Cost and Quality

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Buying Supplemental Insurance Can Be Hard For Younger Medicare Beneficiaries

KFF Health News Original

Congress left it to states to determine whether private Medigap plans are sold to the more than 9 million disabled people younger than 65 who qualify for Medicare. The result: rules vary across the country.

Study Finds No Harm In Allowing Surgeons-In-Training To Work Longer Shifts

KFF Health News Original

Researchers found little difference in patient outcomes or satisfaction after placing restraints on medical residents’ working conditions in the past decade. Officials have previously sought to prevent inexperienced doctors from making mistakes caused by fatigue.

Study: Doctors’ Texts Can Prod Patients To Take Drugs, But Questions Linger

KFF Health News Original

In an analysis published Monday in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers found that text message reminders help patients do better when it comes to taking their medicines. But questions about the specific ways to make the most of this strategy remain.

A Closer Look At The Senate’s Investigation Of Tainted Medical Scopes

KFF Health News Original

A Senate investigation recently found that 16 hospitals around the U.S. failed to file mandatory paperwork with the federal government after patients at their hospitals became infected or died from the use of tainted medical scopes. KHN’s Chad Terhune, who reported on the story for the Los Angeles Times, spoke with Madeline Brand on KCRW’s Press Play about the investigation and steps the scope maker is taking to stop the infections.