. Beyond that, they’re aggressively pushing measures to expand health coverage beyond what the ACA envisioned.

‘Scary’ Lung Disease Now Afflicts More Women Than Men In U.S.

KFF Health News Original

Barbara Bush’s case highlights that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — a disease linked to long-term smoking and traditionally considered a men’s disease — is now more prevalent among women.

Medical Marijuana’s ‘Catch-22’: Federal Limits On Research Hinder Patients’ Relief

KFF Health News Original

Suffering Americans seek medical marijuana as an alternative to opioids and other powerful pharmaceuticals. Though legal in 29 states, some doctors say the lack of strong data makes it hard to recommend.

C-SPAN: FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb Talks To KHN

KFF Health News Original

Kaiser Health News reporter Sarah Jane Tribble sat down with Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb on C-SPAN’s “Newsmakers” program. The conversation ranged from how the nation should combat the opioid epidemic to reining in drug prices.