The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news.
KFF’s policy research provides facts and analysis on a wide range of policy issues and public programs.
KFF designs, conducts and analyzes original public opinion and survey research on Americans’ attitudes, knowledge, and experiences with the health care system to help amplify the public’s voice in major national debates.
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the organization’s core operating programs.
When Carmen Rosado got divorced a few years ago, she and her two teen daughters, Crystal and Nelly, lost their private health insurance. Carmen took a new job working nights, but it offered no health coverage and, without Medicaid, the family would have been uninsured.
Claire Smith, now 5 years old, was born with a rare genetic syndrome whose symptoms include multiple, severe physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. Claire’s family has private health insurance, but because of its bureaucratic barriers, her parents have had to struggle to obtain the care Claire needs.
Kay Dickerson, age 57, is a Hurricane Katrina survivor. After the storm, Kay and her husband, Tom, relocated to Portland, Oregon. During her intake at the welcome center, Kay, who had long been uninsured, was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, PTSD, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Darius, age 9, was born with periventricular leukomalacia, a brain injury that causes frequent seizures, as well as central apnea, a condition that often causes him to stop breathing. He also has mild cerebral palsy, which impairs his mobility, balance, and reflexes.
Caleb Garcia, age 5, was born with impaired hearing and vision, developmental delays, and physical disabilities, all due to a virus that his mother contracted during her pregnancy. Caleb’s father, Manuel, credits his son’s unexpected progress to the care he has been receiving since birth through Medicaid.
Latrita McFadden noticed from the beginning that her son, Anthony Burke, always walked on his tiptoes. He began to complain that his knees hurt, but doctor after doctor said he would grow out of it.
© 2026 KFF