Latest KFF Health News Stories
Adult Foster Care Aid May Be At Risk, Advocates Say
Among those who are worried are agencies that provide adult foster care for people who can’t live on their own, because of severe mental illness or developmental disabilities.
FAQ: VA And Military Care Are Different, But Often Confused
The health systems serving veterans and military members are separate but both are under scrutiny.
Georgia Looks To Reopen Some Closed Rural Hospitals As E.R.s
Georgia is issuing a new kind of license to rural hospitals to be stand-alone ERs. Many of these hospitals have had to close or reduce services in the past few years due to budget pressures.
A Reader Asks: Are Insurers Required To Cover HIV Prevention Medication Recently Recommended By CDC?
Federal health officials urge anyone at substantial risk of HIV to start an expensive prescription drug regimen that can prevent infection. But that doesn’t mean it qualifies for coverage without any cost sharing under the health law.
Should Medicare Pay The Same No Matter Where The Patient Gets Care?
That question was the focus of a House subcommittee hearing Wednesday, and it’s an important issue in the context of the debate over ending the Medicare SGR. Mary Agnes Carey and CQ HealthBeat’s John Reichard discuss.
ACA And The Children’s Health Insurance Program
The Affordable Care Act offers subsidies for low-income families who currently qualify for the federal-state Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), forcing states to make a decision on CHIP’s future.
Medicare May Be Overpaying Hospitals For Short-Stay Patients
A congressional panel has held its first hearing on a controversial rule that governs the admission status of Medicare patients.
Employees: No Work At Obamacare Processing Centers, And Bosses Knew
Company and government supervisors knew that employees at the tax-funded ACA processing center in Wentzville were being paid to do little or no work, former employees said.
Patients Lose When Doctors Can’t Do Good Physical Exams
Reviving bedside medicine is becoming a new priority at some medical schools after technology has hurt some doctors’ abilities to use physical exams to make accurate diagnoses.
What Happens To A Consumer Who Gets Exchange Plan Buyer’s Remorse?
KHN’s consumer columnist looks into issues raised by readers about health law coverage.
Texas Nurse Practitioners Look to Ease Supervision Rules
Texas lawmakers loosened some supervision requirements during the last legislative session, but nurse practitioners are still battling for increased autonomy in the state Medicaid program.
Gaps In Kids’ Dental Coverage A Trouble Spot
New data indicate that difficulties persist despite the health law’s efforts to expand pediatric dental insurance.
For Medicaid Patients, Access To Primary-Care May Not Be As Advertised
A survey conducted in Seattle found that half the time, primary-care providers listed as accepting new patients on Medicaid managed-care organization websites, in fact were not accepting new patients.
Insurer Working Hard To Keep Up With Call Demand
In Pennsylvania, Independence Blue Cross’ success in enrolling 283,000 new members has presented several challenges.
What Surge? Nation’s Primary Care System Holding Up Well So Far Under Obamacare
Some say early concerns were exaggerated, though late enrollment and Medicaid problems also have cut demand.
Hospitals Boost Patient Safety, But More Work Is Needed
Readmissions and patient injuries decrease as new government programs take effect.
Need A Doc? These Companies Will Hook You Up In A Hurry
Online firms offer concierge medical services to middle-class subscribers including speedy referrals and a helping hand through the red tape.
Health Law Requires Medicare To Cover Dementia Evaluation
But an influential panel of experts says there isn’t enough evidence to recommend screening tests for the public.
Who Should Get Pricey Hepatitis C Drugs?
Is it right to ask patients with early stage liver disease to wait for treatments that could cure them?
Even With Obamacare, Many Latinos Still Seek Treatment In Mexico
Patients say they drive across the border because costs are lower, waits are shorter and doctors speak their language.
