Latest KFF Health News Stories
Learning Soft Skills In Childhood Can Prevent Harder Problems Later
There’s more to learn at school than reading and math. Duke researchers find that teaching kids to control their emotions, solve problems and work well with others can help keep them out of trouble in their teen years.
Despite Hopes Of Health Law Advocates, ‘Multi-State’ Health Plans Unavailable In Many States
The authors of the law mandated the program to try to generate more competition in areas where few plans were available. But the effort has stalled.
Advocates Allege Discrimination In California’s Medi-Cal Program
A civil rights complaint says low payment for doctors results in unequal care for Latinos.
Mental Health Courts Are Popular But Effectiveness Is Still Unproven
The courts are designed as an alternative for people with mental health issues facing legal charges as a way to get help through community services outside of jail.
Rising Obesity Puts Strain On Nursing Homes
Residences for older adults are increasingly overwhelmed, and unprepared, for huge patients, and facilities rarely accept more than a few.
Broader Strategies Necessary To Counter Painkiller Over Prescribing, Researchers Say
A research letter published Monday in JAMA Internal Medicine says opioid-prescribing practices are consistent with that of other medications.
You Can Buy Insulin Without A Prescription, But Should You?
Versions sold that way are based on older formulas and make tight control of blood sugar harder. But they are cheaper and might save the life of a diabetic patient whose alternative is to go without.
California Exchange Targets ‘Hot Spots’ With High Rates Of Uninsured
Tuesday is the deadline to sign up for health coverage that begins in January, so Covered California is boosting enrollment efforts in certain underserved communities.
Connecticut Governor Targets Hospital Funds To Close Budget Gap
When Gov. Dannel Malloy pushed to tax Connecticut hospitals in 2012, he said the money would come back to the institutions through state funding. Now the hospital association says he is reneging, and they are threatening a lawsuit.
Many Hospitals Neglect Practices To Combat ER Overcrowding, Study Finds
Overcrowding in the emergency department can lead to worse outcomes for patients but too few hospitals implement successful programs.
Medicare Penalizes 758 Hospitals For Safety Incidents
More than half of these hospitals were also punished last year as the government tries to leverage taxpayer money to improve the quality of care.
758 Hospitals Penalized For Patient Safety In 2016: Data Table
Medicare is lowering its 2016 payments by 1 percent for 758 hospitals with high rates of potentially avoidable infections and complications such as blood clots, bed sores and falls. This is the second year of the Hospital-Acquired Conditions Reduction Program, which was mandated by the federal health law to reduce patient injuries. Below are the […]
Where Are STDs Rampant? Google Wants To Help Researchers Find Out
Google is sharing search data with academic teams and other public health researchers to try to fight the spread of infectious diseases.
California To Revamp Addiction Treatment For Medicaid Recipients
Through what’s known as a drug waiver, state officials will have new spending flexibility as they try to improve outcomes and reduce social and financial costs of people with substance abuse disorders.
State Obamacare Exchanges ‘Sustainable’ Without Federal Aid, Official Tells Congress
But CMS Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt declines to predict fate of the 13 remaining state exchanges in congressional testimony.
Uninsured People Eligible For Obamacare Face Average $969 Penalty In 2016
Average penalties are set to rise 47 percent next year for Americans who can afford insurance but choose to remain uncovered, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis.
Drug Cocktails Fuel Massachusetts’ Overdose Crisis
A state analysis reveals that the majority of overdose deaths in 2014 came from heroin or prescription opioids taken in combination with cocaine, anti-anxiety medications or alcohol.
Medical Training So Dark Many Students Depict Supervisors As Monsters – Literally
Studies find many medical students and residents often are so traumatized by training experiences they test positive for depression.
Mom Left Me Money, But Does Uncle Sam Get It As Repayment For My Subsidy?
KHN’s consumer columnist answers questions about the effects a change of income can have on an individual’s subsidy for insurance premiums and dental care for Medicare beneficiaries.
Add This To Challenges Of Old Age: Keeping Your Teeth
Many seniors either resist or can’t afford regular dental care, putting them at high risk of gum disease, tooth loss and other serious health complications.
