KFF
@kff.org
The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news.
With the recent changes to the federal vaccine schedule for children, insurance coverage for childhood vaccines is not expected to change — although there is one exception related to the HPV vaccine.
Get the details in our policy watch: https://on.kff.org/4syReKU
Get the details in our policy watch: https://on.kff.org/4syReKU
The New Federal Vaccine Schedule for Children: What Changed and What Are the Implications? | KFF
This brief looks at newly announced changes by HHS to the pediatric vaccination schedule, which reduce the number of vaccines recommended for all children. Implications of these changes for childhood ...
on.kff.org
January 10, 2026 at 8:04 PM
With the recent changes to the federal vaccine schedule for children, insurance coverage for childhood vaccines is not expected to change — although there is one exception related to the HPV vaccine.
Get the details in our policy watch: https://on.kff.org/4syReKU
Get the details in our policy watch: https://on.kff.org/4syReKU
On Jan. 5, HHS announced major changes to the government’s recommended vaccination schedule for children.
In a new policy watch, we examine how these changes may affect people and public health in the U.S. Get the details: https://on.kff.org/4syReKU
In a new policy watch, we examine how these changes may affect people and public health in the U.S. Get the details: https://on.kff.org/4syReKU
January 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM
On Jan. 5, HHS announced major changes to the government’s recommended vaccination schedule for children.
In a new policy watch, we examine how these changes may affect people and public health in the U.S. Get the details: https://on.kff.org/4syReKU
In a new policy watch, we examine how these changes may affect people and public health in the U.S. Get the details: https://on.kff.org/4syReKU
Some states are trying to blunt the impact that the ACA’s expired enhanced premium tax credits will have on consumers by implementing their own state-funded subsidies and other programs aimed at stabilizing premium costs: https://on.kff.org/49zklVO
January 9, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Some states are trying to blunt the impact that the ACA’s expired enhanced premium tax credits will have on consumers by implementing their own state-funded subsidies and other programs aimed at stabilizing premium costs: https://on.kff.org/49zklVO
Our new policy watch examines what the Trump administration’s end of Medicaid vaccine reporting requirements may mean for states and how we track childhood vaccinations rates across the U.S.: https://on.kff.org/4qpGn4g
Trump Administration Drops Medicaid Vaccine Reporting Requirements | KFF
This policy watch describes recent Trump administration changes to Medicaid vaccine reporting requirements and explores what the end of state reporting requirements may mean for how the U.S. tracks ch...
on.kff.org
January 9, 2026 at 9:16 PM
Our new policy watch examines what the Trump administration’s end of Medicaid vaccine reporting requirements may mean for states and how we track childhood vaccinations rates across the U.S.: https://on.kff.org/4qpGn4g
How are states filling the gap in funding for Planned Parenthood?
Our experts explain how 11 states are responding to the year-long ban on federal Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood created by the 2025 budget reconciliation law. https://on.kff.org/4qmsNis
Our experts explain how 11 states are responding to the year-long ban on federal Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood created by the 2025 budget reconciliation law. https://on.kff.org/4qmsNis
January 9, 2026 at 8:12 PM
How are states filling the gap in funding for Planned Parenthood?
Our experts explain how 11 states are responding to the year-long ban on federal Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood created by the 2025 budget reconciliation law. https://on.kff.org/4qmsNis
Our experts explain how 11 states are responding to the year-long ban on federal Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood created by the 2025 budget reconciliation law. https://on.kff.org/4qmsNis
Our latest policy watch examines recent changes in the federal vaccine schedule for children that will reduce the number of diseases targeted from 17 to 11 and the number of routine vaccines for children from 13 to 7.
See the full breakdown: https://on.kff.org/4syReKU
See the full breakdown: https://on.kff.org/4syReKU
The New Federal Vaccine Schedule for Children: What Changed and What Are the Implications? | KFF
This brief looks at newly announced changes by HHS to the pediatric vaccination schedule, which reduce the number of vaccines recommended for all children. Implications of these changes for childhood ...
on.kff.org
January 9, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Our latest policy watch examines recent changes in the federal vaccine schedule for children that will reduce the number of diseases targeted from 17 to 11 and the number of routine vaccines for children from 13 to 7.
See the full breakdown: https://on.kff.org/4syReKU
See the full breakdown: https://on.kff.org/4syReKU
While efforts to extend the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits continue in Congress, the path forward remains uncertain.
Some states have already begun preparing for the loss of this federal funding.
Read about states’ efforts in our new policy watch: https://on.kff.org/49zklVO
Some states have already begun preparing for the loss of this federal funding.
Read about states’ efforts in our new policy watch: https://on.kff.org/49zklVO
State-Based Efforts Will Provide Limited Relief from Enhanced Tax Credit Expiration | KFF
After failed Senate votes late last year and no subsequent bipartisan agreement, the enhanced premium tax credits expired as of January 1. Some states, particularly those operating State-Based Marketp...
on.kff.org
January 9, 2026 at 6:04 PM
While efforts to extend the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits continue in Congress, the path forward remains uncertain.
Some states have already begun preparing for the loss of this federal funding.
Read about states’ efforts in our new policy watch: https://on.kff.org/49zklVO
Some states have already begun preparing for the loss of this federal funding.
Read about states’ efforts in our new policy watch: https://on.kff.org/49zklVO
New: @larrylevitt.bsky.social explores how unaffordable health care is in the context of the debate over extending enhanced ACA premium tax credits and an upcoming election where affordability will likely be front and center via @jamahealthforum.com: https://on.kff.org/4qvrJc9
January 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM
New: @larrylevitt.bsky.social explores how unaffordable health care is in the context of the debate over extending enhanced ACA premium tax credits and an upcoming election where affordability will likely be front and center via @jamahealthforum.com: https://on.kff.org/4qvrJc9
How well did states fare under new, first-year federal rural health grants?
Our analysis shows relatively modest variation in total awards across states but wide variation in how much states will receive per rural resident. https://on.kff.org/3YW7Hv0
Our analysis shows relatively modest variation in total awards across states but wide variation in how much states will receive per rural resident. https://on.kff.org/3YW7Hv0
January 7, 2026 at 9:16 PM
How well did states fare under new, first-year federal rural health grants?
Our analysis shows relatively modest variation in total awards across states but wide variation in how much states will receive per rural resident. https://on.kff.org/3YW7Hv0
Our analysis shows relatively modest variation in total awards across states but wide variation in how much states will receive per rural resident. https://on.kff.org/3YW7Hv0
Medicaid paid for two-thirds of home care spending in 2023.
Learn about the types of medical and supportive services available to family caregivers across states in 2025: https://on.kff.org/4qxRkR4
Learn about the types of medical and supportive services available to family caregivers across states in 2025: https://on.kff.org/4qxRkR4
January 7, 2026 at 8:12 PM
Medicaid paid for two-thirds of home care spending in 2023.
Learn about the types of medical and supportive services available to family caregivers across states in 2025: https://on.kff.org/4qxRkR4
Learn about the types of medical and supportive services available to family caregivers across states in 2025: https://on.kff.org/4qxRkR4
Our brief describes the services and supports available to family caregivers through Medicaid home care in 2025, before federal Medicaid spending cuts take effect: https://on.kff.org/4qxRkR4
January 7, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Our brief describes the services and supports available to family caregivers through Medicaid home care in 2025, before federal Medicaid spending cuts take effect: https://on.kff.org/4qxRkR4
Increased payment rates for Medicaid home care workers are states’ key approach to addressing workforce shortages.
More on these worker shortages and how states are responding here: https://on.kff.org/3NtTCSY
More on these worker shortages and how states are responding here: https://on.kff.org/3NtTCSY
January 7, 2026 at 6:04 PM
Increased payment rates for Medicaid home care workers are states’ key approach to addressing workforce shortages.
More on these worker shortages and how states are responding here: https://on.kff.org/3NtTCSY
More on these worker shortages and how states are responding here: https://on.kff.org/3NtTCSY
Nebraska is the first state to announce it will begin enforcing Medicaid work requirements early, starting May 1.
Learn more about the data, policies, and questions that will influence how states implement work requirements via our interactive tracker: https://on.kff.org/4ozQHFm
Learn more about the data, policies, and questions that will influence how states implement work requirements via our interactive tracker: https://on.kff.org/4ozQHFm
Tracking Implementation of the 2025 Reconciliation Law: Medicaid Work Requirements | KFF
KFF's interactive tracks key data and policies that will affect how states implement Medicaid work requirements, which are required under the 2025 budget reconciliation law starting in January 2027. T...
on.kff.org
January 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Nebraska is the first state to announce it will begin enforcing Medicaid work requirements early, starting May 1.
Learn more about the data, policies, and questions that will influence how states implement work requirements via our interactive tracker: https://on.kff.org/4ozQHFm
Learn more about the data, policies, and questions that will influence how states implement work requirements via our interactive tracker: https://on.kff.org/4ozQHFm
In his first column for the new year, KFF President and CEO Drew Altman analyzes President Trump’s “make a deal” approach to health care.
“A big question about them,” he writes, “is whether they have staying power.”
Read more: https://on.kff.org/4ssYisr
“A big question about them,” he writes, “is whether they have staying power.”
Read more: https://on.kff.org/4ssYisr
January 6, 2026 at 10:20 PM
In his first column for the new year, KFF President and CEO Drew Altman analyzes President Trump’s “make a deal” approach to health care.
“A big question about them,” he writes, “is whether they have staying power.”
Read more: https://on.kff.org/4ssYisr
“A big question about them,” he writes, “is whether they have staying power.”
Read more: https://on.kff.org/4ssYisr
Our new brief examines the tradeoffs for consumers considering lower-premium options as the enhanced ACA tax credits expire.
One consideration: Deductibles, which are $10,600 for catastrophic plans and average more than $7,000 for bronze plans: https://on.kff.org/3NtiABU
One consideration: Deductibles, which are $10,600 for catastrophic plans and average more than $7,000 for bronze plans: https://on.kff.org/3NtiABU
Policy Changes Bring Renewed Focus on High-Deductible Health Plans | KFF
Policy changes, anticipated increases in premium costs for enrollees, and new standards for health savings accounts may encourage consumers to seek out plans with lower premiums but higher deductibles...
on.kff.org
January 6, 2026 at 9:16 PM
Our new brief examines the tradeoffs for consumers considering lower-premium options as the enhanced ACA tax credits expire.
One consideration: Deductibles, which are $10,600 for catastrophic plans and average more than $7,000 for bronze plans: https://on.kff.org/3NtiABU
One consideration: Deductibles, which are $10,600 for catastrophic plans and average more than $7,000 for bronze plans: https://on.kff.org/3NtiABU
NEW: The initial awards to states under the new federal Rural Health Transformation Program show relatively modest variation in total awards across states but wide variation in how much states will receive per rural resident.
Our analysis: https://on.kff.org/3YW7Hv0
Our analysis: https://on.kff.org/3YW7Hv0
January 6, 2026 at 8:12 PM
NEW: The initial awards to states under the new federal Rural Health Transformation Program show relatively modest variation in total awards across states but wide variation in how much states will receive per rural resident.
Our analysis: https://on.kff.org/3YW7Hv0
Our analysis: https://on.kff.org/3YW7Hv0
Reposted by KFF
The Rural Fund grants are a grab bag from telehealth to mobile health to parks and trails for recreation.
Our analysis based on rural population:
Our analysis based on rural population:
First-Year Rural Health Fund Awards Range From Less Than $100 Per Rural Resident in Ten States to More Than $500 in Eight | KFF
This policy watch evaluates state awards through the rural health fund in 2026, the first year of the program. The analysis shows relatively modest variations in total awards this year across states b...
www.kff.org
January 6, 2026 at 6:40 PM
The Rural Fund grants are a grab bag from telehealth to mobile health to parks and trails for recreation.
Our analysis based on rural population:
Our analysis based on rural population:
Reposted by KFF
Today Trump called on R’s to “ own health care”, an issue they have never won. But with what? Trump favors narrow, glitzy industry deals, not comprehensive plans dealing with coverage and costs. Can that formula work?
My column: on.kff.org/4ssYisr
My column: on.kff.org/4ssYisr
Trump Has No Health Plan, He Has the Art of the Health Care Deal
In his first column for the new year, KFF CEO Dr. Drew Altman analyzes President Trump’s “make a deal” approach to health care. He explains that while the president doesn’t have a health reform plan, ...
on.kff.org
January 6, 2026 at 6:43 PM
Today Trump called on R’s to “ own health care”, an issue they have never won. But with what? Trump favors narrow, glitzy industry deals, not comprehensive plans dealing with coverage and costs. Can that formula work?
My column: on.kff.org/4ssYisr
My column: on.kff.org/4ssYisr
⚡ KFF’s Alex Montero explains that Secretary Kennedy’s efforts to narrow the childhood vaccine schedule doesn’t reflect the views of most parents, but KFF polling suggests it may have more appeal among President Trump’s base. #QuickTake https://on.kff.org/49qOSVN
January 6, 2026 at 6:42 PM
⚡ KFF’s Alex Montero explains that Secretary Kennedy’s efforts to narrow the childhood vaccine schedule doesn’t reflect the views of most parents, but KFF polling suggests it may have more appeal among President Trump’s base. #QuickTake https://on.kff.org/49qOSVN
What is Medicaid home care? At-home assistance with self-care, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, for older adults and people with disabilities.
Read about who and what was covered in 2025 through the various programs: https://on.kff.org/4qaA4BI
Read about who and what was covered in 2025 through the various programs: https://on.kff.org/4qaA4BI
January 6, 2026 at 6:04 PM
What is Medicaid home care? At-home assistance with self-care, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, for older adults and people with disabilities.
Read about who and what was covered in 2025 through the various programs: https://on.kff.org/4qaA4BI
Read about who and what was covered in 2025 through the various programs: https://on.kff.org/4qaA4BI
In a new column, KFF’s @drewaltman.bsky.social analyzes President Trump’s “make a deal” approach to health care.
He writes that the deals “even do some good,” but “don’t change the long-term incentives of the health care companies that participate in the deals.”
🔗: https://on.kff.org/4ssYisr
He writes that the deals “even do some good,” but “don’t change the long-term incentives of the health care companies that participate in the deals.”
🔗: https://on.kff.org/4ssYisr
January 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM
In a new column, KFF’s @drewaltman.bsky.social analyzes President Trump’s “make a deal” approach to health care.
He writes that the deals “even do some good,” but “don’t change the long-term incentives of the health care companies that participate in the deals.”
🔗: https://on.kff.org/4ssYisr
He writes that the deals “even do some good,” but “don’t change the long-term incentives of the health care companies that participate in the deals.”
🔗: https://on.kff.org/4ssYisr
Federal cuts could affect states’ funding for Medicaid home care programs, which provide optional services and supports to family caregivers, including pay, respite care, and training.
Learn more about what states offer: https://on.kff.org/4qxRkR4
Learn more about what states offer: https://on.kff.org/4qxRkR4
January 5, 2026 at 9:16 PM
Federal cuts could affect states’ funding for Medicaid home care programs, which provide optional services and supports to family caregivers, including pay, respite care, and training.
Learn more about what states offer: https://on.kff.org/4qxRkR4
Learn more about what states offer: https://on.kff.org/4qxRkR4
All responding states reported shortages of home care workers, most frequently among direct support professionals, nursing staff, personal care attendants, and case managers.
States are responding through higher pay, training, and more: https://on.kff.org/3NtTCSY
States are responding through higher pay, training, and more: https://on.kff.org/3NtTCSY
January 5, 2026 at 8:12 PM
All responding states reported shortages of home care workers, most frequently among direct support professionals, nursing staff, personal care attendants, and case managers.
States are responding through higher pay, training, and more: https://on.kff.org/3NtTCSY
States are responding through higher pay, training, and more: https://on.kff.org/3NtTCSY
What are the tradeoffs for consumers considering lower premium/higher deductible plans with the expiration of the enhanced ACA tax credits?
Our new analysis looks at the availability and deductibles for catastrophic and bronze plans: https://on.kff.org/3NtiABU
Our new analysis looks at the availability and deductibles for catastrophic and bronze plans: https://on.kff.org/3NtiABU
Policy Changes Bring Renewed Focus on High-Deductible Health Plans | KFF
Policy changes, anticipated increases in premium costs for enrollees, and new standards for health savings accounts may encourage consumers to seek out plans with lower premiums but higher deductibles...
on.kff.org
January 5, 2026 at 7:08 PM
What are the tradeoffs for consumers considering lower premium/higher deductible plans with the expiration of the enhanced ACA tax credits?
Our new analysis looks at the availability and deductibles for catastrophic and bronze plans: https://on.kff.org/3NtiABU
Our new analysis looks at the availability and deductibles for catastrophic and bronze plans: https://on.kff.org/3NtiABU
Did you know Medicaid – not Medicare – is the primary payer of home care for older adults and people with disabilities?
More on Medicaid home care, who is covered, and what services were available in 2025 here: https://on.kff.org/4qaA4BI
More on Medicaid home care, who is covered, and what services were available in 2025 here: https://on.kff.org/4qaA4BI
January 5, 2026 at 6:04 PM
Did you know Medicaid – not Medicare – is the primary payer of home care for older adults and people with disabilities?
More on Medicaid home care, who is covered, and what services were available in 2025 here: https://on.kff.org/4qaA4BI
More on Medicaid home care, who is covered, and what services were available in 2025 here: https://on.kff.org/4qaA4BI