Latest KFF Health News Stories
House GOP Health Bill Jettisons Insurance Mandate, Much Of Medicaid Expansion
After intense negotiations among party factions, Republican leaders unveil legislation that committees will mark up this week.
‘Right-To-Try’ Laws Expose Dying Patients To Exploitation, Ethicists Warn
More than 30 states have laws on the books to allow dying patients the right to try experimental treatments. But these treatments may not be covered by insurance, and ethicists worry vulnerable people could be exploited near the end of their lives. The laws may also duplicate a process the FDA already has in place.
Patient Advocacy Groups Rake In Donations From Pharma
A new study shows that 83 percent of the largest patient advocacy groups take contributions from drug, medical device or biotech firms.
Video Highlights: Trump Promises To Lower Cost Of Health Insurance
President Trump called on Republicans and Democrats to work together to repeal and replace Obamacare.
Instead Of Trashing A $600 EpiPen, Some Patients Get A Refill
Epinephrine, the active ingredient in EpiPens, expires after 18 months, and the auto-injector device can’t be refilled or reused. Health professionals are looking for work-arounds they say could save the health system millions.
President Trump And I Take The Same Drugs — Except One
An aging writer discovers there are worse things than going bald after examining the side effects of a popular hair loss drug purportedly used by President Donald Trump.
Indiana’s Claims About Its Medicaid Experiment Don’t All Check Out
Indiana’s conservative take on Medicaid expansion is up for renewal in the home state of Vice President Mike Pence. But there are some discrepancies between the state’s application for renewal and facts about the program.
For Some Hospice Patients, A 911 Call Saves A Trip To The ER
Hospice groups are teaming up with specially trained paramedics to deal with common problems that worried patients or families incorrectly think need hospital care.
Popular Charity Heart Screenings For Teens May Cause More Problems Than They Solve
The screenings with an electrocardiogram are often set up after a tragic death of a local athlete, but researchers say there is no evidence that they prevent deaths and may lead to false alarms and further unnecessary testing.
5 Reasons Why An $89,000 Drug Has Congress Fuming
A drug from Marathon Pharmaceuticals has ignited a firestorm on Capitol Hill and beyond. What makes it different than the $750,000 drug that came before it?
Medicaid: todo lo que necesita saber sobre el financiamiento “en bloque”
El presidente Donald Trump propone cambiar drásticamente el vínculo entre el gobierno federal y los estados, a la hora de repartir el dinero para gerenciar el programa que ayuda a las familias de bajos ingresos a tener seguro de salud.
Grassley Launches Inquiry Into Orphan Drugs After KHN Investigation
Citing a Kaiser Health News investigation, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley vows to examine the orphan drug program and possible fixes.
Five Quick Ways HHS Secretary Tom Price Could Change The Course Of Health Policy
After a tough fight by Democrats, Senate Republicans confirmed Rep. Tom Price’s nomination to head the Department of Health and Human Services. He will have the authority to upend some current practices.
Dozens Of New Cancer Drugs Do Little To Improve Survival, Frustrating Patients
The FDA has approved dozens of new cancer medications in recent years, but few offer the benefits that patients seek.
‘Massive Confusion’ Abounds For Insurers As GOP Wavers On Obamacare Redo
Republicans’ delay in finding common ground to repeal and replace the health law raises risks that coverage could shrink and rates rise even more, the industry says.
Nuevas drogas contra el cáncer, ¿ayudan a vivir más?
Empujados por defensores de pacientes que quieren acceso temprano a los medicamentos, la FDA ha aprobado una ráfaga de drogas oncológicas en los últimos años, Pero pocas de estas drogas han permitido a pacientes con una esperanza de vida limitada, vivir por años.
Georgia Legislative Panel Hears Concerns About Surprise Medical Billing
Insurers and care providers say efforts to fix how consumers are notified also raise concerns.
With A High Deductible, Even A Doctor Can Shortchange His Health
A Harvard health policy expert faced a racing heartbeat and $6,000 deductible on his insurance plan. What did he do?
Luke Whitbeck’s life was saved by a rare disease drug, but it costs $300,000 a year.
HSAs: ‘Tax-Break Trifecta’ Or Insurance Gimmick Benefiting The Wealthy?
Republicans hope to expand the use of health savings accounts to encourage consumers to be more judicious in using their coverage. Here’s an explainer of how they work.
