Latest KFF Health News Stories
Repeal Ripples: Five Obamacare Exchange Chiefs Contemplate An Uncertain Future
Despite political peril, Obamacare business is brisk in California, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Colorado.
At Party Retreat, GOP Still Searching For Health Law Consensus
At their party retreat, the officials are coalescing around a strategy that would have not a single replacement for the Affordable Care Act but instead include changes through a budget bill, administrative action and later a series of individual bills addressing smaller aspects of the health system.
California Fines Kaiser Permanente $2.5 Million Over Missing Medicaid Data
The HMO blew two deadlines to supply information required by the state to monitor Medi-Cal managed care plans. Kaiser says it is “taking steps” to resolve the problem.
Aid-in-Dying Laws Don’t Guarantee That Patients Can Choose To Die
In California, Colorado and four other states, many hospitals, health systems and doctors just say no.
ACA Repeal Threatens A Black Lung Provision Popular In Coal Country
The Affordable Care Act simplified and speeded up the complex process that allows coal miners who have black lung to get special benefits. Many in coal country want this reform to stay if the rest of the law is repealed.
How To Make A Home Much More Friendly To Seniors Using Wheelchairs Or Walkers
Experts say key steps can make a home much more accessible to seniors who can have trouble getting around in wheelchairs or walkers.
‘Not Turning Back’: California Governor Vows To Protect State’s Health Care
Gov. Jerry Brown said he will work with other governors and lawmakers to prevent a loss of federal health dollars that could “devastate” the state’s budget.
From Its Counterculture Roots, Haight Ashbury Free Clinic Morphs Into Health Care Conglomerate
Since it opened 50 years ago, the Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic has been a refuge for everyone from flower children to famous rock stars to Vietnam War veterans returning home addicted to heroin.
For Conservatives, A New Day In Health Care
We talk with a leading expert about Republican ideas for reform. Lanhee Chen of the Hoover Institution says it’s a mistake to think conservatives have too few ideas — rather they have too many.
Athlete-Turned-Trucker Works To Improve Truckers’ Health
Once an elite swimmer and a Yale grad, Siphiwe Baleka now coaches 3,000 fellow truckers on the best ways to work out, eat right and stay connected on the road. Drivers say his wellness plan works.
Everything You Need To Know About Block Grants — The Heart Of GOP’s Medicaid Plans
Republican plans to transform Medicaid could help set debate on the role of government and entitlements. Here’s an explanation of how it could work.
Trump’s First Order Has Strong Words On Health. Actual Impact May Be Weak.
Trump administration has tools to break the health law. Will it use them?
One GOP Plan Says Calif. And Other States That Like Their Obamacare Can Keep It
States could continue to cover people under the ACA or create new approaches, according to a bill introduced Monday. Many Democrats fear such state options won’t draw enough federal funding and will fragment coverage nationwide.
Trump’s HHS Choice: First A Letter To Medicare. Then A Campaign Contribution.
Rep. Tom Price, up for running HHS under President Trump, helped a company that became a top campaign donor, records show.
People With Medical Debt Most Likely To Be Dunned By Collection Agencies
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports in a new study that 59 percent of people contacted by a debt collector had outstanding medical bills.
In A Liberal Pocket, Assisted Living Residents Fear Obamacare’s Death
Seattle seniors at an upscale assisted living center lament Washington’s rush to repeal and replace Obamacare with no alternative on the table.
Health Law Coverage Has Helped Many Chronically Ill — But Has Still Left Gaps
New research finds that the Affordable Care Act — especially the Medicaid expansion — helped about 4 million people with chronic health problems get coverage. Researchers say their findings could help Republicans planning a replacement.
Trump’s HHS Pick Favored Drugmakers, Device Makers And Doctors
Letters sent to Medicare from U.S. Rep. Tom Price, President Trump’s pick to run HHS, supported physicians as well as drug or device makers, records show.
Tackling Patients’ Social Problems Can Cut Health Costs
Intense, “high touch” care that focuses on housing as well as health care brings down medical costs for the most expensive patients. But it’s been hard to replicate successful programs.
California’s Community Clinics, Big ACA Beneficiaries, Worry About Their Future
A flow of Medi-Cal expansion dollars — and patients — has fueled significant growth, making clinics in California one of the linchpins of primary care under Obamacare.
