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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.
A new study finds that nearly 10% of cancer research papers showed signs of being fabricated by “paper mills”. The problem may intensify as generative AI becomes more sophisticated, prompting lawmakers to demand information about safeguards in place. And, claims that physicians are financially incentivized to promote vaccines persist, despite lack of evidence.
KFF’s latest Health Information and Trust Tracking Poll shows trust in the CDC for vaccine information is at its lowest point since the pandemic began. Findings are available on KFF’s new polling dashboard. New evidence also finds no link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism, though confusion may persist as officials question the drug’s safety.
Drawing on KFF's poll findings, this interactive dashboard tracks the public’s trusted sources for health information, attitudes toward vaccines, and use of news, social media, and AI for health-related information. It provides visual representations of the key trends in the public’s trust in health information and tracks exposure to and belief in false and unproven health claims.
A new study found the FDA’s abortion pill decisions followed scientific evidence, as misleading claims about the drug’s safety continue to shape public understanding.
And Google removed some health AI summaries after a Guardian investigation reported that AI-generated summaries contained false and potentially dangerous health information.
A new features from AI companies, like ChatGPT Health and Claude for Healthcare, aim to provide personalized health guidance, but may still provide wrong or dangerous health advice. And, as the U.S. experiences a severe flu season, a vaccine-strain mismatch may be contributing to misconceptions that flu vaccines are ineffective.
Nearly two weeks after a CDC advisory panel voted to end the recommendation for newborn hepatitis B vaccination, conversations about vaccination schedules and parental choice remain elevated. Meanwhile, narratives about an FDA memo alleging COVID-19 vaccines caused 10 pediatric deaths have shifted toward claims of a government cover-up.
This volume shares updates from the most recent CDC advisory panel meeting, changes to the CDC webpage on autism and vaccines, and polling on trust in news organizations. Additionally, it shares recent developments in AI and social media policy and new KFF poll findings about perceptions of mifepristone’s safety and prevalence.
In a new column, President and CEO Dr. Drew Altman forecasts eight things to look for in health policy in 2026. “First and foremost,” he writes, “is the role health care affordability will play in the midterms.” And, he notes: “The average cost of a family policy for employers could approach $30,000 and cost sharing and deductibles will rise again after plateauing for several years.”
Prior authorization review frustrates patients and physicians, but we likely can’t just eliminate it. In his new column, President and CEO Dr. Drew Altman discusses why, and why the focus is now instead on “doing it smarter.” Altman writes: “A proposal to eliminate prior authorization altogether could be the single most tangible and popular health reform idea a candidate could make. But, in our fragmented health system, with no great way to control costs or limit unnecessary care, we seem to be stuck with prior authorization review…and most payers are now trying to ‘do prior authorization review smarter.’”
This volume examines recent social media and AI policy changes; conflicting studies on COVID-19 vaccines and cancer; ACOG guidance on contraceptive misinformation; an alternative to the CDC’s MMWR; the Texas AG’s Tylenol lawsuit; and findings from a recent KFF Tracking Poll on trust in health care apps and websites that use AI.
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