Latest KFF Health News Stories
Seattle Nurses Scrounge For Masks To Stay Safe On Pandemic’s Front Lines
As illness from the new coronavirus stresses the health care system, nurses said they are being forced to make do with less and learning to be good stewards of available equipment and protective gear.
Coronavirus Threatens The Lives Of Rural Hospitals Already Stretched To Breaking Point
Almost half of the nation’s rural hospitals operate in the red on a good day. But amid the coronavirus pandemic, rural hospital CEOs warn that soon some may be unable to pay their workers. And their doors may close when the community most needs them.
Some Hospitals Continue With Elective Surgeries Despite COVID-19 Crisis
Even as many states put a moratorium on elective surgeries in a desperate effort to preserve dwindling stocks of protective gear, hospitals in other pockets of the country continue to perform a range of elective procedures. Some staff members and ethicists are voicing concerns.
Listen: Front-Line Health Care Workers Face Shortage Of Protective Gear
As California ramps up capacity at hospitals in response to the coronavirus pandemic, health care workers face an inadequate supply of masks.
Hoping That Insurance Expansion Will Help Tamp Outbreak, 9 States Reopen Marketplaces
The states are allowing new enrollments this month to help ease consumers’ concerns about the cost of health care so that the sick will not be deterred from seeking medical attention and inadvertently spread the virus.
Must-Reads Of The Week From Brianna Labuskes
Newsletter editor Brianna Labuskes wades through hundreds of health care policy stories each week, so you don’t have to.
Now On The Menu At Closed Schools: Drive-Thru Lunches
As schools shutter to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, many districts are still offering free meals to their most vulnerable students. In two Southern California districts, families roll through school lunch drive-thrus to grab hot meals.
Nueve estados reabren mercados de seguros de salud, para ayudar a frenar a COVID-19
Buscan calmar las preocupaciones y para que las personas que se sienten enfermas no dejen de ir al médico por los costos, y terminen propagando el virus sin darse cuenta.
Editorial pages focus on these policy issues and others during the pandemic.
Experts say the risk of the virus lingering on the mailings is highly unlikely and dangers of loneliness are severe. Other news on seniors in care facilities is on reductions in care and a shortage of intensive care beds, as well.
Governor Newsom Orders 40 Million Californians To Stay At Home As State’s Outbreak Escalates
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday night, “We will look back at these decisions as pivotal” as models predict that more than half of the state could become infected. Other news from California reports on rising unemployment, the death of a young man, and more.
New York Governor Cuomo’s Informed Daily Briefings Are Attracting Hordes Of Followers
In contrast to President Donald Trump’s style at briefings, the governor is getting praise for his sense of urgency, tactics and ability to handle a crisis. News is from Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, as well.
Administration officials insist the policies are necessary to stem the outbreak. Immigration news is on groups pushing for the release of thousands of detainees from detention facilities unable to handle spread of the disease and negotiations to close borders temporarily with Mexico and Canada.
Coronavirus Upends Day-To-Day Operation Of Criminal Justice System
“The new normal is complete chaos right now,” said Steven Halpert, juvenile division chief for the public defender’s office in Harris County, Texas. Meanwhile, advocates ask for the release of inmates amid fears that the outbreak could spread like wildfire in the nation’s jails.
How Did Rich Americans Get Tests When There Were Shortages?
As more celebrities and sports professionals announce the results of their tests, Americans who were denied tests even when showing worrying symptoms wonder at the disparity. Meanwhile, testing may have ramped up, but frustration over the chaos as the beginning of the crisis remains.
Walmart To Hire 150,000 Temporary Workers, Pay $550 Million in Staff Bonuses
The announcement comes amid sharp increases in layoffs in other industries, highlighting the fact that the economic impact of the virus is more complex than it might seem.
Tech Tools Play Role In Keeping People Connected To Doctors, Health Officials And Co-Workers
Smartphones and watches, telehealth and video conferences are already playing a role in reconfigured world where people are staying physically away from each other.
Veterans Affairs Braced To Help Hospitals Deal With Overflow Of Patients
The Department of Veterans Affairs is designated by federal law to act as back-up to other hospitals in times of crisis. Over the past two weeks, the VA expanded hospital capacity, dropping occupancy in acute care beds from about 80% to over 60% to make room for possible civilian patients
The simulations revealed shortcomings–such as a lack of supplies and staff for hospitals–that the government is now trying to address during the coronavirus outbreak. In other news, Stat provides a who’s who list of those in the Trump administration handling the crisis.
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and the impact the pandemic is having on everyday activities.