Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
@drishp.bsky.social
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
PhD from George Washington University
MPH from Emory University
BS from The Ohio State University
Pinned
👋Hi! I'm Drishti Pillai, Associate Director of Racial and Equity & Health Policy and Director of Immigrant Health Policy @kff.org
My areas of expertise include #immigration #immigranthealth #racialequity #disparities #healthcare #healthcoverage
Follow for KFF's latest work on these topics and more!
My areas of expertise include #immigration #immigranthealth #racialequity #disparities #healthcare #healthcoverage
Follow for KFF's latest work on these topics and more!
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
BREAKING: Common health conditions such as obesity and diabetes could prevent immigrants from obtaining U.S. visas under guidance the Trump administration issued Nov. 6. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Immigrants With Health Conditions May Be Denied Visas Under New Trump Administration Guidance - KFF Health News
The Trump administration has directed visa officers to consider common health ailments, including obesity and diabetes, when would-be immigrants seek visas to enter the U.S.
kffhealthnews.org
November 7, 2025 at 1:08 AM
BREAKING: Common health conditions such as obesity and diabetes could prevent immigrants from obtaining U.S. visas under guidance the Trump administration issued Nov. 6. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
Something I think gets lost in the debate over ACA enhanced premium tax credits: 65% of ACA marketplace enrollees have incomes under 200% of the poverty level ($31,300 for a single person). These are folks who make too much for Medicaid but don't have access to employer coverage.
November 6, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Something I think gets lost in the debate over ACA enhanced premium tax credits: 65% of ACA marketplace enrollees have incomes under 200% of the poverty level ($31,300 for a single person). These are folks who make too much for Medicaid but don't have access to employer coverage.
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
Many implications of the big Dem win tonight. One for health care: it could provide an incentive for Republicans to make a deal on ACA tax credits to deny Democrats the issue in the midterms and further momentum.
November 5, 2025 at 5:19 AM
Many implications of the big Dem win tonight. One for health care: it could provide an incentive for Republicans to make a deal on ACA tax credits to deny Democrats the issue in the midterms and further momentum.
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
Maldives becomes the first country to impose a generational ban on smoking
The world-first ban prohibits anyone born after Jan. 1, 2007, from ever buying, using or smoking tobacco.
www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/m...
The world-first ban prohibits anyone born after Jan. 1, 2007, from ever buying, using or smoking tobacco.
www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/m...
Maldives becomes the first country to impose a generational ban on smoking
The world-first ban prohibits anyone born after Jan. 1, 2007, from ever buying, using or smoking tobacco.
www.nbcnews.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Maldives becomes the first country to impose a generational ban on smoking
The world-first ban prohibits anyone born after Jan. 1, 2007, from ever buying, using or smoking tobacco.
www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/m...
The world-first ban prohibits anyone born after Jan. 1, 2007, from ever buying, using or smoking tobacco.
www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/m...
November 2, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
H.R.1 ends health coverage eligibility for many lawfully present immigrants. It doesn't change health coverage options for undocumented immigrants who are already ineligible for federally funded health coverage under longstanding policy. More on this @kff.org : www.kff.org/quick-take/r...
Rolling Back the Big Beautiful Bill’s Health Care Provisions Would Not Provide Health Care to Undocumented Immigrants
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for federally funded health coverage. The GOP’s Big Beautiful Bill didn’t change that. Overturning the health care provisions in the law won’t either.
www.kff.org
October 2, 2025 at 5:29 PM
H.R.1 ends health coverage eligibility for many lawfully present immigrants. It doesn't change health coverage options for undocumented immigrants who are already ineligible for federally funded health coverage under longstanding policy. More on this @kff.org : www.kff.org/quick-take/r...
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
The Washington Post has reported that premiums charged by ACA insurers for benchmark plans will increase an average of 30% in 2026. But that’s NOT the increase most ACA enrollees will see. Their out-of-pocket premiums will increase by much more if enhanced tax credits expire.
October 27, 2025 at 2:39 PM
The Washington Post has reported that premiums charged by ACA insurers for benchmark plans will increase an average of 30% in 2026. But that’s NOT the increase most ACA enrollees will see. Their out-of-pocket premiums will increase by much more if enhanced tax credits expire.
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
There’s a lot of confusion about how much ACA premiums are going up and what it means. That will likely continue this week as window shopping is expected to begin in the federal ACA marketplace. I’ll try to clear things up.
October 27, 2025 at 2:38 PM
There’s a lot of confusion about how much ACA premiums are going up and what it means. That will likely continue this week as window shopping is expected to begin in the federal ACA marketplace. I’ll try to clear things up.
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
mRNA Covid shots may boost the effects of certain cancer treatments, study suggests www.statnews.com/2025/10/19/m... via @statnews.com
mRNA Covid shots may boost the effects of certain cancer treatments, study suggests
The potential reasons that a Covid vaccine would help treat cancer are intriguing.
www.statnews.com
October 21, 2025 at 3:47 PM
mRNA Covid shots may boost the effects of certain cancer treatments, study suggests www.statnews.com/2025/10/19/m... via @statnews.com
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
A number of federal policy changes could have implications for #Medicaid and children's health - here are 5 key issues we are watching: www.kff.org/medicaid/med...
Medicaid and Children’s Health: 5 Issues to Watch Amid Recent Federal Changes | KFF
Major federal changes to Medicaid and other health-related policies could impact children’s health in the coming years. This issue brief explores the latest data on Medicaid and children’s health and ...
www.kff.org
October 21, 2025 at 2:21 AM
A number of federal policy changes could have implications for #Medicaid and children's health - here are 5 key issues we are watching: www.kff.org/medicaid/med...
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
KFF finds partisan split on Tylenol
Most Republicans (56%) say they think it’s definitely or probably true that taking Tylenol during pregnancy increases the risk of kids with autism.
Most Dems (86%) say it’s definitely or probably false.
Multiple medical associations have said there’s no link.
Most Republicans (56%) say they think it’s definitely or probably true that taking Tylenol during pregnancy increases the risk of kids with autism.
Most Dems (86%) say it’s definitely or probably false.
Multiple medical associations have said there’s no link.
October 9, 2025 at 11:58 AM
KFF finds partisan split on Tylenol
Most Republicans (56%) say they think it’s definitely or probably true that taking Tylenol during pregnancy increases the risk of kids with autism.
Most Dems (86%) say it’s definitely or probably false.
Multiple medical associations have said there’s no link.
Most Republicans (56%) say they think it’s definitely or probably true that taking Tylenol during pregnancy increases the risk of kids with autism.
Most Dems (86%) say it’s definitely or probably false.
Multiple medical associations have said there’s no link.
There have been a number of congressional and administrative actions undertaken by the Trump administration that are going to impact health coverage and care for immigrant families across America. New piece by @kff.org discusses all the changes in one place
www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
October 8, 2025 at 4:59 PM
There have been a number of congressional and administrative actions undertaken by the Trump administration that are going to impact health coverage and care for immigrant families across America. New piece by @kff.org discusses all the changes in one place
www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
We unfortunately are not "Kentucky Fried French Fries", but @kff.org does some pretty neat, objective, and timely health policy analysis, polling, and journalism that is worth following!
x.com/kenklippenst...
x.com/kenklippenst...
Ken Klippenstein (NSPM-7 Compliant) on X: "CHUCK SCHUMER: "New data came out today from KFF - and that is not Kentucky Fried French Fries ... the Kaiser Family Foundation" https://t.co/3XVMkbNaYT" / X
CHUCK SCHUMER
x.com
October 7, 2025 at 1:10 PM
We unfortunately are not "Kentucky Fried French Fries", but @kff.org does some pretty neat, objective, and timely health policy analysis, polling, and journalism that is worth following!
x.com/kenklippenst...
x.com/kenklippenst...
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
⚡ KFF’s Drishti Pillai explains that despite claims in Washington, rolling back “Big Beautiful Bill” health provisions wouldn’t provide federally funded coverage to undocumented immigrants — as they long haven’t been eligible under federal law. #QuickTake https://on.kff.org/46wj9SM
October 2, 2025 at 5:53 PM
⚡ KFF’s Drishti Pillai explains that despite claims in Washington, rolling back “Big Beautiful Bill” health provisions wouldn’t provide federally funded coverage to undocumented immigrants — as they long haven’t been eligible under federal law. #QuickTake https://on.kff.org/46wj9SM
H.R.1 ends health coverage eligibility for many lawfully present immigrants. It doesn't change health coverage options for undocumented immigrants who are already ineligible for federally funded health coverage under longstanding policy. More on this @kff.org : www.kff.org/quick-take/r...
Rolling Back the Big Beautiful Bill’s Health Care Provisions Would Not Provide Health Care to Undocumented Immigrants
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for federally funded health coverage. The GOP’s Big Beautiful Bill didn’t change that. Overturning the health care provisions in the law won’t either.
www.kff.org
October 2, 2025 at 5:29 PM
H.R.1 ends health coverage eligibility for many lawfully present immigrants. It doesn't change health coverage options for undocumented immigrants who are already ineligible for federally funded health coverage under longstanding policy. More on this @kff.org : www.kff.org/quick-take/r...
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
It's striking that the primary Republican talking point against the Democratic proposal to restore Medicaid and ACA cuts is that it would give health care to undocumented immigrants, which isn't true. There isn't a broader defense of the cuts.
October 2, 2025 at 2:26 AM
It's striking that the primary Republican talking point against the Democratic proposal to restore Medicaid and ACA cuts is that it would give health care to undocumented immigrants, which isn't true. There isn't a broader defense of the cuts.
Spending on Emergency Medicaid accounted for less than 1% of overall Medicaid spending in FY 2023 www.kff.org/racial-equit...
Research also shows that noncitizens are less likely to use ER care than U.S.-born citizens pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...
@kff.org
Research also shows that noncitizens are less likely to use ER care than U.S.-born citizens pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...
@kff.org
Vance: "If you're an American citizen & you've been to the hospital in the last few years, you've probably noticed wait times are especially large & very often somebody who's there in the ER is an illegal alien. Why do those people get healthcare benefits at hospitals paid for by American citizens?"
October 1, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Spending on Emergency Medicaid accounted for less than 1% of overall Medicaid spending in FY 2023 www.kff.org/racial-equit...
Research also shows that noncitizens are less likely to use ER care than U.S.-born citizens pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...
@kff.org
Research also shows that noncitizens are less likely to use ER care than U.S.-born citizens pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...
@kff.org
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
Undocumented immigrants, under longstanding policy, have been and continue to be ineligible for federally funded health coverage. Medicaid, ACA, and Medicare eligibility cuts in H.R. 1 apply to lawfully present immigrants.
Democrats are pushing to reverse Medicaid and ACA cuts. Contrary to Republican talking points, that would not in any way expand health care eligibility for undocumented immigrants.
October 1, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Undocumented immigrants, under longstanding policy, have been and continue to be ineligible for federally funded health coverage. Medicaid, ACA, and Medicare eligibility cuts in H.R. 1 apply to lawfully present immigrants.
Undocumented immigrants, under longstanding policy, have been and continue to be ineligible for federally funded health coverage. Medicaid, ACA, and Medicare eligibility cuts in H.R. 1 apply to lawfully present immigrants.
Democrats are pushing to reverse Medicaid and ACA cuts. Contrary to Republican talking points, that would not in any way expand health care eligibility for undocumented immigrants.
October 1, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Undocumented immigrants, under longstanding policy, have been and continue to be ineligible for federally funded health coverage. Medicaid, ACA, and Medicare eligibility cuts in H.R. 1 apply to lawfully present immigrants.
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
KFF has updated its estimate of how much failure to extend the enhanced ACA credits will cost the average enrollee from 75% to 114% 1/
www.kff.org/affordable-c...
www.kff.org/affordable-c...
ACA Marketplace Premium Payments Would More than Double on Average Next Year if Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire | KFF
KFF estimates that, if Congress allows the enhanced premium tax credits to expire at the end of this year, ACA Marketplace enrollees on average would see their premium payments more than double next y...
www.kff.org
September 30, 2025 at 6:04 PM
KFF has updated its estimate of how much failure to extend the enhanced ACA credits will cost the average enrollee from 75% to 114% 1/
www.kff.org/affordable-c...
www.kff.org/affordable-c...
Provisions in H.R. 1 will end health coverage eligibility for many lawfully present immigrants, leading to 1.4 million more uninsured as of 2034 per the CBO. Undocumented immigrants are already ineligible for federally funded health coverage and thereby not impacted directly by the new law @kff.org
September 30, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Provisions in H.R. 1 will end health coverage eligibility for many lawfully present immigrants, leading to 1.4 million more uninsured as of 2034 per the CBO. Undocumented immigrants are already ineligible for federally funded health coverage and thereby not impacted directly by the new law @kff.org
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
New, and a big deal: Based on updated data and changes made by the Trump administration, we now estimate that ACA enrollees would see their out-of-pocket premiums increase by 114% if enhanced premium tax credits are allowed to expire.
www.kff.org/affordable-c...
www.kff.org/affordable-c...
ACA Marketplace Premium Payments Would More than Double on Average Next Year if Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire | KFF
KFF estimates that, if Congress allows the enhanced premium tax credits to expire at the end of this year, ACA Marketplace enrollees on average would see their premium payments more than double next y...
www.kff.org
September 30, 2025 at 2:45 PM
New, and a big deal: Based on updated data and changes made by the Trump administration, we now estimate that ACA enrollees would see their out-of-pocket premiums increase by 114% if enhanced premium tax credits are allowed to expire.
www.kff.org/affordable-c...
www.kff.org/affordable-c...
According to estimates by the CBO, 1.4 million lawfully present immigrants are expected to lose health coverage due to the reconciliation bill by 2034.
This includes refugees, asylees, survivors of abuse, people on work visas, individuals with TPS, among others @kff.org
www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
This includes refugees, asylees, survivors of abuse, people on work visas, individuals with TPS, among others @kff.org
www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
September 25, 2025 at 3:14 PM
According to estimates by the CBO, 1.4 million lawfully present immigrants are expected to lose health coverage due to the reconciliation bill by 2034.
This includes refugees, asylees, survivors of abuse, people on work visas, individuals with TPS, among others @kff.org
www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
This includes refugees, asylees, survivors of abuse, people on work visas, individuals with TPS, among others @kff.org
www.kff.org/immigrant-he...
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
The Virginia Department of Health has issued a standing order so that people can get the COVID vaccine without a prescription.
You can print out the order here: www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uplo...
You can print out the order here: www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uplo...
September 11, 2025 at 5:39 AM
The Virginia Department of Health has issued a standing order so that people can get the COVID vaccine without a prescription.
You can print out the order here: www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uplo...
You can print out the order here: www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uplo...
Reposted by Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH
The Trump administration announces it is making "affordable" ACA plans available to certain groups of people, including those who lose eligibility for tax credits slated to expire at the end of the year.
These plans have lower premiums, but deductibles of over $10,000.
www.cms.gov/newsroom/pre...
These plans have lower premiums, but deductibles of over $10,000.
www.cms.gov/newsroom/pre...
September 4, 2025 at 1:40 PM
The Trump administration announces it is making "affordable" ACA plans available to certain groups of people, including those who lose eligibility for tax credits slated to expire at the end of the year.
These plans have lower premiums, but deductibles of over $10,000.
www.cms.gov/newsroom/pre...
These plans have lower premiums, but deductibles of over $10,000.
www.cms.gov/newsroom/pre...