Health Care Costs

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Florida Fails to Attract Bidders for Canada Drug Importation Program

KFF Health News Original

No private firms bid on the $30 million contract to set up and operate the state’s plan to bring in cheaper drugs. The setback is likely to delay by at least several months Florida’s effort to become the first state to import drugs under new federal regulations.

Progressive Group Highlights Trump, Tillis Weakness on Insulin Price Tags

KFF Health News Original

The progressive Change Now PAC launched a campaign ad, which also circulated on Facebook, criticizing President Donald Trump and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) for not “fighting” for people with diabetes who struggle with the high cost of insulin.

‘An Arm and a Leg’: Vetting TikTok Mom’s Advice for Dealing With Debt Collectors

KFF Health News Original

We first learned about Shaunna Burns when her tips on medical bills went viral. In part two of our conversation with the so-called TikTok mom, we’re back for guidance about dealing with debt collectors. Then we fact-checked her advice with a legal expert, who said: Most of Burns’ advice totally checks out.

Moved by Plight of Young Heart Patient, Stranger Pays His Hospital Bill

KFF Health News Original

A retired college professor in Las Vegas saw Matthew Fentress’ story and felt called to help. So she paid off $5,000 of his medical bill. “When you help other people, it gives you joy,” the Good Samaritan said.

Fighting for Patient Protections While Attacking ACA — Hard to Have It Both Ways

KFF Health News Original

Montana’s Matt Rosendale and many other Republican congressional candidates face the challenge of convincing voters they support safeguards on preexisting conditions even as they oppose the Affordable Care Act, which codifies those safeguards.

Not Pandemic-Proof: Insulin Copay Caps Fall Short, Fueling Underground Exchanges

KFF Health News Original

Although sharing prescription medicines is illegal, many people with diabetes are turning to underground donation networks when they cannot afford their insulin. Caps on insulin copays enacted in Colorado and 11 other states were designed to help. But the gaps between insulin costs and many patients’ financial realities are only widening amid the economic crisis of the COVID pandemic.

Watch: Young Man Faces Medical Bankruptcy — Even With Insurance

KFF Health News Original

“CBS This Morning” tells the story of Matthew Fentress, a young man who has had serious heart disease for six years. It’s the latest story in the ongoing crowdsourced Bill of the Month investigation.

KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Election Preview: What’s Next for Health?

KFF Health News Original

How will health issues affect voter choices? What will happen if President Donald Trump is reelected or the White House goes to Joe Biden? In this special election preview episode, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Joanne Kenen of Politico and Rebecca Adams of CQ Roll Call join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more.

New Laws Keep Pandemic-Weary California at Forefront of Health Policy Innovation

KFF Health News Original

Gov. Gavin Newsom approved many consequential health care bills by his bill-signing deadline Wednesday, including a ban on the sale of menthol and other flavored tobacco products, the creation of a state generic drug label and better coverage for mental health disorders.

Sky-High Drug Prices Driven by Pharma Profits, House Dems Charge

KFF Health News Original

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released a damning investigation Wednesday of drug company pricing tactics and profits, as two days of hearings with testimony from pharmaceutical industry CEOs begin.

The First Presidential Debate: A Night of Rapid-Fire Interruptions and Inaccuracies

KFF Health News Original

Tuesday night’s presidential debate offered voters their first side-by-side comparison of the candidates, President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden.