Latest KFF Health News Stories
Should Health Care Trainees Be Treated As Paid Employees?
A bill pending in California’s Legislature, sponsored by an influential health care union, would require hospitals and clinics to pay minimum wage to student trainees.
Political Theater: How A Bill That Nearly All Opposed Managed To Pass The House
House Republicans can say they kept their campaign promise to replace Obamacare, but they’re counting on the Senate to backstop them.
Sounds Like A Good Idea? High-Risk Pools
A KHN video looks at a Republican plan to establish a federal high-risk insurance pool.
A Squeaker In The House Becomes Headache For The Senate: 5 Things To Watch
With a slim margin, Senate Republicans must tread a fine line to pass their health replacement bill.
Louisiana Proposes Tapping A Federal Law To Slash Hepatitis C Drug Prices
Several public health officials endorse using a federal law to slash hepatitis C drug prices in Louisiana and avoid drug bills that could cripple the state budget.
Drug Coverage Denied By Medicare? How Seniors Can Fight Back
Senior citizens have to be patient and keep close records to appeal when Medicare plans refuse to cover their medicines.
Pseudoscience Fuels Fear Behind Minnesota Measles Outbreak
An outbreak of 34 cases of measles has hit Minnesota’s densely populated Somali-American neighborhoods, where 6 in 10 children are not vaccinated against the virus.
Blue Shield CEO Says GOP’s ‘Flawed’ Health Bill Would Harm Sicker Consumers
CEO Paul Markovich said he opposes the Republican plan because it would allow insurers to once again discriminate against people with preexisting conditions. “We are better than that,” he said.
Clock Is Ticking On GOP Bill: 5 Ways Health Care Tug-Of-War May Play Out
Despite pressure from the White House and GOP leaders, Republicans have not yet secured enough votes to pass their health law replacement bill. Here’s a look at their choices going forward.
Mom’s Policy, Medicaid Or A Health Exchange Plan: What’s A Grad To Do?
The federal health law has opened up new options for young adults but it can sometimes be confusing. A quick guide to the choices.
How To Ease The Financial Pain Of High-Deductible Health Plans
You might save money on premiums with a high-deductible health plan only to find you’re spending more on the back end. These tips will help you minimize your expenses for medical treatment and prescriptions.
Federal Money For State-Level Zika Tracking, Prevention May End This Summer
California has reported more than 500 travel-related Zika infections, and five babies have been born in the state with birth defects related to the mosquito-borne disease.
Urgent Care Sites Cater To Cancer Patients, Letting Them Check Some Worries At Door
Hospitals and oncology practices are setting up urgent care services aimed specifically at cancer patients to help keep them out of the hospital.
Volunteers Help Ombudsmen Give Nursing Home Residents ‘A Voice’ In Their Care
Ombudsman’s offices represent long-term care residents on issues such as admissions and discharges, food, physical environment and abuse.
Exodus By Puerto Rican Medical Students Deepens Island’s Doctor Drain
Interest in medical schools is high in Puerto Rico, but many students look to the U.S. mainland for residencies because of higher pay and the commonwealth’s declining economy. The migration of young talent is both a symptom and an exacerbation of the island’s medical woes.
Running Short On Time, Covered California And Insurers Seek Obamacare Answers From GOP
Health insurers must submit initial rates to California’s exchange on Monday, but confusion persists over core elements of the current health law.
California Proposes Stringent Cap On Toxic Chemical In Drinking Water
Water board officials want to limit TCP, a former pesticide ingredient and human carcinogen that has contaminated water supplies. Groundwater in other states is contaminated as well.
Try This At Home: Program Brings Drug Addiction Treatment To Patients
Kicking addiction can be expensive and patients often relapse. A new company offers clients a different route to getting clean — without leaving home.
‘Center Of Excellence’ Designation Doesn’t Rule Out Complications Of Bariatric Surgery
The risk of serious problems varies widely among bariatric surgery centers, a new study finds.
Negotiating Drug Prices: Should State Agencies Band Together?
A California lawmaker wants to strengthen collaboration among public agencies to bring down costs to taxpayers.
