States

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Florida’s Deloitte-Run Computer System Cut Off New Moms Entitled to Medicaid

KFF Health News Original

Florida discovered a glitch in its Deloitte-run Medicaid eligibility system. The problem, alleged in court testimony, led to new mothers wrongly losing their insurance coverage.

Georgians With Disabilities Are Still Being Institutionalized, Despite Federal Oversight

KFF Health News Original

For nearly 15 years, the feds have had oversight of Georgia’s treatment of people with mental illness and developmental disabilities. Observers say the state still jeopardizes some of its most marginalized residents by not meeting the terms of its settlement with the Justice Department.

What the Health? From KFF Health News: Trump’s Nontraditional Health Picks

Podcast

Not only has President-elect Donald Trump chosen prominent vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Trump also has said he will nominate controversial TV host Mehmet Oz to run the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which oversees coverage for nearly half of Americans. Meanwhile, the lame-duck Congress is back in Washington with just a few weeks to figure out how to wrap up work for the year. Rachel Cohrs Zhang of Stat, Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call, and Riley Ray Griffin of Bloomberg News join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews Sarah Varney, who has been covering a trial in Idaho challenging the lack of medical exceptions in that state’s abortion ban.

Florida Gov. DeSantis’ Canadian Drug Import Plan Goes Nowhere After FDA Approval

KFF Health News Original

Florida sued the FDA over what it said was a “reckless delay” in approving its drug importation plan. Now, nearly a year after the FDA gave the state the green light, the program has yet to begin.

After Institutions for People With Disabilities Close, Graves Are at Risk of Being Forgotten

KFF Health News Original

Thousands of people with disabilities lived and died in state institutions. Now, decades after the facilities began closing, the cemeteries left behind are at risk of falling into disrepair.

Washington Power Has Shifted. Here’s How the ACA May Shift, Too.

KFF Health News Original

With a new Trump administration poised to move into the White House and Republicans set to control both chambers of Congress, party leaders are making a to-do list for the Affordable Care Act.

Nearly All Vermonters Have Health Insurance, but Care Is Tough To Find

KFF Health News Original

Almost all people have health insurance in Vermont, a state famed for its maple syrup and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, yet residents pay the nation’s highest insurance premiums for individual coverage and endure months-long waits for care — and most hospitals here are losing money, according to state reports and interviews with residents and […]

Ex-Eye Bank Workers Say Pressure, Lax Oversight Led to Errors

KFF Health News Original

Corneas, the windshields of the eye, are the most transplanted part of the human body. But four former employees at Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank told of numerous retrieval problems, including damage to eyes and removal from the wrong body.

FTC, Indiana Residents Pressure State To Block Hospital Merger

KFF Health News Original

Hundreds of people and the Federal Trade Commission weighed in on a proposed hospital merger in Terre Haute, Indiana, with most arguing that the creation of a monopoly would increase costs and worsen patient care.

Nationwide IV Fluid Shortage Could Change How Hospitals Manage Patient Hydration

KFF Health News Original

Many U.S. hospitals are conserving critical intravenous fluid supplies to cope with a shortage that may last months. Some hospital administrators say the shortage accelerated their plans to change IV fluid hydration protocols altogether.

Idaho Calls Abortion ‘Barbaric and Gruesome’ in Trial Challenging Strict Ban

KFF Health News Original

Women with serious pregnancy complications who were denied abortion care have turned to state courts after appeals to state lawmakers to clarify medical exceptions have largely failed.

Journalists Examine Health Care for Native Americans and Recent Food Recalls

KFF Health News Original

KFF Health News and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media in recent weeks to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.

Pay First, Deliver Later: Some Women Are Being Asked To Prepay for Their Baby

KFF Health News Original

Pregnant women are being asked to make large cash payments months before they deliver their babies. Some patient advocates worry this billing practice allows providers to hold treatment hostage.

Pagar primero, parir después: algunos servicios piden a las embarazadas que paguen fortunas antes del parto

KFF Health News Original

Es difícil saber con qué frecuencia ocurre porque se considera una transacción privada entre el proveedor y el paciente. Por lo tanto, los pagos no se registran en los datos de reclamos de seguros y, por ende, los expertos no los analizan.