Latest KFF Health News Stories
Wearing masks does little for healthy adults, but psychologically it can soothe some of the panic being created by the coronavirus outbreak. However, that creates shortages for health professionals who actually need the masks to keep from spreading illness. Meanwhile, companies race toward a vaccine and experts turn to AI to help stop the outbreak.
The task force will be headed by HHS Secretary Alex Azar. Meanwhile, Politico takes a look at how President Donald Trump has managed to keep out of the spotlight during the outbreak. In other coronavirus news from the states: cases are on the rise, growing fears lead to Chinese celebrations being canceled, Americans share stories about the evacuation process, how the outbreak is poised to test U.S.’ frayed public health system, and more.
The World Health Organization’s Emergency Committee will meet on Thursday as China continues to battle the spreading virus. Right now, the pace looks alarming, but experts continue to caution that it’s too early to be doing math on the cases. In the beginning of an outbreak research tends to be skewed by the sickest patients. Still, some others are concerned with the apparent ease of human-to-human transmission.
What’s In A Name? Medicaid Block Grant Model Gets A Re-Branding, But Its Objectives Remain The Same
CMS is expected to send letters to states today to encourage them to transform their Medicaid programs into a block grant model that has long been a controversial goal for conservatives. CMS Administrator Seema Verma frames the change as a way for states to invest more money into their most vulnerable population, but critics say it will lead to a loss of coverage for many who need it. Meanwhile, dozens of Democrats have warned the Trump administration that the block grants are illegal.
First Edition: January 30, 2020
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A Guide To Following The Health Debate In The 2020 Elections
As the Democratic primary campaign nears pivotal voting, important aspects of health care policy are being overlooked.
Elecciones 2020: guía para seguir el debate de salud
Precios, tipo de cobertura, formas de acceder a la atención, son algunos de los temas que ya están dominando el debate en este año electoral.
Trump’s Latest Health Care Challenge: Gaining Voters’ Trust
The president, who has repeatedly pledged to improve health care and lower prescription drug prices, faces disapproval from a majority of Americans on his policies regarding drug costs, protecting people with preexisting conditions and the Affordable Care Act.
Appendicitis Is Painful — Add A $41,212 Surgery Bill To The Misery
A young man averted medical disaster after a friend took him to the nearest hospital just before his appendix burst. But more than a year later, he’s still facing a $28,000 balance bill for his out-of-network surgery.
Listen: Colorado Ski Area Opts For Novel Effort To Stop Avalanche Of Health Costs
KHN’s Julie Rovner joins WAMU’s “1A” on Wednesday to discuss an innovative plan by Summit County, Colorado, to directly negotiate with doctors and hospitals to lower health costs.
Le cobran $41,212 por sacarle el apéndice
Nadie le dijo que el hospital estaba fuera de la red del plan médico que tenía a través de su trabajo. En cualquier caso, no hubiera podido irse a otro lugar. Su apéndice estaba a punto de reventar.
Opinion writers express views about approaches to controlling the spread of the coronavirus.
Opinion writers weigh in on these health issues and others.
Media outlets report on news from Missouri, Washington, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Louisiana, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, Kansas, Massachusetts, Texas, California, and Illinois.
House Majority Leader Presses Lawmakers To Move Ahead With Solution For Surprise Medical Bills
So far the legislation has hit road bumps despite the bipartisan interest in addressing an issue that voters care about. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) wants lawmakers to come up with a deal. In other health industry news: supply chain integration, earnings reports, job cuts, and more.
CMS To Invite States To Apply For Waivers To Transform Medicaid Programs Into Block Grant Model
The letters to state officials are expected to go out on Thursday. Proponents and critics alike expect any changes to face legal challenges. Allowing block grants in Medicaid has been a prime objective for CMS Administrator Seema Verma since she arrived in Washington. Medicaid news comes out of Kansas, Iowa and Mississippi.
FDA Warns Purell To Stop Claiming Hand Sanitizers Can Prevent Flu, Ebola
The agency doesn’t allow brands to make such claims. The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water as the most effective way to prevent spread of germs and to use a hand sanitizer that is 60% ethyl alcohol when they’re not available.
Better TB Vaccines Needed?: Strength Can Vary Greatly From One Manufacturer To The Next.
Researchers from around the world are questioning whether some vaccines are more protective than others and if a new costly trial would be worthwhile. But it would be costly. Public health news is on cystic fibrosis, improving long-term heart health, dangers from air pollution, aid-in-dying medications, care for NFL concussions, managing type 2 diabetes, curbing violent policemen, and rising cycling fatalities, as well.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a 2020 hopeful, would fully fund the CDC’s pandemic prevention and response programs with her plan. The proposal comes amid fears of a coronavirus outbreak.
States Grapple With Emerging Threat Of Coronavirus As They Prepare For More Possible Cases
News stories from across the country look at where patients are being monitored over concerns of infections.