Latest KFF Health News Stories
You’re Not Just ‘Growing Old’ If This Happens To You
Some health problems that senior citizens blame on “growing old” are actually signs of a more serious issue that can be treated.
Grab Bag Of Goodies In 21st Century Cures Act
A breakdown of winners — and a few losers — in the sprawling Cures Act approved by the House.
Senate Approves Landmark Mental Health Bill As Part Of 21st Century Cures Act
The U.S. Senate passed a landmark bill to help millions of Americans suffering from mental illness.
California Tests Electronic Database For End-Of-Life Wishes
San Diego and Contra Costa counties are piloting a registry so emergency responders can know quickly how much treatment patients want.
California Has High Aspirations For Lowering HIV Infections
The state’s five-year-plan — focused on prevention and ensuring rapid and equal access to treatment — is nothing if not ambitious.
Free Clinics Aim To Fill VA’s Shortfalls In Mental Health
A billionaire hedge fund manager, whose son served in Afghanistan, has opened a chain of clinics to tend to the psychological needs of veterans
Signed Out Of Prison But Not Signed Up For Insurance, Inmates Fall Prey To Ills
States that expanded eligibility for Medicaid have failed to enroll large numbers of a significant group that stood to benefit: ex-inmates.
Doctors And Hospitals Say ‘Show Me The Money’ Before Treating Patients
As patients’ share of medical bills has grown with the rise in deductibles, copays and coinsurance, providers have become laser focused on getting payments up front.
Seniors Increasingly Getting High, Study Shows
Marijuana use is increasingly popular among older Americans, a new study shows.
Medicaid Coverage For Addiction Treatment Varies Dramatically
States can set their own rules about these benefits for Medicaid enrollees and a study shows wide disparities. But researchers say a repeal of the health law’s expansion could derail progress.
Insurers’ Flawed Directories Leave Patients Scrambling For In-Network Doctors
Many consumers find that doctors listed in their plan’s directories aren’t accepting new patients, charge large concierge fees or may not even be in the network. Regulators don’t check.
In House Majority Leader’s Calif. District, Many Depend On Health Law He Wants To Scrap
Some of Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s constituents fear his vow to repeal Obamacare now and replace it later could rob them of coverage.
Immigrant Health Care Under A Cloud Of Uncertainty
With Trump headed for the White House, many immigrants in California are worried not just about their legal status but about their health care options.
Delivered ‘Like A Pizza’: Why Killer Drug Fentanyl Is So Hard To Stop
Just a few grains of pure fentanyl is enough to kill most users. But law enforcement sources say stopping the supply of the deadly synthetic opioid from China and Mexico is very difficult.
Medicaid Is Balm And Benefit For Victims Of Gun Violence
Young men injured by gunshot wounds often lacked insurance and went for years without proper follow-up care. The health law’s Medicaid expansion, in doubt since the election, changed that in many of the states with the most gun violence.
HSA Balances Climb But Benefits Reward Wealthier Consumers Most
Expanding health savings accounts is a step favored by President-elect Donald Trump and many GOP lawmakers as they contemplate ways to replace the health law.
Estudiantes de California ayudan a hispanos a estar sanos y en forma
Estudiantes de Cal State son instructores en un programa de ejercicio gratuito ofrecido en parques en el Valle de San Fernando, el sur de Los Ángeles, San Francisco y el condado de Stanislaus. Participan latinos, y muchos sufren de diabetes o hipertensión.
Some GOP Voters Skittish On Full Repeal, Poll Finds
Trump backers expressed support for some of the health law’s consumer protections, such as allowing young adults to stay on their parents’ insurance until age 26.
Slowing Down Hospital Discharge Requires Fast Action
Seniors who feel they’re being rushed out of the hospital can file an appeal to halt the process but they need to act fast.
Health Law’s Test Kitchen For Payment Reforms Could Offer Tool For GOP Ideas
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation was charged by the health law with exploring payment reforms that could cut health care costs and possibly improve quality. But its future is hinged to whether GOP lawmakers see value in its work.
