The Kaiser Family Foundation, a research-based health care philanthropy, describes its mission as “to inform discussion and debate on major issues that affect millions of people, especially the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, and to elevate the national level of debate on health issues.” Its reports are intended as tools for lawmakers, the media and the public to promote greater understanding of health care financing, including how to use Medicaid and Medicare. It is an independent philanthropy that receives no outside funding and is not associated with Kaiser Permanente or Kaiser Industries.

 

The foundation regularly releases the results of public opinion polls and surveys. An affiliated Web site, kaisernetwork.org, offers reports and webcasts on many issues related to health policy.