Latest KFF Health News Stories
As Medicaid Costs Soar, States Try A New Approach
New programs, known as ACOs, reward hospitals and physician groups that hold down costs by keeping enrollees healthy. The health care providers are asked to address social issues — such as homelessness, lack of transportation and poor nutrition — that can cause and exacerbate health problems.
In New Hampshire, Even Mothers In Treatment For Opioids Struggle To Keep Children
New Hampshire parents who are trying to overcome opioid abuse face a ticking clock and limited state resources to try to keep their parental rights.
Most Texans Want State To Expand Medicaid And Help Poor Get Health Care
Texans think the Legislature should expand Medicaid to more low-income people and make health care more affordable, according to a survey released today from the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Episcopal Health Foundation.
Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ California Here We Come
In this episode of KHN’s “What the Health?” Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Carrie Feibel of KQED San Francisco, Anna Maria Barry-Jester of FiveThirtyEight.com and Joanne Kenen of Politico report from San Francisco on the complicated health politics of the Golden State and the latest news on a lawsuit challenging parts of the Affordable Care Act. Plus, for extra credit, the panelists offer their favorite health stories of the week.
5 Things To Know About Medicaid Work Requirements
The key issues in play when a U.S. District Court takes up a legal challenge to Kentucky’s Medicaid work requirement on Friday.
That ‘Living Will’ You Signed? At The ER, It Could Be Open To Interpretation.
End-of-life documents express your preferences for care but may not be binding medical orders. Here’s how to better prepare for the unexpected — that your last wishes won’t be carried out.
Puerto Rico’s Water System Stutters Back To Normal
Efforts to restore tap water service has been delayed in many rural areas of Puerto Rico, but even in the cities running water can be interrupted by electrical power outages at pumping stations.
How America Got Hooked On A Deadly Drug
An inside look at how Purdue Pharma pushed OxyContin despite risks of addiction and fatalities.
Medicare Takes Aim At Boomerang Hospitalizations Of Nursing Home Patients
One in 5 Medicare patients who leave the hospital for a nursing home end up back in the hospital. To discourage this, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will soon give bonuses and penalties to facilities based on their rehospitalization rates.
When Erratic Teenage Behavior Means Something More
Teenagers can be volatile and moody, but there are some specific signs that separate typical adolescent behavior from potentially serious mental health problems.
The ‘Perfect Storm’: Redirecting Family Planning Funds Could Undercut STD Fight
Some public health officials fear that the Trump administration’s proposals to change how Title X funding is handled may impede the effort to cut the record number of sexually transmitted diseases.
‘Where The Need Is:’ Tackling Teen Pregnancy With A Midwife At School
While U.S. teen pregnancy rates overall have trended steadily downward in the past decade, they remain high in some communities, particularly for black and Latina teens. In one part of Washington, D.C., a high school midwife program is a novel approach that’s showing promise in tackling the problem.
California’s Attorney General Vows National Fight To Defend The ACA
Xavier Becerra, who is leading an effort by at least 15 states to protect the law, said the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle it endangers coverage for millions of Americans.
Administration Challenges ACA’s Preexisting Conditions Protection In Court
The Trump administration is arguing that since Congress is repealing the penalty for not having insurance, the federal health law’s protection for people who have illnesses is unconstitutional.
He Started Vaping As A Teen And Now Says Habit Is ‘Impossible To Let Go’
Public health officials worry vaping is an emerging disaster that could reverse years of decline in smoking by young people. What’s the latest evidence that e-cigarettes are a gateway to tobacco?
Kate Spade’s Death Ignites Concern About Rising Suicide Rate
At least 45,000 Americans commit suicide every year, often tied to mental health issues or substance abuse.
Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ Health Care Politics, Midterm Edition
In this episode of KHN’s “What the Health?” Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Alice Ollstein of Talking Points Memo, Stephanie Armour of The Wall Street Journal and Rebecca Adams of CQ Roll Call discuss how Medicare, Medicaid and the fate of the Affordable Care Act are playing out in the politics of the coming midterm elections. Plus, Rovner interviews Matt Eyles, president and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans.
Listen: What You Need To Know About The News On Breast Cancer And Chemo
KHN senior correspondent Liz Szabo joins a panel on WAMU’s radio show “1A” to discuss new insight into breast cancer treatment.
With The Rise Of Legal Weed, Drug Education Moves From ‘Don’t’ to ‘Delay’
Today’s drug prevention messaging is a far cry from the “Just Say No” days. Schools want to give kids the facts to make informed decisions about whether and when to try drugs or alcohol.
Could California Shape The Fate Of The Affordable Care Act In November?
With the primary now over, health care may well emerge as an issue that helps voters distinguish between candidates for governor, attorney general and other offices in the general election.
