KFF Health News
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
Why health insurance is so expensive this year — and what you can do about it.
| November 5, 2025
ACA | ACA marketplace | Affordability | affordable care act | Donald Trump | ECONOMY | FAMILY | Federal Cuts | Federal Harm | HEALTH | health care | health insurance | Lead Story | NATIONAL NEWS | national politics | obamacare | open enrollment | premiums
This year’s Obamacare open enrollment period, which started Nov. 1 in most states, is full of uncertainty and confusion for the more than 24 million people who buy health insurance through the federal and state Affordable Care Act marketplaces.
So your insurance dropped your doctor. Now what?
| November 3, 2025
Nationwide, contract disputes are common, with more than 650 hospitals having public spats with an insurer since 2021. They could become even more common as hospitals brace for about $1 trillion in cuts to federal health care spending prescribed by President Donald Trump’s signature legislation signed into law in July.
A new car vs. health insurance? Average family job-based coverage hits $27K
| October 22, 2025
Affordability | Donald Trump | ECONOMY | FAMILY | Federal Cuts | HEALTH | health insurance | HEALTHCARE | insurance | Medicaid | NATIONAL NEWS | national politics
With the federal shutdown entering its fourth week, spurred by a stalemate over the cost of health insurance for 22 million Americans on Affordable Care Act plans, a new report shows that over 154 million people with coverage through an employer also face steep price hikes — and that the situation is likely to get worse.
‘Sick to my stomach’: Trump distorts facts on autism, tylenol, and vaccines, scientists say
| September 23, 2025
acetaminophen | autism | Community | Donald Trump | EXTREMISM | HEALTH | HEALTHCARE | NATIONAL NEWS | national politics | North Carolina | NORTH CAROLINA NEWS | prenatal Tylenol | RFK Jr. | tylenol | vaccines
On Monday, President Donald Trump stood beside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for what he called a “historic” announcement on autism.
Fighting a health insurance denial? Here are 7 tips to help
| September 23, 2025
Affordability | CENTRAL WISCONSIN | Community | CULTURE | EASTERN WISCONSIN | ECONOMY | EDUCATION | Federal Cuts | HARDGATE | HEALTH | health insurance | health insurance denial | HEALTHCARE | insurance | LIFESTYLE | Medicaid | national politics | NORTHERN WISCONSIN | SOUTHERN WISCONSIN | WESTERN WISCONSIN | wisconsin | WISCONSIN POLITICS
To control costs, nearly all health insurers use a system called prior authorization, which requires patients or their providers to seek approval before they can get certain procedures, tests, and prescriptions.
It’s almost flu season. Should you still get a shot, and will insurance cover it?
| August 22, 2025
Community | CULTURE | Donald Trump | FAMILY | HEALTH | HEALTHCARE | LIFESTYLE | NATIONAL NEWS | SAFETY
Amid political chatter about vaccines and the government entities that oversee them, it’s understandable to wonder where all this leaves the 2025-26 flu vaccine. In short: Yes, the flu shot is still a thing. And four doctors we spoke to said they recommend you get your flu shot this year.