The ‘Pandemic Agreement’: What it is, What it isn’t, and What it Could Mean for the U.S. April 1, 2024 Issue Brief Countries are seeking to create a new ‘pandemic agreement’ at WHO to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. This brief explains what the pandemic agreement is, where the U.S. stands on issues included in the agreement, and potential outcomes of the ongoing negotiations. It also evaluates several criticisms of the agreement and the evidence for each.
The Impact of the Pandemic on Well-Child Visits for Children Enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP March 18, 2024 Issue Brief This issue brief examines well-child visit rates overall and for selected characteristics before and after the pandemic began and discusses recent state and federal policy changes that could impact children’s preventive care. More than half of children under age 21 enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP received a well-child visit in 2019, but the share fell to 48% in 2020, the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Symbolic Manipulation of Health Issues in Elections March 15, 2024 From Drew Altman KFF President and CEO Drew Altman explains why data and facts, policy plans and lists of accomplishments do not connect with many voters. Understanding the symbolic dimensions of politics and issues is critical for experts. We can reach a share of the public with facts and data but need additional strategies to reach everyone, including storytelling and trusted messengers.
Most Parents Haven’t Heard Misinformation About the Measles Vaccine though Significant Shares Are Uncertain About the Validity of Claims March 14, 2024 News Release As rates of childhood vaccination decline and with measles on the rise again, a KFF Health Misinformation Tracking Poll, fielded in late February, examines the extent to which adults have heard and believe misinformation about the measles vaccine. The poll also examines the public’s views of the U.S. government and…
Measles Vaccines and Misinformation in the Courts: A Snapshot From the KFF Health Misinformation Tracking Poll March 14, 2024 Poll Finding The latest KFF Health Misinformation Tracking Poll examines misinformation related to the measles vaccine and the public’s views of the U.S. government and social media companies’ role in moderating false claims online.
What to Know About How Medicare Pays Physicians March 6, 2024 Issue Brief In November 2023, CMS finalized a 3.4% decrease in the physician fee schedule conversion factor, a key aspect of payment rates under the Medicare program, resulting in a 1.25% decrease in overall payments that is expected to vary by specialty. This issue brief answers key questions about how physicians are paid under the Medicare program, and reviews policy options under discussion for payment reform.
Preventive Services Covered by Private Health Plans under the Affordable Care Act February 28, 2024 Fact Sheet Note: This content was updated on February 28, 2024 to incorporate new FAQs from CMS. Tables 1 and 2 were also updated to include updated recommendations. It has been more than ten years since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) required private insurance plans to cover recommended preventive services without any…
Key Global Health Positions and Officials in the U.S. Government February 27, 2024 Fact Sheet This fact sheet identifies key U.S. government global health positions and officials.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Access to Medical Advancements and Technologies February 22, 2024 Issue Brief This brief provides an overview of diversity in clinical trials, disparities in access to novel drug therapies and other treatments, and the implications for health and health care.
Few Nursing Facility Residents and Staff Have Gotten the Latest COVID-19 Vaccines February 13, 2024 News Release Fewer nursing facility residents and staff are getting COVID-19 vaccines, according to a new KFF analysis of federal data. Only 38% of residents and 15% of staff have received the latest vaccine. In comparison, 50% of residents and 22% of staff received updated vaccines in 2022 and 87% of residents…