States

Latest KFF Health News Stories

“Peor de lo que la gente cree”, cambios en Medicaid crean caos en los estados

KFF Health News Original

Tanto beneficiarios como defensores de pacientes dicen que los funcionarios de Medicaid enviaron formularios de renovación obligatoria a direcciones viejas, calcularon mal los niveles de ingresos e hicieron malas traducciones de los documentos.

Gubernatorial Candidates Quarrel Over Glory for Winning Opioid Settlements

KFF Health News Original

Some gubernatorial candidates are sparring over bragging rights for their state’s share of $50 billion in opioid settlement funds. Many of the candidates are attorneys general who pursued the lawsuits that produced the payouts.

Start Shopping: Enrollment Begins Nov. 1 for Most Obamacare Insurance Plans

KFF Health News Original

More than 16 million Americans who buy their own health insurance through state and federal marketplaces have until Jan. 15 to compare prices, change their coverage, or enroll for the first time.

When That Supposedly Free Annual Physical Generates a Bill

KFF Health News Original

Completing a routine depression screening questionnaire during an annual checkup is cost-free under federal law. But, as one woman discovered, answering a doctor’s follow-up questions might not be.

Storing Guns Away From Home Could Reduce Suicides, but Legal Hurdles Loom

KFF Health News Original

Safe storage maps show gun owners where to put their firearms for safekeeping if they experience a mental health crisis. The idea has support among some gun enthusiasts, but legal obstacles threaten wider adoption.

California Expands Paid Sick Days and Boosts Health Worker Wages

KFF Health News Original

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation expanding paid sick leave to five days, extending bereavement leave to miscarriages and failed adoptions, and approving an eventual $25-an-hour health care minimum wage. Still, in a possible sign of national ambitions, the Democrat vetoed free condoms in schools and refused to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms.

Tiny, Rural Hospitals Feel the Pinch as Medicare Advantage Plans Grow

KFF Health News Original

More than half of seniors are enrolled in private Medicare Advantage plans instead of traditional Medicare. Rural enrollment has increased fourfold and many small-town hospitals say that threatens their viability.

Quick Genetic Test Offers Hope for Sick, Undiagnosed Kids. But Few Insurers Offer to Pay.

KFF Health News Original

A new, rapid genetic test shows promise in increasing diagnoses and improving treatment for some children with rare genetic conditions. Many insurers won’t cover it, but Florida’s Medicaid program is among those that see benefits — and, potentially, savings.

Using Opioid Settlement Cash for Police Gear Like Squad Cars and Scanners Sparks Debate

KFF Health News Original

State and local governments will receive a windfall of more than $50 billion over 18 years from settlements with companies that made, sold, or distributed opioid painkillers. Using the funds for law enforcement has triggered important questions about what the money was meant for.

Pruebas genéticas rápidas a bebés pueden salvar vidas, pero muchas aseguradoras no las cubren

KFF Health News Original

Que Medicaid cubra la prueba puede expandir significativamente el acceso para los bebés; el programa de salud federal gerenciado por los estados que asegura a las familias de bajos ingresos y que cubre a más del 40% de los niños en su primer año de vida.

¿Por qué sigue siendo tan difícil encontrar vacunas contra covid para niños pequeños?

KFF Health News Original

Por primera vez desde el inicio de la pandemia, el gobierno federal no paga directamente a los fabricantes por las dosis de covid, un proceso que permitió a médicos y farmacéuticos recibir envíos de forma gratuita.

Why Is Finding Covid Shots for Young Children Still So Hard?

KFF Health News Original

In Los Angeles and elsewhere, some parents are having trouble finding the new pediatric covid shot, especially for young children. Not all pediatricians or pharmacies have it and can administer it, even if vaccines.gov says they can.

California Moves Ahead of the FDA in Banning Common Candy Additives

KFF Health News Original

The legislation bans the use of four additives that are already prohibited in many other countries but remain in popular U.S. foods. Advocates say states need to act because the FDA has done little.