States

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Pandemic’s Bumps and Backlash Shape Montana Race Poised to Steer US Senate

KFF Health News Original

Gov. Steve Bullock’s response to the pandemic has helped raise his profile as he challenges incumbent Republican Sen. Steve Daines. But it also complicates the campaign as the state sees a resurgence of COVID-19 cases and voters question some of the governor’s actions.

Covered California Announces Record-Low Rate Hike for 2021

KFF Health News Original

Health plans offered through Covered California, the health insurance exchange, will increase premiums by a statewide average of 0.6% next year. Health insurers reported strong profits in the second quarter of 2020 as their expenses plunged because of fewer surgeries and patient visits for non-COVID treatment.

Maryland County Pledges Investigation of Health Worker’s Coronavirus Death

KFF Health News Original

The disease intervention specialist at the Prince George’s County Health Department was among at least 20 department employees infected by the coronavirus, union officials say. The outbreak underscores the stark dangers facing the nation’s front-line public health army.

California GOP Consultant Rues ‘Big Mistake’ That Led to Family’s COVID Infections

KFF Health News Original

Richard Costigan, a well-respected fixture in state Capitol circles, has detailed his family’s ongoing experiences with COVID-19 on social media after catching the virus — he surmises — at a backyard gathering. The former Schwarzenegger aide wants people to know this virus doesn’t care who you are.

Hospital Merger in Washington State Stokes Fears About Catholic Limits on Care

KFF Health News Original

Virginia Mason Health System and CHI Franciscan announced plans in July to merge 12 hospitals and more than 250 other treatment sites in the Puget Sound region and the Yakima area. Some patient advocacy groups warn the proposal would jeopardize access to needed services, such as emergency termination of pregnancies, contraception and physician aid in dying.

Forced Sports Timeout Puts Squeeze on College Coffers, Scholarships and Towns

KFF Health News Original

Sports events — with their sprays of sweat and spit, not to mention large crowds — are ideal settings for the coronavirus to spread. Although some college leagues have canceled their fall seasons, schools with big athletic programs are still hoping for a partial return to the gridiron and the hardwood.

Don’t Count on Lower Premiums Despite Pandemic-Driven Boon for Insurers

KFF Health News Original

Early in the pandemic, insurers expected the costs of treating COVID-19 would vastly increase medical spending. Instead, non-COVID care has plummeted and insurers have pocketed the result. Still, few industry observers are predicting broad-based premium cuts in 2021, though some health plans have proposed lowering their rates.

Missourians to Vote on Medicaid Expansion as Crisis Leaves Millions Without Insurance

KFF Health News Original

Around the country, Medicaid enrollment is up as people who have lost jobs during the pandemic seek health insurance. Expanding eligibility for Missouri’s program, which could help thousands of recently unemployed residents, will be on the ballot Tuesday.

Medi-Cal Agency’s New Head Wants to Tackle Disparities and Racism

KFF Health News Original

Will Lightbourne, the new director of the California Department of Health Care Services, says government must address the racial disparities laid bare by COVID-19 and improve care for the state’s most vulnerable residents.

Namaste Noir: Yoga Co-Op Seeks to Diversify Yoga to Heal Racialized Trauma

KFF Health News Original

In dealing with her son’s violent murder, fear over the coronavirus pandemic and the stress of coping with systemic racism, Beverly Grant has found strength and peace through yoga. The Denver native is part of a yoga co-op seeking to bring the ancient practice to more diverse communities as a health care tool.

Where Mask-Wearing Isn’t Gospel: Colorado Churches Grapple With Reopening

KFF Health News Original

Long considered one of the country’s evangelical strongholds, Colorado Springs cautiously returned to church after nearly two months without religious gatherings. But how congregations are handling Colorado’s new mask rules varies in this conservative city.

In Texas, More People Are Losing Their Health Insurance as COVID Cases Climb

KFF Health News Original

During the pandemic, nearly 700,000 additional Texans have lost health insurance. The Lone Star State already had more uninsured people than any other. It has given people with COVID symptoms pause before seeking medical care.

Last Thing Patients Need During Pandemic: Being Last to Know a Doctor Left Network

KFF Health News Original

Health plan network changes occur all the time as doctors retire, relocate or leave networks. Unfortunately, patients may be the last to find out about such changes because there are often few requirements that either providers or insurers inform them.