Latest KFF Health News Stories
Katrina Shut Down Charity Hospital But Led To More Primary Care
When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, many health facilities were destroyed or shut down, including urgent care centers, nursing homes, pharmacies and hospitals. But a new network of renovated and newly built primary care health clinics has opened, which many hope will bring stability to the health care of the city’s low-income residents.
As Legal Marijuana Expands, States Struggle With Drugged Driving
As more states make medical and recreational marijuana use legal, they increasingly are grappling with what constitutes DUID, or driving under the influence of drugs, and how to detect and prosecute it. And they’re finding it is more difficult than identifying and convicting drunken drivers.
Survey Confirms Significant Drop In California’s Uninsured
The California Health Interview Survey shows significant gains in insurance coverage but also points to disparities among ethnic groups.
Rural Hospitals Team Up To Survive
Dozens of rural hospitals have closed in recent years, prompting others to form alliances.
The Hospital Is In Network, But Not The Doctor: N.Y. Tries New Balance Billing Law
Consumers in New York are getting new protections against “balance billing,” where insurers bill patients for the difference between what insurers pay and what providers want, and states considering similar laws are watching closely.
How Much Is That Eye Exam? Study Probes The Elusive Quest For Health Care Prices
A study done in Massachusetts highlights the difficulties consumers face in trying to find out how much health care services cost.
To Address Doctor Shortages, Some States Focus on Residencies
Some states are spending millions of dollars to train medical students, only to see them leave because of a shortage of residency positions.
Oscar Wants To ‘Revolutionize’ Health Care. But Will It Even Survive Covered California?
Covered California made it official last week: After two years in the wilderness, UnitedHealthcare will return to the state’s individual insurance market and begin selling health plans on California’s exchange later this year. Not much can overshadow news about the nation’s largest insurer — except maybe a story about one of the smallest. Hi, Oscar. […]
Hospitals Seeking An Edge Turn To Unlikely Adviser: A Car Maker
Toyota, which bills itself as a model of efficiency in auto manufacturing, is sharing its strategies with public and nonprofit hospitals competing for newly insured patients.
No Easy Feat: Promoting The PrEP Pill For HIV Prevention Among Latinos
The drug Truvada, used to halt HIV infection, has been shown to be more than 90 percent effective when used correctly. But many Latinos haven’t heard of it or are deterred by the cost and the stigma associated with being gay or bisexual.
5 Challenges Facing Medicaid At 50
The federal-state health care program covers nearly half of all births, one-third of children across the country and two-thirds of people in nursing homes.
Medicare Turns 50 But Big Challenges Await
Medicare provides coverage to one in six Americans, and federal officials hope to trim the increasing cost and improve how the program operates.
Good News, Bad News In Medicare Trustees Report
Trust fund solvent until 2030, but some seniors may see a big spike in Part B premiums.
How Vandalism And Fear Ended Abortion In Northwest Montana
When Zachary Klundt broke into All Families Healthcare he destroyed the only clinic providing abortions in the Flathead Valley of Montana. More than a year later, the clinic remains closed.
More Health Plan Choices At Work. What’s The Catch?
Despite the benefits to a company’s bottom line, and more choices for employees, John Henry Foster is one of relatively few businesses using a private health insurance exchange.
Despite Gains In Advance Directives, Study Finds More Intensive End-Of-Life Cancer Care
A recent study in JAMA Oncology examined trends in advance care planning and found that though the use of durable powers of attorney increased, the number of people who received “all care possible” at the end of life went up.
California, Oregon To Allow Hormonal Contraceptives Without A Doctor’s Prescription
The two states are the first in the country to allow pharmacists to directly prescribe “the pill” and similar contraceptives.
N.Y. Law Offers Model For Helping Consumers Avoid Surprise Out-Of-Network Charges
Under the comprehensive law, patients are generally protected from owing more than their in-network copayment, coinsurance or deductible on bills they receive for out-of-network emergency services or on surprise bills.
Maryland Revamps Its In Vitro Coverage Mandate To Accommodate Same-Sex Couples
Requirements to prove infertility for two years and to use sperm from the husband have been eliminated for same-sex couples.
An Explicit Contract Makes Surrogacy Viable For An Oregon Woman
The agreement sets up expectations for the woman and covers a wide variety of contingencies to help protect her from unexpected problems.
