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.
The to extend the SCHIP program was passed with bi-partisan support in the Congress and vetoed by the President on October 3, 2007. This brief provides an overview of SCHIP and of key provisions in CHIPRA. Issue Brief (.pdf)
New Data Source on Hospital Use by California's Medi-Cal Enrollees A project sponsored by The Kaiser Family Foundation has resulted in a new source of data that will enhance research on the Medi-Cal program, including the impact of Medi-Cal managed care. The project linked 2 datasets: the Patient Discharge Dataset containing hospital discharge information maintained by the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), and a Medi-Cal dataset containing eligibility and health plan…
This paper explores the major policy compromises embodied in the CHIP program. It focuses on two areas: the relative control of the federal and state governments over the program, and the design of the program in relation to the private, employer-based health insurance market.This paper is part of the Kaiser Incremental Health Reform Project. Issue Brief (.pdf)
A new side-by-side examination of California's Medicaid program (Medi-Cal) and CHIP program (Healthy Families) shows how these two low-income health coverage programs differ in structure, eligibility, enrollment process, service delivery and scope. This California case study helps to illustrate differences between Medicaid and CHIP. SIDE-BY-SIDE Download
The third in a series of reports on implementation issues and challenges in the first year of S-CHIP finds that non-Medicaid S-CHIP programs faced more administrative challenges. Success with enrollment appeared primarily related to administrative decisions, including a lower band of S-CHIP income eligibility, and the lack of premiums. REPORT Download
A Survey and Analysis of What States Are Doing Based on interviews of state officials and analysis of tv, radio, and print ads from the states, this report is the first nationwide analysis of states' advertising campaigns to enroll eligible kids into health coverage programs. Included is information about how states developed their campaigns and the common messages states are trying to convey about their coverage programs. Report (.pdf)
A new background report highlights health coverage trends for children in Los Angeles County, examines some of the factors behind Medi-Cal enrollment growth, and attempts to draw relevant lessons for other counties and states. Also see "First Glance at the Children's Health Initiative in Santa Clara County, California". REPORT Download
This issue brief explores how California and other states are attempting to preserve a meaningful set of benefits under Medicaid during the current budget crisis, when services are most needed and state resources are most scarce. This brief is being distributed in Sacramento at the latest California Health Policy Roundtable on Tuesday, May 13, 2003. Invitation to the California Health Policy Roundtable Issue Brief: Presentation by Victoria Wachino, Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured…
Health Insurance Premiums and Cost-Sharing: Findings from the Research on Low-Income Populations This policy brief reviews studies on the impact of premiums and cost-sharing, particularly on low-income populations, and finds that premiums generally depressed participation in public programs and cost-sharing affected health utilization, access and outcomes. Policy Brief
Medicaid for Children and CHIP Guidelines and Eligibility for Enrollment Report
© 2026 KFF