Latest KFF Health News Stories
Hospitals Worry Repeal Of Obamacare Would Jeopardize Innovations In Care
One part of the federal health law gave hospitals financial incentives to improve patient care. Some invested big to make those changes and are worried about what losing that support would mean.
California Fines Kaiser Permanente $2.5 Million Over Missing Medicaid Data
The HMO blew two deadlines to supply information required by the state to monitor Medi-Cal managed care plans. Kaiser says it is “taking steps” to resolve the problem.
Everything You Need To Know About Block Grants — The Heart Of GOP’s Medicaid Plans
Republican plans to transform Medicaid could help set debate on the role of government and entitlements. Here’s an explanation of how it could work.
Health Law Coverage Has Helped Many Chronically Ill — But Has Still Left Gaps
New research finds that the Affordable Care Act — especially the Medicaid expansion — helped about 4 million people with chronic health problems get coverage. Researchers say their findings could help Republicans planning a replacement.
GOP Vows To Defund Planned Parenthood. Reality Makes That Hard.
Ending federal support of the group that helps supply women’s reproductive health care could complicate health law overhaul efforts.
Mobile Team Offers Comfort Care To Homeless At Life’s End
A Seattle program pioneers palliative care that reaches dying patients on streets and in shelters.
Obamacare Boosted Community Health Centers’ Reach. Now What?
Two studies quantify gains made as a result of the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion and fuel concerns about how GOP plans to repeal and replace it might undermine these advances.
New Nursing Home Rules Offer Residents More Control Of Their Care
People in these facilities are now guaranteed more flexibility on food and roommate choices, as well as improved procedures for grievances and discharges.
Montana May Be Model For Medicaid Work Requirement
The Obama administration has said no to states taking more control over Medicaid, but the incoming Congress and White House may be more inclined to say yes.
If Republicans Repeal Health Law, How Will They Pay For Replacement?
As part of their efforts to get rid of the health law, Republicans have pledged to overturn all its taxes. But that might hamper their efforts to find a replacement.
More Prisoners Die Of Old Age Behind Bars
New data show 4,980 inmate deaths in 2014, the most since counting began in 2001.
Por qué padres con seguro laboral inscriben a sus hijos en el Medicaid
Cada vez más padres de bajos ingresos que tienen seguro de salud a través de sus empleos renuncian a la cobertura familiar e inscriben a sus hijos en el Medicaid o en el Programa de Seguro Médico para Niños (CHIP). Algo que, dicen los expertos, deben tener en cuenta los legisladores.
Many Parents With Job-Based Coverage Still Turn To Medicaid, CHIP To Insure Kids
Researcher says the reliance on public programs is a lesson for lawmakers who will be considering renewing CHIP next year.
Signed Out Of Prison But Not Signed Up For Insurance, Inmates Fall Prey To Ills
States that expanded eligibility for Medicaid have failed to enroll large numbers of a significant group that stood to benefit: ex-inmates.
Medicaid Coverage For Addiction Treatment Varies Dramatically
States can set their own rules about these benefits for Medicaid enrollees and a study shows wide disparities. But researchers say a repeal of the health law’s expansion could derail progress.
Helping Ex-Inmates Stay Out Of The ER Brings Multiple Benefits
Each year, millions of Americans leave jail and prison. When they do, they’re likely to have a hard time managing their health. Some clinics are trying to provide ex-inmates with better, cheaper care.
Medicaid Is Balm And Benefit For Victims Of Gun Violence
Young men injured by gunshot wounds often lacked insurance and went for years without proper follow-up care. The health law’s Medicaid expansion, in doubt since the election, changed that in many of the states with the most gun violence.
Tighter Prescribing Rules: An Anti-Abuse Strategy That Could Hurt Patients In Pain
Responding to a national epidemic, many state Medicaid programs are making the coverage rules for these opioid-based medicines tougher so that physicians will think twice before prescribing them. But some worry that legitimate pain patients could suffer.
Trump’s Pick To Run Medicare And Medicaid Has Red State Policy Chops
Seema Verma is a consultant who was Vice President-elect Mike Pence’s health policy advisor when he was governor of Indiana, playing a key role in Medicaid expansion in that state.
Price’s Appointment Boosts GOP Plans To Overhaul Medicare And Medicaid
Privatizing the Medicare program for the elderly and disabled and turning the Medicaid program for the poor back to the states are long-time goals for Republicans in Congress and the White House.