Heather Saunders
@heathersaunders.bsky.social
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Policy | Program on Medicaid and Uninsured | Senior Research Manager @KFF
New @kff.org brief about the intersections of homelessness, mental illness, and shortages of inpatient and specialized outpatient treatment. Read more: www.kff.org/mental-healt...
A Look at the New Executive Order and the Intersection of Homelessness and Mental Illness | KFF
This brief describes the new executive order, examines the intersection of homelessness and mental illness, reviews the history of the deinstitutionalization movement, and discusses specialized treatm...
www.kff.org
August 22, 2025 at 1:51 PM
New @kff.org brief about the intersections of homelessness, mental illness, and shortages of inpatient and specialized outpatient treatment. Read more: www.kff.org/mental-healt...
Reposted by Heather Saunders
NEW @kff.org, 988: On its three-year anniversary, 988 continues to grow, exceeding half a million contacts monthly. Suicide deaths held steady from 2022 to 2023—too soon to know 988's impact, but this marks a break from prior upward trends.
See more: www.kff.org/policy-watch...
See more: www.kff.org/policy-watch...
Demand for 988 Continues to Grow at Third Anniversary | KFF
This policy watch examines 988 on its third anniversary, drawing from the latest Lifeline data available through May 2025 and suicide death data from CDC WONDER for the period 2013 to 2023. 988 receiv...
www.kff.org
July 15, 2025 at 9:37 PM
NEW @kff.org, 988: On its three-year anniversary, 988 continues to grow, exceeding half a million contacts monthly. Suicide deaths held steady from 2022 to 2023—too soon to know 988's impact, but this marks a break from prior upward trends.
See more: www.kff.org/policy-watch...
See more: www.kff.org/policy-watch...
NEW @kff.org, 988: On its three-year anniversary, 988 continues to grow, exceeding half a million contacts monthly. Suicide deaths held steady from 2022 to 2023—too soon to know 988's impact, but this marks a break from prior upward trends.
See more: www.kff.org/policy-watch...
See more: www.kff.org/policy-watch...
Demand for 988 Continues to Grow at Third Anniversary | KFF
This policy watch examines 988 on its third anniversary, drawing from the latest Lifeline data available through May 2025 and suicide death data from CDC WONDER for the period 2013 to 2023. 988 receiv...
www.kff.org
July 15, 2025 at 9:37 PM
NEW @kff.org, 988: On its three-year anniversary, 988 continues to grow, exceeding half a million contacts monthly. Suicide deaths held steady from 2022 to 2023—too soon to know 988's impact, but this marks a break from prior upward trends.
See more: www.kff.org/policy-watch...
See more: www.kff.org/policy-watch...
Reposted by Heather Saunders
⚡ KFF’s @liz-williams.bsky.social compares the increases in the federal Medicaid cuts in the Senate-passed reconciliation bill with the House-passed bill across states. #QuickTake on.kff.org/44zOKRr
July 2, 2025 at 10:15 PM
⚡ KFF’s @liz-williams.bsky.social compares the increases in the federal Medicaid cuts in the Senate-passed reconciliation bill with the House-passed bill across states. #QuickTake on.kff.org/44zOKRr
Reposted by Heather Saunders
Should the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ reach President Trump’s desk, “it would represent the biggest rollback in federal support for health coverage ever,” writes KFF’s @larrylevitt.bsky.social.
For @nytopinion.nytimes.com, Larry writes about the potential impact of the bill:
For @nytopinion.nytimes.com, Larry writes about the potential impact of the bill:
Opinion | We’ve Never Seen Health Care Cuts This Big
www.nytimes.com
July 1, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Should the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ reach President Trump’s desk, “it would represent the biggest rollback in federal support for health coverage ever,” writes KFF’s @larrylevitt.bsky.social.
For @nytopinion.nytimes.com, Larry writes about the potential impact of the bill:
For @nytopinion.nytimes.com, Larry writes about the potential impact of the bill:
Reposted by Heather Saunders
The Senate-passed reconciliation bill would cut federal Medicaid spending by $1 trillion, per CBO.
The cuts would represent 15% of federal spending on Medicaid over 10 years — over $200 billion more than the cuts in the House-passed bill. on.kff.org/3ZWnUBp
The cuts would represent 15% of federal spending on Medicaid over 10 years — over $200 billion more than the cuts in the House-passed bill. on.kff.org/3ZWnUBp
July 2, 2025 at 7:46 PM
The Senate-passed reconciliation bill would cut federal Medicaid spending by $1 trillion, per CBO.
The cuts would represent 15% of federal spending on Medicaid over 10 years — over $200 billion more than the cuts in the House-passed bill. on.kff.org/3ZWnUBp
The cuts would represent 15% of federal spending on Medicaid over 10 years — over $200 billion more than the cuts in the House-passed bill. on.kff.org/3ZWnUBp
Reposted by Heather Saunders
Under the Senate-passed reconciliation bill, federal Medicaid spending in rural areas is estimated to decline by $155 billion.
That is more than the House-passed bill — and far more than the $50 billion appropriated for the rural health fund. on.kff.org/45S2fOC
That is more than the House-passed bill — and far more than the $50 billion appropriated for the rural health fund. on.kff.org/45S2fOC
July 2, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Under the Senate-passed reconciliation bill, federal Medicaid spending in rural areas is estimated to decline by $155 billion.
That is more than the House-passed bill — and far more than the $50 billion appropriated for the rural health fund. on.kff.org/45S2fOC
That is more than the House-passed bill — and far more than the $50 billion appropriated for the rural health fund. on.kff.org/45S2fOC
NEW RURAL BRIEF @kff.org : Senate reconciliation bill would cut federal Medicaid funding in rural areas by $155B—$36B more than the House bill. www.kff.org/policy-watch...
How Might Federal Medicaid Cuts in the Senate-Passed Reconciliation Bill Affect Rural Areas? | KFF
Under the Senate-passed reconciliation bill, federal Medicaid spending in rural areas is estimated to decline by $155 billion, more than in the House-passed bill, and far more than the $50 billion app...
www.kff.org
July 2, 2025 at 12:47 PM
NEW RURAL BRIEF @kff.org : Senate reconciliation bill would cut federal Medicaid funding in rural areas by $155B—$36B more than the House bill. www.kff.org/policy-watch...
NEW RURAL BRIEF @KFF: Senate reconciliation bill would cut federal Medicaid funding in rural areas by $155B—$36B more than the House bill. www.kff.org/policy-watch...
How Might Federal Medicaid Cuts in the Senate-Passed Reconciliation Bill Affect Rural Areas? | KFF
Under the Senate-passed reconciliation bill, federal Medicaid spending in rural areas is estimated to decline by $155 billion, more than in the House-passed bill, and far more than the $50 billion app...
www.kff.org
July 2, 2025 at 12:44 PM
NEW RURAL BRIEF @KFF: Senate reconciliation bill would cut federal Medicaid funding in rural areas by $155B—$36B more than the House bill. www.kff.org/policy-watch...
NEW @kff.org: House reconciliation bill could reduce Medicaid spending in rural areas by $119B over 10 yrs. Over half of the reductions would be in 12 states with large rural populations and expanded Medicaid: KY, NC, OH, IL, VA, MI, NY, WA, PA, OK, LA and AR. See: www.kff.org/policy-watch...
How Might the Reconciliation Bill’s Medicaid Cuts Affect Rural Areas? | KFF
This analysis estimates that the House-passed reconciliation bill could lead Medicaid spending in rural areas to decrease by $119 billion and a 1.5 million drop in enrollment over 10 years.
www.kff.org
June 27, 2025 at 6:07 PM
NEW @kff.org: House reconciliation bill could reduce Medicaid spending in rural areas by $119B over 10 yrs. Over half of the reductions would be in 12 states with large rural populations and expanded Medicaid: KY, NC, OH, IL, VA, MI, NY, WA, PA, OK, LA and AR. See: www.kff.org/policy-watch...
NEW @KFF Brief – Medicaid Work & Reporting Requirements (MH/SUD)--Currently, no mandatory flexibility for temporary crises (e.g., acute mental health episodes). Those briefly falling short of hours may lose coverage at renewal or denial at application.
See: www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
See: www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
Implications of Medicaid Work and Reporting Requirements for Adults with Mental Health or Substance Use Disorders | KFF
This brief describes key challenges that Medicaid work requirements may pose for adults with mental health or substance use disorders. In May, the House passed a budget reconciliation bill that includ...
www.kff.org
June 24, 2025 at 4:48 PM
NEW @KFF Brief – Medicaid Work & Reporting Requirements (MH/SUD)--Currently, no mandatory flexibility for temporary crises (e.g., acute mental health episodes). Those briefly falling short of hours may lose coverage at renewal or denial at application.
See: www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
See: www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
New @KFF explainer on proposed work requirements: www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
A Closer Look at the Medicaid Work Requirement Provisions in the “Big Beautiful Bill” | KFF
On May 22, the House passed a budget reconciliation bill that includes significant changes to the Medicaid program. On June 16, the Senate Finance committee released proposed reconciliation language w...
www.kff.org
June 24, 2025 at 4:35 PM
New @KFF explainer on proposed work requirements: www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
NEW @KFF Brief – Medicaid Work/Reporting & MH/SUD:
Expansion adults would be subject to work or securing exemption. Data limitations mean exemptions are unlikely to be fully automated, requiring self-reporting--key challenge seen previously.
www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
Expansion adults would be subject to work or securing exemption. Data limitations mean exemptions are unlikely to be fully automated, requiring self-reporting--key challenge seen previously.
www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
Implications of Medicaid Work and Reporting Requirements for Adults with Mental Health or Substance Use Disorders | KFF
This brief describes key challenges that Medicaid work requirements may pose for adults with mental health or substance use disorders. In May, the House passed a budget reconciliation bill that includ...
www.kff.org
June 24, 2025 at 4:30 PM
NEW @KFF Brief – Medicaid Work/Reporting & MH/SUD:
Expansion adults would be subject to work or securing exemption. Data limitations mean exemptions are unlikely to be fully automated, requiring self-reporting--key challenge seen previously.
www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
Expansion adults would be subject to work or securing exemption. Data limitations mean exemptions are unlikely to be fully automated, requiring self-reporting--key challenge seen previously.
www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
Reposted by Heather Saunders
988 suicide & crisis line’s service for LGBTQ young people has fielded over 1M contacts—but the FY2026 budget request eliminates its funding. As usage rises, its future is uncertain. Our new brief explores the landscape and latest data: www.kff.org/mental-healt... w/ @heathersaunders.bsky.social
Growing Uncertainty About the Future of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline's LGBTQI+ Service | KFF
This brief reviews the latest data on the 988 LGBTQI+ service and explores its future, including recent uncertainties.
www.kff.org
June 11, 2025 at 4:09 PM
988 suicide & crisis line’s service for LGBTQ young people has fielded over 1M contacts—but the FY2026 budget request eliminates its funding. As usage rises, its future is uncertain. Our new brief explores the landscape and latest data: www.kff.org/mental-healt... w/ @heathersaunders.bsky.social
NEW: Recent federal proposals may affect Medicaid coverage and treatment access at a time when opioid deaths are declining but future trends are uncertain
See @kff.org Quick Take: www.kff.org/quick-take/o...
See @kff.org Quick Take: www.kff.org/quick-take/o...
May 16, 2025 at 1:59 PM
NEW: Recent federal proposals may affect Medicaid coverage and treatment access at a time when opioid deaths are declining but future trends are uncertain
See @kff.org Quick Take: www.kff.org/quick-take/o...
See @kff.org Quick Take: www.kff.org/quick-take/o...
NEW: Recent federal proposals may affect Medicaid coverage and treatment access at a time when opioid deaths are declining but future trends are uncertain
See @kff.org Quick Take: www.kff.org/quick-take/o...
See @kff.org Quick Take: www.kff.org/quick-take/o...
May 16, 2025 at 1:58 PM
NEW: Recent federal proposals may affect Medicaid coverage and treatment access at a time when opioid deaths are declining but future trends are uncertain
See @kff.org Quick Take: www.kff.org/quick-take/o...
See @kff.org Quick Take: www.kff.org/quick-take/o...
Reposted by Heather Saunders
⚡ KFF’s @heathersaunders.bsky.social writes about how current federal proposals — particularly potential Medicaid reductions — introduce uncertainty about sustaining recent declines in opioid deaths. #QuickTake on.kff.org/43yc4zw
May 16, 2025 at 1:30 PM
⚡ KFF’s @heathersaunders.bsky.social writes about how current federal proposals — particularly potential Medicaid reductions — introduce uncertainty about sustaining recent declines in opioid deaths. #QuickTake on.kff.org/43yc4zw
NEW: As opioid deaths begin trending down, proposed Medicaid cuts could interrupt care. Data show that Medicaid is key in the opioid response—covering 47% of all adults w/OUD, 56% of those receiving medication, and 64% receiving outpatient care. See @kff.org brief: www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
Implications of Potential Federal Medicaid Reductions for Addressing the Opioid Epidemic | KFF
Medicaid is the main source of coverage for adults with opioid use disorder and among those receiving treatment services. Most adults with OUD in Medicaid are eligible through Medicaid expansion.
www.kff.org
May 14, 2025 at 7:07 PM
NEW: As opioid deaths begin trending down, proposed Medicaid cuts could interrupt care. Data show that Medicaid is key in the opioid response—covering 47% of all adults w/OUD, 56% of those receiving medication, and 64% receiving outpatient care. See @kff.org brief: www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
Three in four adults enrolled in Medicaid have one or more chronic conditions.
See new @kff.org brief with state and national numbers and condition breakouts-- www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
See new @kff.org brief with state and national numbers and condition breakouts-- www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
5 Key Facts About Medicaid Coverage for Adults with Chronic Conditions | KFF
Nearly three in four adults enrolled in Medicaid have one or more chronic conditions. Medicaid spending doubles for adults with 1-2 chronic conditions and quadruples for those with 3 or more chronic c...
www.kff.org
April 11, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Three in four adults enrolled in Medicaid have one or more chronic conditions.
See new @kff.org brief with state and national numbers and condition breakouts-- www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
See new @kff.org brief with state and national numbers and condition breakouts-- www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
Reposted by Heather Saunders
The @KFF #Medicaid team has been busy - check out our round-up of recently released resources: connect.kff.org/medicaid-top...
medicaid topic roundup february 2025
connect.kff.org
February 19, 2025 at 9:21 PM
The @KFF #Medicaid team has been busy - check out our round-up of recently released resources: connect.kff.org/medicaid-top...
Reposted by Heather Saunders
Five for-profit, publicly traded companies – Centene, Elevance (formerly Anthem), UnitedHealth Group, Molina, and CVS Health – account for 50% of Medicaid MCO enrollment nationally. www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
A Look at Medicaid Enrollment and Finances of the Five Largest Medicaid Managed Care Plans | KFF
This brief examines enrollment and financial data through the end of September 2024 from quarterly company earnings reports and calls, financial filings, and other company materials as well as from na...
www.kff.org
February 4, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Five for-profit, publicly traded companies – Centene, Elevance (formerly Anthem), UnitedHealth Group, Molina, and CVS Health – account for 50% of Medicaid MCO enrollment nationally. www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
Reposted by Heather Saunders
With discussions of #Medicaid work requirements back on the agenda through federal legislative proposals or 1115 waivers, @KFF updated our brief looking at the data: www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
Understanding the Intersection of Medicaid and Work: An Update | KFF
Amid renewed interest in Medicaid work requirements as part of a broader legislative package designed to significantly reduce federal Medicaid spending, KFF has updated its analysis of the work status...
www.kff.org
February 4, 2025 at 11:07 PM
With discussions of #Medicaid work requirements back on the agenda through federal legislative proposals or 1115 waivers, @KFF updated our brief looking at the data: www.kff.org/medicaid/iss...
Reposted by Heather Saunders
NEW: several federal datasets and health surveys came offline on Friday
We @kff.org explain what these data are & how they’re used in interventions to address our nation’s biggest health challenges
@jenkatesdc.bsky.social @mattrae.bsky.social @lindseydawson.bsky.social
www.kff.org/policy-watch...
We @kff.org explain what these data are & how they’re used in interventions to address our nation’s biggest health challenges
@jenkatesdc.bsky.social @mattrae.bsky.social @lindseydawson.bsky.social
www.kff.org/policy-watch...
A Look at Federal Health Data Taken Offline | KFF
This post looks at federal government databases with key health data that went offline on Jan. 31, 2025, including several related to HIV, some of which had returned by Feb. 2, 2025. It briefly descri...
www.kff.org
February 2, 2025 at 6:24 PM
NEW: several federal datasets and health surveys came offline on Friday
We @kff.org explain what these data are & how they’re used in interventions to address our nation’s biggest health challenges
@jenkatesdc.bsky.social @mattrae.bsky.social @lindseydawson.bsky.social
www.kff.org/policy-watch...
We @kff.org explain what these data are & how they’re used in interventions to address our nation’s biggest health challenges
@jenkatesdc.bsky.social @mattrae.bsky.social @lindseydawson.bsky.social
www.kff.org/policy-watch...
Reposted by Heather Saunders
Context for the CDC eliminating data from its website today. This was in Project 2025.
January 31, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Context for the CDC eliminating data from its website today. This was in Project 2025.
Reposted by Heather Saunders
The confirmation hearings for RFK Jr. this week will likely focus a lot on vaccines and food and drug safety, which are certainly big issues.
At the same time, HHS is an enormous agency that, among other things, oversees health coverage for over half the population.
www.kff.org/policy-watch...
At the same time, HHS is an enormous agency that, among other things, oversees health coverage for over half the population.
www.kff.org/policy-watch...
How Does the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Impact Health and Health Care? | KFF
This policy watch provides a short overview of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), describing its history, budget, organizational structure and its major programs and responsibilities.
www.kff.org
January 27, 2025 at 2:54 PM
The confirmation hearings for RFK Jr. this week will likely focus a lot on vaccines and food and drug safety, which are certainly big issues.
At the same time, HHS is an enormous agency that, among other things, oversees health coverage for over half the population.
www.kff.org/policy-watch...
At the same time, HHS is an enormous agency that, among other things, oversees health coverage for over half the population.
www.kff.org/policy-watch...