History and Mission

“KFF has evolved into a one-of-a-kind information organization that brings together health policy analysis, polling, journalism, and specialized public information campaigns. We are now a unique organization that serves as a nonpartisan source of information for policymakers, the media, the health policy community, and the public.” – Drew Altman, Ph.D. President and CEO

KFF is the independent source for health policy research, polling, and news. Originally founded in 1948 by the American industrialist, Henry J. Kaiser, today, the organization is a leading provider of health information through its core program areas: Policy Analysis, Polling, Journalism, and the Health Information and Trust Initiative. The organization was formerly known as the Kaiser Family Foundation and today, our legal name is simply KFF.

In 1991, Dr. Drew Altman became the president and chief executive officer, and founded the modern-day KFF. Over the past 30-plus years, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, Dr. Altman transformed KFF from a family foundation into a public charity with the mission, expertise, and programs that it’s known for today.    

Learn more about KFF’s program areas

Learn more about KFF’s Board of Trustees

Learn more about how to cite KFF