Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
The Coronavirus, The Congressman And Me
When four KHN reporters were possibly exposed to COVID-19, they tried to take preventive steps. But even for health care journalists, getting tested for the virus ― and figuring out what to do next — is an uphill task.
How Well Does Your Nursing Home Fight Infections? Look It Up Here
More nursing homes have been faulted for failing to follow practices designed to prevent and control infections than for any other type of error. Such lapses have become matters of heightened concern with the spread of the coronavirus this spring, especially as the virus is a bigger threat to the elderly.
Trump Wrongly Said Health Insurers Will Pay For All Coronavirus Treatment
There are important distinctions between how insurance companies will cover the test and the treatment. This makes the president’s statement an exaggeration, at best.
Coronavirus Pushes Hospitals To Share Information About Stocks Of Protective Gear
There is currently no central coordination of the supply of protective garb and masks in U.S. hospital inventories. A CDC project wants hospitals to share that information for the good of all.
The basic premise of the organization is that it serves as a global coordinator. But even as the organization attempts to fulfill that role in the current pandemic, its efforts have fallen largely flat and there’s been a lack of a unified global response to the crisis. Meanwhile, China continues to grapple with the fallout from the outbreak, both politically and socially.
There is some evidence that temperature and humidity are playing a role in where the virus is thriving. In other news: a look at how long the virus can live in a patient’s body, questions about quarantines, why soap is so effective, tips on cleaning your phone, and more.
Coronavirus Gives 2020 Candidates A Real-Time Test To Demonstrate How They’d React In A Crisis
Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) both addressed the nation the day after President Donald Trump gave a speech from the Oval Office. The three candidates’ response to the outbreak is giving voters an insight into what they can expect in terms of leadership going forward. Meanwhile, the virus is fundamentally altering the race in other ways as well, from canceled rallies to missed fundraising opportunities. The full extent of the impact might not be visible until November. And states are working on ways to increase health protections for voters.
What’s Getting Canceled: Disneyland, Broadway, Sports, Cruises, Courts, Schools And More
A look at the wide-ranging list of closures, cancellations and postponements as cities and states try to contain the coronavirus.
The elderly are getting hit hardest by the coronavirus and public health experts are recommending they avoid large crowds and other social gatherings. But for a group that already struggles with loneliness — which can lead to poor health outcomes — social distancing due to coronavirus will likely exacerbate the issue. Meanwhile, health officials and medical providers are having a difficult time convincing older Americans to take the threat seriously.
One of the top concerns for public health experts is how virus cases are likely to overwhelm hospitals, like is happening in Italy. Patients there are dying while waiting for treatment and doctors are forced to choose who to treat and who to let die. European health officials say Italy’s experience with its faltering health system is just a preview of things to come for other countries.
Markets Have Worst Trading Day Since 1987 As Coronavirus Fears Weigh Heavy On Global Economy
The markets made up some ground early on Friday morning, but the global economy has been thrown into a state of tumult as world leaders struggle to deal with the spreading pandemic. The Federal Reserve Bank on Thursday took drastic measures by pumping $1.5 trillion into the bond market to try to stabilize it.
Scientists across the country are working around the clock to develop quicker tests for the coronavirus. But many worry that the lack of testing in the early days of the outbreak will come back to haunt the country. Meanwhile, travelers returning from international hot spots say they’re still not getting screened when they re-enter the country.
Tengo que estar en casa por el coronavirus, ¿me pagarán mi salario?
A medida que el coronavirus se propaga por todo el país, surge una pregunta crítica: ¿Qué pasa con sus salarios si el trabajador está enfermo o tiene que estar en cuarentena?
Coronavirus Puts Prisons In Tight Spot Amid Staff Shortages, Threats Of Lockdown
As the coronavirus threat rises, prisons are grappling with the possibility of nationwide lockdowns and calls for prisoner releases.
KHN’s ‘What The Health?’: Coronavirus Goes Viral
The rapidly spreading coronavirus has led to the cancellation of sporting events, conferences and travel, with Congress and President Donald Trump scrambling to catch up to the spiraling public health crisis. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has issued long-awaited rules aimed at making it easier for patients to carry copies of their medical records. Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post and Kimberly Leonard of Business Insider join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss this and more. Also, for extra credit, the panelists suggest their favorite health policy stories of the week they think you should read, too.
Donald Trump’s Wrong Claim That ‘Anybody’ Can Get Tested For Coronavirus
The process is not as simple as calling your doctor or pharmacy, saying you want to be tested for COVID-19 and getting it done. Clinicians decide whether patients meet the criteria to warrant it. Circumstances are further complicated because tests are in short supply.
Congress Approves Boost In Food Aid For Seniors But Funding Falls Short Of Growing Need
Congress passed legislation Wednesday reauthorizing the Older Americans Act, which provides for home-delivered and group meals. Although proposed funding increases are substantial, they still don’t keep up with the nation’s growing senior population.
Editorial pages focus on issues surrounding the pandemic.
A number of states have also taken steps to help unburden patients and the government with high costs that have nearly tripled between 2002 and 2013.