Latest KFF Health News Stories
New California Law Makes It Easier to Get Care for Mental Health and Substance Abuse
The measure, which took effect Jan. 1, removes loopholes that made it easy for insurers to use arcane company guidelines to avoid paying for care. Patients now have an easier way to challenge those denials.
COVID Vaccines Appear Safe and Effective, but Key Questions Remain
The federal government expects vaccinations to be available to everyone who wants them by summer — though glitches are inevitable. If enough of us get vaccinated, we could wave goodbye to the pandemic in 2021.
Medicare Open Enrollment Is Complicated. Here’s How to Get Good Advice.
It’s a complex program with many options — as well as confusing rules and nuances. Here’s how to get reliable guidance.
Consejos para inscribirse bien en Medicare durante la complicada inscripción abierta
Medicare se reduce fundamentalmente a dos alternativas: la tarifa por servicio del Medicare Tradicional o el enfoque de atención administrada de Medicare Advantage.
It’s Open Enrollment. Here’s What You Need to Know
For Californians who are buying their own insurance, enrollment in 2021 health plans runs through Jan. 31.
¿Estás internado? Todavía puedes votar en gran parte del país
Al menos 38 estados permiten la votación de emergencia por razones médicas, según la Conferencia Nacional de Legislaturas Estatales. Pero las prácticas varían.
Hospitalized? You Can Still Vote in Most Parts of the Country
Hospital staff in states such as California and New York can help patients obtain ballots and vote. In other states, you need a relative to assist you.
Telemedicine or In-Person Visit? Pros and Cons
The volume of virtual medical appointments has exploded during the pandemic as patients and doctors have sought to avoid infection through in-person visits.
Exercise and Diet Are More Important Than Ever With Virus at Large
“The Quarantine 15” — weight gain due to inactivity during the pandemic — is a real phenomenon. Here are some ways to fight it.
Ejercicio y dieta son más importantes que nunca en tiempos de coronavirus
En tiempos de COVID, el desafío es doble: proteger nuestra salud, incluyendo nuestro sistema inmunológico, mientras se lucha contra las tentaciones poco saludables.
Wildfires Provide Another Reason to Mask Up
As the long U.S. fire season gets underway, it’s even more important for Western residents to have a good face mask. Unfortunately, most of the masks we’re wearing for COVID-19 aren’t great for smoke.
Los incendios forestales son otra razón para usar máscaras
El humo de más de 300 incendios forestales en California está asfixiando a mucha gente en el centro y norte del estado y expandiendo sustancias tóxicas en el aire.
You Can See Friends and Relatives During the Pandemic Surge — But Do It Carefully
Even as most U.S. states and authorities reimpose many of the restrictions they had prematurely lifted, public health experts say you can still have a safe social life — just not the one you were used to before the pandemic hit.
Puedes ver a amigos y familiares durante la pandemia, pero sigue estas reglas
Puedes expandir tu burbuja social más allá de la casa, y hasta abrazar a un ser querido, si prestas atención a las conocidas pautas de salud y, además, tomas precauciones adicionales.
Society Is Reopening. Prepare To Hunker Down At Home Again.
First, businesses started to reopen; then racial justice protesters flooded the streets. Social distancing is beginning to fade. Are you ready for a second wave of COVID-19 infections ― and a renewed lockdown?
The Challenges Of Keeping Young Adults Safe During The Pandemic
Even while playing the role of quarantine enforcer for your teens and 20-somethings, recognize that they are as anxious and worried as you are — and with good reason.
Crushed By A Hospital Bill? Stand Up For Yourself
Most hospitals must offer free or reduced-cost care to certain patients, based on income, even if they have insurance. But some hospitals erect barriers to charity care, so it’s up to patients to advocate for themselves.
Helping a loved one overcome addiction isn’t easy. Start by listening to people who have been through it. They can help find effective treatment and avoid unethical or incompetent operators.
Una buena rehabilitación es difícil de encontrar
Una búsqueda en internet no siempre es la mejor forma de encontrar un centro de rehabilitación para adicciones confiable. Aquí recursos para elegir bien y ayudar al ser querido.
Californians Without Health Insurance Will Pay A Penalty — Or Not
Californians must have health insurance starting next year or face a hefty tax penalty. But, as with the now-defunct federal tax penalty for being uninsured, some people will be exempt.
