Health Industry

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Save Billions or Stick With Humira? Drug Brokers Steer Americans to the Costly Choice

KFF Health News Original

Thousands of patients with autoimmune diseases who rely on Humira, with a list price of $6,600 a month, could get financial relief from new low-cost rivals. So far, the pharmacy benefit managers that control drug prices in America have not delivered on those savings.

Health Workers Warn Loosening Mask Advice in Hospitals Would Harm Patients and Providers

KFF Health News Original

Clinicians, researchers, and workplace safety officers worry new guidelines on face masks from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention might reduce protection against the coronavirus and other airborne pathogens in hospitals.

California pionera al aprobar salario mínimo de $25 la hora para trabajadores de salud, el más alto del país

KFF Health News Original

La medida, aprobada por legisladores estatales el jueves 14 de septiembre, introduciría gradualmente el aumento salarial en hospitales, residencias de adultos mayores y otros proveedores de servicios médicos y psiquiátricos.

California Lawmakers Approve Nation-Leading $25 Minimum Wage for Health Workers

KFF Health News Original

A sweeping agreement approved by state lawmakers would gradually raise the minimum wage for hundreds of thousands of health workers to a nation-leading $25 an hour. The pact would also end labor’s years-long battle with dialysis clinics.

As More Patients Email Doctors, Health Systems Start Charging Fees

KFF Health News Original

Doctors say billing for email consultations reduces message volume and gives them more free time. The increasingly prevalent practice has also raised fears about negative impacts to patient care.

Pacientes reciben facturas por enviarles correos electrónicos a sus médicos

KFF Health News Original

Con un fuerte aumento de los mensajes de correo electrónico durante la pandemia de covid, un número creciente de sistemas de salud han empezado a cobrar a los pacientes cuando los médicos y otros profesionales clínicos responden a sus mensajes.

Why the CDC Has Recommended New Covid Boosters for All

KFF Health News Original

As covid-19 hospitalizations tick upward with fall approaching, the CDC says it’s time for new boosters — and not only for those at highest risk of serious disease. Here are seven things you need to know.

Despite Successes, Addiction Treatment Programs for Families Struggle to Stay Open

KFF Health News Original

Residential addiction treatment programs that allow parents to bring their children along have been recognized for their success. But a mix of logistical challenges and low reimbursement rates mean they struggle to stay afloat.

‘Dr. Google’ Meets Its Match: Dr. ChatGPT

KFF Health News Original

With the rise of generative AI, people who once turned to “Dr. Google” to check on medical symptoms are now turning to chatbots. Researchers say the bots are often more accurate, but urge caution in the absence of any regulations.

KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': Welcome Back, Congress. Now Get to Work. 

Podcast

Congress returns from its summer recess with a long list of tasks and only a few work days to get them done. On top of the annual spending bills needed to keep the government operating, on the list are bills to renew the global HIV/AIDS program, PEPFAR, and the community health centers program. Meanwhile, over the recess, the Biden administration released the names of the first 10 drugs selected for the Medicare price negotiation program.

Most States Have Yet to Permanently Fund 988. Call Centers Want Certainty.

KFF Health News Original

For rural Americans, who live in areas often short of mental health services and die by suicide at a far higher rate than urbanites, the federally mandated crisis phone line is one of the few options to connect with a crisis counselor.

Mississippi’s Cervical Cancer Deaths Indicate Broader Health Care Problems

KFF Health News Original

Mississippi has among the highest cervical cancer mortality rates in the U.S. When low-income women can’t afford regular preventive care, much less gynecological visits, this highly preventable and treatable cancer becomes a killer.