KFF: Analyzing Health Policy and Public Opinion
KFF serves as a critical resource for health-care analysis, polling, and journalism, focusing on the complex intersection of policy and public health. The organization prioritizes those most vulnerable to healthcare costs, including individuals with low incomes, the uninsured, people living with chronic illnesses, and recipients of Medicaid (a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources) and Medicare (the federal health insurance program for people 65 or older and certain younger people with disabilities).
While primarily focused on domestic U.S. health policy, KFF also examines the role of the United States within the broader landscape of global health policy.
Key Facts
- Focuses on vulnerable populations, including the uninsured and low-income individuals.
- Provides extensive public opinion research often in collaboration with major news outlets.
- Operates KFF Health News, a specialized journalism arm focusing on policy and politics.
- Launched the Health Information and Trust Initiative in 2023 to combat health misinformation.
- Has been a Pulitzer Prize finalist for investigative reporting on Social Security and hospital billing.
Policy Analysis and Public Polling
KFF is widely recognized for its rigorous public opinion research, which documents how the American public views and experiences health-related issues. To ensure wide reach and impact, these efforts are frequently conducted in partnership with prominent news organizations such as The New York Times and The Washington Post.
The organization has a history of providing practical tools for the public. In 2010, KFF developed resources to help consumers navigate the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the landmark health insurance law. These tools included animated educational videos and a cost-estimation calculator for insurance coverage.
In early 2020, KFF shifted a significant portion of its analysis and polling focus toward the COVID-19 pandemic to track its impact and the public's response.
![US life expectancy and per capita healthcare spending compared to other wealthy countries. From Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker.[13]](/images/30/8c/308ce7d72391702001445562d662fde42af38944ed1674645f3f4775c8d2138e.png)
KFF Health News and Investigative Journalism
A core component of the organization is KFF Health News (formerly known as Kaiser Health News or KHN). This program focuses specifically on the politics and policy surrounding the healthcare marketplace and the healthcare delivery system at both state and federal levels.
The journalism arm is noted for its high-impact investigative work. In 2020 and 2024, KFF Health News reporters were finalists for the Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting. Their recognized work included:
- Exposing how the Social Security Administration reduced or suspended monthly checks to recover funds from debts often caused by the agency's own benefit miscalculations.
- Revealing predatory bill collection practices at the University of Virginia Health System that pushed low-income patients into bankruptcy, eventually forcing the state-run non-profit hospital to change its tactics.
Combating Misinformation and Past Initiatives
Recognizing the danger of inaccurate medical data, KFF launched the Health Information and Trust Initiative in 2023. This initiative is dedicated to tracking health misinformation in the U.S., analyzing its effects on the population, and working with the media to mitigate the problem.
Historically, KFF has been active in public education and professional development. The organization previously sponsored site visits and training for healthcare reporters and partnered with government agencies, corporate partners, and community organizations for large-scale public information campaigns. These campaigns focused heavily on HIV/AIDS and included initiatives such as Greater Than HIV, Greater than Covid, and Get Yourself Tested.
| Program/Initiative | Primary Focus | Key Outcome/Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Policy Analysis & Polling | Public opinion and vulnerable populations | Partnerships with NYT and Washington Post |
| KFF Health News | Healthcare policy and politics | Pulitzer Prize finalist for investigative reporting |
| Health Information & Trust Initiative | Health misinformation | Tracking and mobilizing media response |
| Public Information Campaigns | HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 | Large-scale awareness (e.g., Get Yourself Tested) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the primary targets of KFF's health-care analysis?
KFF focuses on individuals especially vulnerable to healthcare costs, such as those with low incomes, the uninsured, people with chronic illnesses, and those receiving Medicare or Medicaid.
What is KFF Health News?
Formerly known as Kaiser Health News (KHN), KFF Health News is a core program that provides coverage of health care policy, politics, and the delivery system at both the state and federal levels.
How did KFF help people with the Affordable Care Act?
Starting in 2010, KFF provided consumer resources including animated videos to explain insurance terms and a calculator to help people estimate their health insurance costs.
What is the goal of the Health Information and Trust Initiative?
Launched in 2023, this initiative tracks health misinformation in the U.S., analyzes its impact on the public, and works with media outlets to address the issue.
What investigative achievements has KFF Health News earned?
Reporters were Pulitzer Prize finalists in 2020 and 2024 for exposing Social Security Administration benefit errors and predatory billing practices at the University of Virginia Health System.