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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH

@drishp.bsky.social
1.2K followers 225 following 126 posts

Associate Director, Racial Equity & Health Policy; Director, Immigrant Health Policy @KFF.org PhD from George Washington University MPH from Emory University BS from The Ohio State University

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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
New brief by @kff.org discusses how changes to demographic data collection proposed in the decennial census could impact federal funding, research on health disparities, and lead to shifts in political representation. www.kff.org/racial-equit...
kff.org
Proposed Changes to Demographic Data Collection in the Census Could Impact Efforts to Address Health and Health Care Disparities  | KFF
This issue brief provides an overview of the decennial census and discusses potential implications of the changes outlined in a September 2026 proposed rule to prohibit the collection of race and ethn...
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Timothy McBride @mcbridetd.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Overview of Health Coverage and Care for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) www.kff.org/racial-equit...
kff.org
Overview of Health Coverage and Care for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) | KFF
As of 2024, approximately 28.5 million people in the United States ages five and older have limited English proficiency (LEP). Individuals with LEP disproportionately experience gaps in health insuran...
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Also died of dysentery, but at 1 month old 😭🐣 anyhumanever.com/life/1405997...
anyhumanever.com
Jaci, one of over 100 billion lives
Jaci was born in 687 CE in the countryside near Manaus.
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
The Trump administration recently proposed a $103K fee for all new H-1B visa petitions that are subject to the annual cap. This fee could lead to reductions in the U.S. health care workforce, increasing barriers to care for Americans. More from @kff.org : www.kff.org/quick-insigh...
kff.org
The Trump Administration’s Proposed $103,265 Fee for H-1B Visas Could Affect the Health Care Workforce
The proposed $103,265 fee could lead to reductions in U.S. health care workforce, increasing barriers to care….A decline in H-1B workers would disproportionately impact states that employ the largest ...
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
With 1.4 million lawfully present immigrants projected to lose health coverage under H.R.1,@kff.org survey data highlight the challenges that uninsured immigrants face accessing health care. For example, 1 in 2 uninsured immigrant adults report skipping or postponing care www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
kff.org
Health and Health Care Experiences of Uninsured Immigrants  | KFF
This brief provides data on health and health care experiences of uninsured immigrant adults based on a KFF survey of immigrant adults ages 18 and older conducted in partnership with The New York Time...
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Public charge final rule was posted by DHS today. @kff.org analysis suggests that if disenrollment rates range from 10% to 30% due to "chilling effects", between 1.4 million to 4.1 million people could disenroll from Medicaid or CHIP, including about 560,000 to about 1.7 million citizen children
Bar chart showing the number of Medicaid and CHIP enrollees living in a household with a noncitizen who could potentially disenroll due to public charge and other immigration-related fears. The number ranges from 1.4 million at a disenrollment rate of 10% to 4.1 million at a disenrollment rate of 30%.
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Goaaallllllllllllll Even VARgentina can't stop this! ⚽⚽⚽
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
The most English-looking English guy just scored a goal for England and I'm SO here for it #ENGARG
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
How does Simeone not have a yellow card yet?! #EngArg
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Kai Ryssdal @kairyssdal.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
Well, that’s the last game for this ref
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Sammy @sc-data52.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
NEW: Medicaid and CHIP enrollment has dropped in every state compared to a year ago in March 2025, with decreases as high as 20% in Indiana and as low as less than 1% in Iowa, based on new CMS data from March 2026.
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KFF @kff.org · 25/06/2026
In a new column, Founding President and CEO @drewaltman.bsky.social reflects on KFF’s decades-long commitment to South Africa’s democracy and health system. “The greatest privilege of my life was to be able to work with Nelson Mandela,” he writes. Read more: on.kff.org/4eupmmj
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KFF @kff.org · 22/06/2026
3 in 10 immigrant health care workers are from the Philippines (12%), Mexico (11%) or India (7%). Among immigrant physicians and surgeons, one in five (21%) are from India, 6% from China, 5% each from Canada and Pakistan, and 4% are from the Philippines. on.kff.org/4aVS1OE
The KFF pie chart shows the percentages of where immigrant healthcare workers are from. 12% from the Philippines, 11% from Mexico and 7% from India.
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
What a thrilling match! Cape Verde held two-time FIFA World Cup men's champions Uruguay to a 2-2 draw after holding former champions Spain to a 0-0 draw!! They have a very real chance of qualifying for the round of 32 in what is arguably the "group of death" in this WC ⚽🥅
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
New analysis by @kff.org highlights the important role immigrants play in the U.S health care workforce, making up nearly three in ten physicians and surgeons as well as direct long-term care workers in the country. www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
Chart showing the share of immigrants in the U.S. health care workforce
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KFF @kff.org · 29/05/2026
The CDC’s new Ebola quarantine rule bars entry to all foreign nationals — including lawful permanent residents or “green card” holders — who have recently visited impacted countries. KFF’s Drishti Pillai explains this is highly unusual & likely to face legal challenges. on.kff.org/49tEKwg
Quote from Drishti Pillai, KFF Associate Director, Racial Equity and Health Policy; Director, Immigrant Health Policy. It says, “The rule is significantly more restrictive than approaches used to mitigate risks during past Ebola outbreaks and creates a standing administrative authority that may allow the CDC to quickly issue suspensions or place strict restrictions on entry of any noncitizen, including lawful permanent residents, under situations it deems to be high-risk public health emergencies in the future.”
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Rule published by the CDC on May 27 in response to the Ebola outbreak is a significant departure from actions taken during past Ebola outbreaks and gives CDC the authority to bar the entry of any noncitizen, including green card holders, during high-risk PHEs @kff.org www.kff.org/quick-insigh...
Discussion of how the new ebola quarantine rule differs from past ebola responses
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
The sporting event of my people! #spellingbee
Photo of a contestant at Scripps National Spelling Bee
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Larry Levitt @larrylevitt.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
"KFF is considered a reliable source of information at a time when there is so much division over health policy in the United States..." "We’re in the fact-based information business when much of the world is not," Mr. Levitt said. www.nytimes.com/2026/05/27/b...
nytimes.com
KFF’s Chief Executive to Retire
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Sammy @sc-data52.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
New from @kff.org: 1.4 million Medicaid enrollees may be exempt from the work requirements included in the 2025 reconciliation law across the 39 states that are planning to adopt the optional high unemployment hardship exception.
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SSRS @ssrsresearch.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Congratulations to the 2026 @aapor.bsky.social Inclusive Voices Award Winner – @kff.org Survey of Immigrants Project! The award recognizes research that improved the ability to study social phenomena related to understudied populations. SSRS is proud to be KFF’s thought partner for this research.
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Mollyann Brodie @mollybrodie.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
I’m full of gratitude and so humbled to accept this year’s Exceptionally Distinguished Achievement Award from AAPOR. I’ve been blessed to work with extraordinary colleagues both at @kff.org and @aapor.bsky.social. This recognition is as much theirs as it is mine. ❤️ on.kff.org/4eO1cDR
on.kff.org
Mollyann Brodie Receives AAPOR Award for Exceptionally Distinguished Achievement | KFF
The American Association of Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) recognized KFF’s Mollyann Brodie, Ph.D., with the AAPOR Award for Distinguished Achievement for her outstanding leadership and contributions...
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
So honored to be a part of the amazing team at @kff.org who received the 2026 @aapor.bsky.social Inclusive Voices Award for our Surveys of Immigrants project! This award is the culmination of years of hardwork and dedication by an amazing group of people on a very important issue ❤️
Photo of a researcher with an award for Inclusive public opinion survey researchPhoto of a team of researchers with an award for Inclusive public opinion survey research2026 AAPOR Inclusive Voices Award recipient names
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
My version is leftover biryani and Community
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Uché Blackstock, MD @ucheblackstockmd.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Black and Latino adults are more likely than White adults to say they use AI chatbots for mental health support. That makes equity, transparency, and accountability urgent, not optional. New @kff.org report here: www.kff.org/racial-equit...
kff.org
The Growing Use of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care and Implications for Disparities | KFF
This brief examines the implications of the growing use of AI for racial and ethnic disparities in health and health care and discusses factors that can help reduce AI-related bias in health care.
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
As SCOTUS hears arguments related to TPS for Haiti and Syria, new analysis from @kff.org discusses how Trump administration efforts to end TPS designations for a vast majority of countries could not only impact about a million TPS holders, but also the U.S. workforce www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
kff.org
Recent Changes to Temporary Protected Status Designations: Potential Impacts on Health and Health Care | KFF
This brief provides an overview of the TPS program, recent changes to TPS designations announced by the Trump administration, and potential implications of loss of TPS for individuals on health and he...
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
As the use of AI grows across various sectors of health care and as more and more people report turning to AI for health information and advice, a new brief from @kff.org discusses how AI may exacerbate or mitigate racial and ethnic disparities in health and health care. www.kff.org/racial-equit...
kff.org
The Growing Use of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care and Implications for Disparities | KFF
This brief examines the implications of the growing use of AI for racial and ethnic disparities in health and health care and discusses factors that can help reduce AI-related bias in health care.
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
As the use of AI grows across various sectors of health care and as more and more people report turning to AI for health information and advice, a new brief from @kff.org discusses how AI may exacerbate or mitigate racial and ethnic disparities in health and health care. www.kff.org/racial-equit...
kff.org
The Growing Use of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care and Implications for Disparities | KFF
This brief examines the implications of the growing use of AI for racial and ethnic disparities in health and health care and discusses factors that can help reduce AI-related bias in health care.
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Larry Levitt @larrylevitt.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Republicans have focused on reducing federal spending on hospitals, such as with big cuts in Medicaid, opposed by Democrats. Affordability for people would require addressing prices for hospital care paid by private insurers and high deductibles that leave patients at risk.
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Drew Altman @drewaltman.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
I was challenged to write about the problems with the U.S. health system in ONE PAGE (not the reasons for them or the solutions). What would you add/subtract? Remember, one page! My latest column: on.kff.org/4sP7PJe
on.kff.org
A One-Pager on What’s Wrong with U.S. Health Care
Asked for a one-pager on what's wrong with the U.S. health system, Dr. Drew Altman, Founding President and CEO, explains the top issues in this piece, published today as his latest column. Altman expl...
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Larry Levitt @larrylevitt.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Insurers are not directly the primary cause of health spending growth. But, with major insurers posting strong profits as health care costs grow, it’s reasonable to ask what value they provide for the overhead they consume.
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KFF Health News @kffhealthnews.org · 15/04/2026
Raids, data sharing with ICE, and eligibility changes are making immigrants nervous about enrolling in Medicaid. Furthering those fears is a new proposal that could block immigrants from obtaining permanent legal residency if they use public benefits.
kffhealthnews.org
Medi-Cal Immigrant Enrollment Is Dropping. Researchers Point to Trump’s Policies. - KFF Health News
A KFF Health News analysis found Medi-Cal lost almost 100,000 immigrants without legal status in the second half of 2025. California officials say it’s not clear if immigrants are losing coverage fast...
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Alice Levy Burns @alicelburns.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Did you know that Medicaid spending on home care is growing because states are choosing to offer it as an alternative to institutional care in nursing facilities? www.kff.org/medicaid/und...
kff.org
Understanding Medicaid Home Care Amid CMS Focus on Potential Fraud and Abuse | KFF
This issue brief describes how Medicaid home care operates—including who is eligible and the systems in place to promote program integrity in its delivery—and the challenges of using new CMS data to i...
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
As I discussed in this article with Vanessa, this is the first time in history that Congress has taken away Medicare from any group, and the immigrants impacted are those with lawful presence in the U.S., many of whom have paid into the system for decades.
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
Took a break from doomscrolling today to make some baked Greek chicken with lemon potatoes
Photo of baked Greek chicken with lemon potatoes
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
I really need to start watching The Pitt
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Catherine Rampell @crampell.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
“Don’t take me to the hospital”: Undocumented immigrants in Texas are delaying medical care www.texastribune.org/2026/03/30/t...
texastribune.org
Undocumented immigrants in Texas are delaying medical care
Since Gov. Greg Abbott ordered Texas hospitals to start asking patients for their citizenship status in November 2024, reported visits by undocumented immigrants have dropped.
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
We did a thing today! 🤵‍♂️👰‍♀❤️
Photo of a couple getting marriedPhoto of a newlywed couple
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
@kff.org analysis of ICE data finds that 46 people have died in their custody or in detention centers in a little over a year under the current Trump administration, far exceeding the 26 deaths under the Biden admin from '21-'24. www.kff.org/racial-equit...
kff.org
Deaths and Health Care Issues in ICE Detention Centers Under the Second Trump Administration | KFF
This brief provides an overview of deaths in ICE custody and detention centers under the Trump administration based on KFF analysis of ICE detainee death reporting and news releases and reviews recent...
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Larry Levitt @larrylevitt.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
There’s lots of focus on what a reconciliation bill could do — parts of the SAVE Act, fund ICE, and pay for the Iran war. There’s less focus on how all of that would get paid for, which would likely mean more health care cuts.
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
@kff.org analysis of ICE data finds that 46 people have died in their custody or in detention centers in a little over a year under the current Trump administration, far exceeding the 26 deaths under the Biden admin from '21-'24. www.kff.org/racial-equit...
kff.org
Deaths and Health Care Issues in ICE Detention Centers Under the Second Trump Administration | KFF
This brief provides an overview of deaths in ICE custody and detention centers under the Trump administration based on KFF analysis of ICE detainee death reporting and news releases and reviews recent...
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
'25 survey data from @kff.org finds that immigrant parents are facing increased challenges in the current environment. Among other findings, 4 in 10 report problems paying for health care and 3 in 10 say their child skipped or postponed care www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Also, the fact that at all of the points in time included here since 2018, 4 in 10 or more adults have said they are worried about being able to afford prescription drug costs is something to really think about re the U.S. health care system...
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Larry Levitt @larrylevitt.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
It's interesting that Congress is moving to restrict institutional investors from buying up homes, but there's no similar effort for health care.
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Drew Altman @drewaltman.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
This may not last with gas prices rising, but we have not seen it often: health costs are THE top household economic concern, propelled by reality, political debate about ACA tax credits, and media coverage.
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Larry Levitt @larrylevitt.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
President Trump negotiated lower prices for some drugs on TrumpRx, but discounts only apply to cash paying patients not using their insurance. Many drugs already had big discounts through manufacturers or coupons, and some have generic equivalents that are already much cheaper.
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Really great quiz by @kff.org that helps you learn more about health insurance in the U.S. I have a PhD in health policy and still got a question wrong because health insurance is confusing!
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Analysis of USCIS data by @kff.org finds that NY (14%), MA (9%), CA (8%), PA (6%), and OH, TN, and FL (5% each) accounted for over half of all approved H-1B visas for health care and social assistance in FY '25. $100K fee could disproportionately impact these states. www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
Distribution of approved H-1B health care and social assistance visas across U.S. states
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
New analysis by @kff.org finds that H-1B visa approvals for health care and social assistance increased by 8% between FY 2022 and 2025. Policy changes such as the $100K entry fee could reduce the number of H-1B workers in these industries, exacerbating worker shortages. www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
H-1B visa approvals for health care and social assistance industries between FY 2022 and 2025
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Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH @drishp.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
In a @kff.org survey from fall '25, nearly half of likely undocumented immigrant adults, and one in seven who are lawfully present, said they had avoided medical care since January '25 due to immigration-related concerns -- recent increases in ICE presence could further exacerbate these challenges
share of immigrant adults who avoided seeking medical care due to immigration-related concerns
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