Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
@drishp.bsky.social
Associate Director, Racial Equity & Health Policy; Director, Immigrant Health Policy @KFF.org
PhD from George Washington University
MPH from Emory University
BS from The Ohio State University
PhD from George Washington University
MPH from Emory University
BS from The Ohio State University
Pinned
👋Hi! I'm Drishti Pillai, Associate Director of Racial and Equity & Health Policy and Director of Immigrant Health Policy @kff.org
My areas of expertise include #immigration #immigranthealth #racialequity #disparities #healthcare #healthcoverage
Follow for KFF's latest work on these topics and more!
My areas of expertise include #immigration #immigranthealth #racialequity #disparities #healthcare #healthcoverage
Follow for KFF's latest work on these topics and more!
@kff.org analysis finds that almost half of noncitizen adults living in the U.S. have one of the health conditions that may be grounds for visa denial based on new State Dept. guidance. The analysis also finds that noncitizens are much less likely than U.S. citizens to have one of these conditions.
November 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
@kff.org analysis finds that almost half of noncitizen adults living in the U.S. have one of the health conditions that may be grounds for visa denial based on new State Dept. guidance. The analysis also finds that noncitizens are much less likely than U.S. citizens to have one of these conditions.
In addition, even prior to these changes, an increasing share of U.S. hospitals reported hiring immigrant nurses. Efforts to restrict immigration on top of the changes discussed in this video could further exacerbate nursing workforce shortages @kff.org
www.kff.org/racial-equit...
www.kff.org/racial-equit...
November 24, 2025 at 6:59 PM
In addition, even prior to these changes, an increasing share of U.S. hospitals reported hiring immigrant nurses. Efforts to restrict immigration on top of the changes discussed in this video could further exacerbate nursing workforce shortages @kff.org
www.kff.org/racial-equit...
www.kff.org/racial-equit...
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
⚡ KFF’s Drishti Pillai reacts to a notice the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued that it will begin sharing Medicaid data it receives from states with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for immigration enforcement. https://on.kff.org/3LVA1dK #QuickTake
November 21, 2025 at 10:11 PM
⚡ KFF’s Drishti Pillai reacts to a notice the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued that it will begin sharing Medicaid data it receives from states with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for immigration enforcement. https://on.kff.org/3LVA1dK #QuickTake
CMS just issued a notice that it will start sharing personal data of Medicaid enrollees with ICE for immigration enforcement, including data on immigration status, location, and phone numbers. @kff.org Quick Take discusses the impact this could have on immigrant families
www.kff.org/quick-take/c...
www.kff.org/quick-take/c...
CMS Plans to Share Data with ICE Could Exacerbate Immigrant Families’ Fears About Accessing Health Coverage and Care
This policy change will likely exacerbate fears among immigrant families about health officials and providers sharing patient information with ICE, increasing their reluctance to access health coverag...
www.kff.org
November 21, 2025 at 10:14 PM
CMS just issued a notice that it will start sharing personal data of Medicaid enrollees with ICE for immigration enforcement, including data on immigration status, location, and phone numbers. @kff.org Quick Take discusses the impact this could have on immigrant families
www.kff.org/quick-take/c...
www.kff.org/quick-take/c...
The refugee admissions cap has been set at an all-time low of 7,500 for FY26 and Congress has enacted significant reductions to refugees' and asylees' access to health coverage and other public benefits.
New piece by @kff.org discusses these changes and their implications www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
New piece by @kff.org discusses these changes and their implications www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
November 21, 2025 at 4:35 PM
The refugee admissions cap has been set at an all-time low of 7,500 for FY26 and Congress has enacted significant reductions to refugees' and asylees' access to health coverage and other public benefits.
New piece by @kff.org discusses these changes and their implications www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
New piece by @kff.org discusses these changes and their implications www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
40% of immigrant adults — and 77% of likely undocumented immigrants — say immigration-related worries have led to negative health impacts since January, including stress, sleep problems, or worsening chronic conditions. https://on.kff.org/47OUlWR
November 21, 2025 at 4:00 PM
40% of immigrant adults — and 77% of likely undocumented immigrants — say immigration-related worries have led to negative health impacts since January, including stress, sleep problems, or worsening chronic conditions. https://on.kff.org/47OUlWR
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
The trillion dollars in health care cuts passed by Republicans earlier this year are backloaded and mostly won't take effect before the midterms. Letting enhanced ACA tax credits expire would take effect January 1, leading to big out-of-pocket premium increases and more people uninsured.
November 20, 2025 at 3:30 PM
The trillion dollars in health care cuts passed by Republicans earlier this year are backloaded and mostly won't take effect before the midterms. Letting enhanced ACA tax credits expire would take effect January 1, leading to big out-of-pocket premium increases and more people uninsured.
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
Wonky but important question for understanding the effects of proposals to convert ACA premium tax credits to health savings accounts: How big would the contributions be? Would they vary by income, age, and geography in the same way as the premium tax credits?
November 19, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Wonky but important question for understanding the effects of proposals to convert ACA premium tax credits to health savings accounts: How big would the contributions be? Would they vary by income, age, and geography in the same way as the premium tax credits?
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
NEW: The New York Times and KFF surveyed 1,800+ immigrants in the United States.
Half of all immigrants say they feel less safe since President Trump took office, and yet the majority are resolved to stay.
Check out the poll's findings:
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/u...
Half of all immigrants say they feel less safe since President Trump took office, and yet the majority are resolved to stay.
Check out the poll's findings:
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/u...
Under Trump, Immigrants Are More Fearful but Determined to Stay, Poll Finds
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:20 PM
NEW: The New York Times and KFF surveyed 1,800+ immigrants in the United States.
Half of all immigrants say they feel less safe since President Trump took office, and yet the majority are resolved to stay.
Check out the poll's findings:
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/u...
Half of all immigrants say they feel less safe since President Trump took office, and yet the majority are resolved to stay.
Check out the poll's findings:
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/u...
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
When my patients aren't able to come for their follow-up visits, I wonder if this is the case.
Many times it is an issue with insurance, which at this point is almost a relief that it wasn't something worse.
Many times it is an issue with insurance, which at this point is almost a relief that it wasn't something worse.
The share of immigrant adults who skipped or postponed health care in the past 12 months rose from 22% in 2023 to 29% in 2025.
Among them, 1 in 5 cite immigration-related concerns.
See more findings in the KFF-@nytimes.com survey: https://on.kff.org/47OUlWR
Among them, 1 in 5 cite immigration-related concerns.
See more findings in the KFF-@nytimes.com survey: https://on.kff.org/47OUlWR
November 18, 2025 at 9:53 PM
When my patients aren't able to come for their follow-up visits, I wonder if this is the case.
Many times it is an issue with insurance, which at this point is almost a relief that it wasn't something worse.
Many times it is an issue with insurance, which at this point is almost a relief that it wasn't something worse.
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
⚡ KFF’s @sartiga.bsky.social explains that the proposed change to the public charge rule would likely lead to further declines in use of health care and programs among immigrant families. #QuickTake https://on.kff.org/445QwKs
November 18, 2025 at 9:28 PM
⚡ KFF’s @sartiga.bsky.social explains that the proposed change to the public charge rule would likely lead to further declines in use of health care and programs among immigrant families. #QuickTake https://on.kff.org/445QwKs
New survey from @kff.org and @nytimes.com reveals deepening anxiety and fear among immigrants of all statuses amid the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement and restrictive policies
www.kff.org/kff-nytimes-...
www.kff.org/kff-nytimes-...
KFF/New York Times 2025 Survey of Immigrants | KFF
KFF/New York Times 2025 Survey of Immigrants The 2025 Survey of Immigrants, a partnership between KFF and The New York Times, takes an in-depth look at the experiences of immigrants during the first y...
www.kff.org
November 18, 2025 at 3:30 PM
New survey from @kff.org and @nytimes.com reveals deepening anxiety and fear among immigrants of all statuses amid the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement and restrictive policies
www.kff.org/kff-nytimes-...
www.kff.org/kff-nytimes-...
Something that is often missed in the shutdown (and other) debates about health care for immigrants is that research actually shows that immigrants, especially undocumented immigrants, help subsidize health care for U.S.-born citizens by contributing more in premiums and taxes than they use.
November 13, 2025 at 12:33 AM
Something that is often missed in the shutdown (and other) debates about health care for immigrants is that research actually shows that immigrants, especially undocumented immigrants, help subsidize health care for U.S.-born citizens by contributing more in premiums and taxes than they use.
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
BREAKING: Common health conditions such as obesity and diabetes could prevent immigrants from obtaining U.S. visas under guidance the Trump administration issued Nov. 6. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Immigrants With Health Conditions May Be Denied Visas Under New Trump Administration Guidance - KFF Health News
The Trump administration has directed visa officers to consider common health ailments, including obesity and diabetes, when would-be immigrants seek visas to enter the U.S.
kffhealthnews.org
November 7, 2025 at 1:08 AM
BREAKING: Common health conditions such as obesity and diabetes could prevent immigrants from obtaining U.S. visas under guidance the Trump administration issued Nov. 6. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
Something I think gets lost in the debate over ACA enhanced premium tax credits: 65% of ACA marketplace enrollees have incomes under 200% of the poverty level ($31,300 for a single person). These are folks who make too much for Medicaid but don't have access to employer coverage.
November 6, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Something I think gets lost in the debate over ACA enhanced premium tax credits: 65% of ACA marketplace enrollees have incomes under 200% of the poverty level ($31,300 for a single person). These are folks who make too much for Medicaid but don't have access to employer coverage.
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
Many implications of the big Dem win tonight. One for health care: it could provide an incentive for Republicans to make a deal on ACA tax credits to deny Democrats the issue in the midterms and further momentum.
November 5, 2025 at 5:19 AM
Many implications of the big Dem win tonight. One for health care: it could provide an incentive for Republicans to make a deal on ACA tax credits to deny Democrats the issue in the midterms and further momentum.
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
Maldives becomes the first country to impose a generational ban on smoking
The world-first ban prohibits anyone born after Jan. 1, 2007, from ever buying, using or smoking tobacco.
www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/m...
The world-first ban prohibits anyone born after Jan. 1, 2007, from ever buying, using or smoking tobacco.
www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/m...
Maldives becomes the first country to impose a generational ban on smoking
The world-first ban prohibits anyone born after Jan. 1, 2007, from ever buying, using or smoking tobacco.
www.nbcnews.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Maldives becomes the first country to impose a generational ban on smoking
The world-first ban prohibits anyone born after Jan. 1, 2007, from ever buying, using or smoking tobacco.
www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/m...
The world-first ban prohibits anyone born after Jan. 1, 2007, from ever buying, using or smoking tobacco.
www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/m...
November 2, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
H.R.1 ends health coverage eligibility for many lawfully present immigrants. It doesn't change health coverage options for undocumented immigrants who are already ineligible for federally funded health coverage under longstanding policy. More on this @kff.org : www.kff.org/quick-take/r...
Rolling Back the Big Beautiful Bill’s Health Care Provisions Would Not Provide Health Care to Undocumented Immigrants
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for federally funded health coverage. The GOP’s Big Beautiful Bill didn’t change that. Overturning the health care provisions in the law won’t either.
www.kff.org
October 2, 2025 at 5:29 PM
H.R.1 ends health coverage eligibility for many lawfully present immigrants. It doesn't change health coverage options for undocumented immigrants who are already ineligible for federally funded health coverage under longstanding policy. More on this @kff.org : www.kff.org/quick-take/r...
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
The Washington Post has reported that premiums charged by ACA insurers for benchmark plans will increase an average of 30% in 2026. But that’s NOT the increase most ACA enrollees will see. Their out-of-pocket premiums will increase by much more if enhanced tax credits expire.
October 27, 2025 at 2:39 PM
The Washington Post has reported that premiums charged by ACA insurers for benchmark plans will increase an average of 30% in 2026. But that’s NOT the increase most ACA enrollees will see. Their out-of-pocket premiums will increase by much more if enhanced tax credits expire.
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
There’s a lot of confusion about how much ACA premiums are going up and what it means. That will likely continue this week as window shopping is expected to begin in the federal ACA marketplace. I’ll try to clear things up.
October 27, 2025 at 2:38 PM
There’s a lot of confusion about how much ACA premiums are going up and what it means. That will likely continue this week as window shopping is expected to begin in the federal ACA marketplace. I’ll try to clear things up.
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
mRNA Covid shots may boost the effects of certain cancer treatments, study suggests www.statnews.com/2025/10/19/m... via @statnews.com
mRNA Covid shots may boost the effects of certain cancer treatments, study suggests
The potential reasons that a Covid vaccine would help treat cancer are intriguing.
www.statnews.com
October 21, 2025 at 3:47 PM
mRNA Covid shots may boost the effects of certain cancer treatments, study suggests www.statnews.com/2025/10/19/m... via @statnews.com
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
A number of federal policy changes could have implications for #Medicaid and children's health - here are 5 key issues we are watching: www.kff.org/medicaid/med...
Medicaid and Children’s Health: 5 Issues to Watch Amid Recent Federal Changes | KFF
Major federal changes to Medicaid and other health-related policies could impact children’s health in the coming years. This issue brief explores the latest data on Medicaid and children’s health and ...
www.kff.org
October 21, 2025 at 2:21 AM
A number of federal policy changes could have implications for #Medicaid and children's health - here are 5 key issues we are watching: www.kff.org/medicaid/med...
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
KFF finds partisan split on Tylenol
Most Republicans (56%) say they think it’s definitely or probably true that taking Tylenol during pregnancy increases the risk of kids with autism.
Most Dems (86%) say it’s definitely or probably false.
Multiple medical associations have said there’s no link.
Most Republicans (56%) say they think it’s definitely or probably true that taking Tylenol during pregnancy increases the risk of kids with autism.
Most Dems (86%) say it’s definitely or probably false.
Multiple medical associations have said there’s no link.
October 9, 2025 at 11:58 AM
KFF finds partisan split on Tylenol
Most Republicans (56%) say they think it’s definitely or probably true that taking Tylenol during pregnancy increases the risk of kids with autism.
Most Dems (86%) say it’s definitely or probably false.
Multiple medical associations have said there’s no link.
Most Republicans (56%) say they think it’s definitely or probably true that taking Tylenol during pregnancy increases the risk of kids with autism.
Most Dems (86%) say it’s definitely or probably false.
Multiple medical associations have said there’s no link.
There have been a number of congressional and administrative actions undertaken by the Trump administration that are going to impact health coverage and care for immigrant families across America. New piece by @kff.org discusses all the changes in one place
www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
October 8, 2025 at 4:59 PM
There have been a number of congressional and administrative actions undertaken by the Trump administration that are going to impact health coverage and care for immigrant families across America. New piece by @kff.org discusses all the changes in one place
www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
www.kff.org/immigrant-he...