Latest KFF Health News Stories
Senate Revises Health Care Legislation: Read The New Bill
The Senate releases an updated draft of its health care legislation. Read the bill and compare with the original.
California Sued For Allegedly Substandard Medi-Cal Care
The lawsuit is a civil rights case on behalf of Latinos, who comprise nearly half of the program’s enrollees. But the advocates who filed it also hope to get class action certification for all Medi-Cal enrollees.
Senators Grill Top Indian Health Officials About Trump Budget
The administration officials could not answer some basic questions from senators, including how much money the agency has gained from the health law’s Medicaid expansion and whether President Donald Trump’s proposed 2018 budget would help the agency hire more staff.
Crippling Medicaid Cuts Could Upend Rural Health Services
Patient advocates say that the Senate Republicans’ proposal to change federal funding for Medicaid could lead to more shutdowns of rural facilities, reduced payments to doctors and fewer programs for people with health needs or disabilities.
Millions Of Kids Fall Outside Senate Plan To Shield Disabled From Medicaid Cuts
The Republican plan to replace Obamacare would reduce federal funding for Medicaid, but senators want to keep current funding levels for children who are blind or have other disabilities. Their proposal, however, would not apply to the majority of those kids.
Medicaid Cuts Will Drive Up Cost Of Private Coverage, Montana Insurers Say
Insurance executives in Montana are worried that GOP efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act could destabilize a market that is working well.
Senate GOP Bill Aims To Add Psych Beds; Squeeze On Medicaid Signals Their Undoing
The Senate health care bill has a provision to increase hospital beds for psychiatric care, but overall cuts in Medicaid could lead to even fewer beds nationwide.
Obamacare Inspires Unlikely Political Action In California’s Red Region
In a county where cows outnumber people and most voters supported Donald Trump, a coalition of health clinics is driven to defend the health law.
Half The Time, Nursing Homes Scrutinized On Safety By Medicare Are Still Treacherous
Of the 528 nursing homes that graduated from special focus status before 2014 and are still operating, more than half — 52 percent — have harmed patients or operated in a way that put patients in serious jeopardy within the past three years, a KHN analysis finds.
The Call-In: Answers To Questions About Our Business-Driven Health System
On NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday, KHN’s Elisabeth Rosenthal answers questions about the high cost of U.S. health care, while NPR’s Gisele Grayson addresses how the Senate bill to replace the Affordable Care Act would change the system.
McConnell Has About $200B In ‘Candy’ To Make Deals On Obamacare Repeal
As many as a dozen GOP senators may oppose the Senate majority leader’s Obamacare repeal bill. But the dealmaking is just beginning.
Health Care Battle On Hill Has Veterans Defending Obamacare Benefits
It’s too early to know just how many veterans might lose coverage as a result of the Medicaid reductions wrapped into the Republicans’ repeal effort. But many already feel boxed in.
Calif. Officials Sound Alarm, Envisioning $114B Hit To Medi-Cal Under U.S. Senate Bill
“Nothing is safe — no population, no services,” the director of the nation’s largest Medicaid program said Wednesday. GOP leaders say they seek to cut costs and widen consumer choices.
Analysis: Mitch McConnell Plans To Hide Trumpcare’s Pain Until After Midterms
The Senate health bill to repeal Obamacare hews closely to the electoral calendar, delaying much of the pain until after Republicans face re-election in Congress, statehouses and the White House.
Take Our Quiz To Test Your Wits On Aging
As we get older, it helps to tickle the noggin with trivia. Here’s a pop quiz to see what you have learned as a regular reader of Kaiser Health News.
Texas Hospitals Fear Losing $6.2B Medicaid Deal
Texas is asking the Trump administration to renew a 2011 agreement set to expire in December that helps pay hospitals’ costs of caring for the state’s uninsured residents.
In The End, Even The Middle Class Would Feel GOP Squeeze On Nursing Home Care
Medicaid pays for two-thirds of nursing home residents, but some recipients don’t even know they’re on it.
‘Coverage Gap’ For Poor May End, But Many Will Still Have Trouble Affording Plans
Although some people below the poverty level will now be able to qualify for premium subsidies, they may have trouble covering the out-of-pocket costs.
Deep Cuts To Medicaid Put Rural Hospitals In The Crosshairs
Since 2010, at least 79 rural hospitals have closed across the country, and nearly 700 more are at risk of closing. The Republican repeal of the health law could hasten their demise.
Poll: Most Americans Unaware GOP Plans Would Make Deep Funding Cuts To Medicaid
The survey also found public support for program changes that would place work requirements on beneficiaries and make drug testing a condition of enrollment.