Category: Kaiser Health News

KFF Health News’ ‘What the Health?’: A Killing Touches Off Backlash Against Health Insurers

The shocking shooting death of UnitedHealthcare’s chief executive in Midtown Manhattan prompted a public outcry about the problems with the nation’s health care system, as stories of delayed and denied care filled social media. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump continues to avoid providing specifics about his plans for the Affordable Care Act and other health issues. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call, and Rachel Cohrs Zhang of Stat join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews Francis Collins, who was the director of the National Institutes of Health and a science adviser to President Joe Biden.

Watch: ‘Going It Alone’ — A Conversation About Growing Old in America

Judith Graham, KFF Health News’ “Navigating Aging” columnist, talks with older adults who live alone by choice or circumstance. They share what it means to thrive in later years.

Patients Couldn’t Pay Their Utility Bills. One Hospital Turned to Solar Power for Help.

Doctors in Boston got tired of writing letters to utility companies asking for assistance for their medically vulnerable patients who need power and heat to stay healthy. So a hospital decided to share the power its solar panels generate with patients who needed help with their electricity and gas bills.

Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ Taint Rural California Drinking Water, Far From Known Sources

Researchers found toxic “forever chemicals” in drinking water wells dotting California’s rural farming regions, far from known contamination sources. The discovery complicates the state’s drinking water problem, which disproportionately affects farmworkers and communities of color.

Former Montana Health Staffer Rebukes Oversight Rules as a Hospital ‘Wish List’

The push-pull in Montana reflects a national tension as states try to decide what counts as fair checks on tax-exempt hospitals and industry players weigh in. The debate centers on whether nonprofit hospitals do enough good to earn their charitable status.

Federal Judge Halts Dreamers’ Brand-New Access to ACA Enrollment in 19 States

A federal judge sided with 19 states seeking an injunction against a Biden administration rule allowing recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals to enroll in Affordable Care Act coverage and qualify for subsidies amid the annual open enrollment period.

A Centenarian Thrives Living Alone, Active and Engaged

Many older adults living alone, isolated and vulnerable, struggle with health issues. But a noteworthy slice of this growing group of seniors maintain a high degree of well-being. Meet Hilda Jaffe, age 102.

California Official Comes out of Retirement To Lead Troubled Mental Health Commission

Former California social services head Will Lightbourne has come out of retirement to lead the state’s mental health accountability commission following its executive director’s resignation in the wake of conflict of interest allegations.

Resources Are Expanding for Older Adults on Their Own

Aging alone, without a spouse, a partner, or children, requires careful planning. New programs for this growing population offer much-needed help.

Journalists Dig Into Vaccine Debate and America’s Obesity Rates

KFF Health News staff made the rounds on national and local media in recent weeks to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.