Latest KFF Health News Stories
Renewed Cleaning Efforts For Scopes Not Enough To Vanquish Bacteria
A new study, though small, finds extensive damage to commonly used medical scopes that could trap dangerous bacteria. That raises concerns about the potential for more outbreaks.
Prescribing Opioids To Seniors: It’s A Balancing Act
An expert geriatrician says the benefits for the patient, such as alleviating pain and maintaining independence, must be weighed against the possible risks. Her motto: ‘start low and go slow.’
Demand For Popular Short-Term Insurance Plans Could Surge If Health Law Is Relaxed
Consumer advocates warn that these policies don’t have important safeguards that customers need.
Medicare’s Coverage Of Therapy Services Again Is In Center Of Court Dispute
According to a settlement four years ago, Medicare was supposed to make clear to therapists that their services are covered even if beneficiaries are not improving. But that is not yet widely accepted.
Por qué es tan difícil hallar una cura para el Alzheimer
A pesar de una tasa de fracaso de 99%, científicos que investigan el Alzheimer están avanzando con cientos de experimentos -y un gran impulso en dinero federal- para tratar de revertir una enfermedad mortal que los ha desconcertado por décadas.
Trying To Solve The Alzheimer’s Puzzle
Alzheimer’s researchers hold onto hope after another promising trial ends in disappointment.
Drug Prices, Opioids, And Obamacare: A Conversation With Assemblyman Jim Wood
Wood, who chairs the Assembly Health Committee, lays out his priorities for 2017.
Getting Patients Hooked On An Opioid Overdose Antidote, Then Raising The Price
The device, known as Evzio, administers just enough naloxone to stabilize someone who has overdosed on drugs. But its manufacturer, Kaleo, may be positioning itself to find profits in a dire health care crisis.
Arizona Children Could Lose Big Under Obamacare Repeal
Arizona has among highest rates of uninsured children in the country, but the ACA got more children insured. Advocates fear with ACA repeal, those gains will disappear.
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.
