Latest KFF Health News Stories
Families Question Why Hospitals Told Black COVID Patients To Go Home
A ProPublica investigation in Louisiana found what it called “a striking pattern: Before they died, about two dozen patients first sought care at a hospital, which then discharged them, in many cases sending them home to die with hospice care. All were Black. The vast majority came from Ochsner Health, the largest hospital network in Louisiana.”
COVID Has Killed More Health Workers In Mexico Than Anywhere Else
Global developments are also reported out of Thailand, Britain, Japan, Switzerland, Congo and other nations.
Mental Health Study: Depression Rates Soar During Pandemic
Half of U.S. adults surveyed by Boston and Brown universities reported at least some signs of depression, such as hopelessness, feeling like a failure or getting little pleasure from doing things.
Medicare To Pay Hospitals $3.5B More For Acute Inpatient Services
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a final rule estimated to boost Medicare spending by 2.7% for acute care inpatient hospital services.
How Back-To-School is Going (College Fraternity Edition)
Unleash teenagers from close parental supervision for the first time–what could go wrong? Involve fraternity parties and it gets worse.
More Sickened From Onions In Salmonella Outbreak
According to the ongoing investigation, red onions are the “likely source of this outbreak.” Public health news is also on updated 911 procedures, a pharmacist charged with diluting drugs, fat-shaming, West Nile, and eye strain.
Hall Of Fame Pitcher, Mets’ Legend Tom Seaver Dies Of COVID, Dementia
Seaver, 75, died Monday. During the right-hander’s career, he turned around the fortunes of the New York Mets. Sports news also covers the U.S. Open and Iowa State football.
Canada’s Advice: Wear A Mask During Sex
Canada’s chief public health officer says to skip kissing and wear a mask during sex. As divorces are rising, a California company is making see-through masks. Maybe that will help.
COVID Is Top Cause Of Police Officer Deaths; Man Dies After Sturgis Rally
In other public health news: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tests positive; how the virus has affected both Black aging and the opioid crisis; and researchers take a longer look at how a bus ride in China spread the virus.
In most places, not well, mostly because of the fears of teachers and other staff that they could catch the coronavirus. Also, students in Wuhan, China return to class.
Biden Lays Blame On Trump For School Reopening Turmoil
The chaos hitting many of the nation’s school districts is due to a lack of federal leadership surrounding the pandemic, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said during his latest campaign event. If president, Biden pledged to get schools the equipment needed to open safely.
Pelosi Ignores COVID Strictures, Claims ‘Set-Up’
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ignored California’s coronavirus restrictions, got caught on camera and now claims she was set up by the hair salon owner. Predictably, her adversaries relish the moment. And Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) falsely claims pandemic statistics are inflated.
‘Not My Approach’: Fauci Returns To Giving Guidance
With problems with his throat cleared up, Dr. Anthony Fauci is back talking to scores of media outlets and making news.
Administration Moves Affect Health Care
A number of Trump administration policy changes are examined. Could President Donald Trump make a breakout health care policy move in the final months of the campaign? Stat suggests a way he could lower drug prices.
Strife At FDA: Second Trump Appointee Ousted Amid Squabble With HHS
John “Wolf” Wagner is out as the head of FDA’s office of external affairs. Politico reports that two high-level staffing changes and a public relations consultant’s termination at HHS are part of a “tit for tat” battle between FDA chief Steven Hahn and HHS Secretary Alex Azar related to the botched convalescent plasma announcement. Meanwhile, KHN reports on hospitals defying FDA on that issue.
Vaccine Search Progresses, But Is It Too Fast?
As COVID vaccine trials look for subjects, some scientists are worried about going too fast in the quest to release a vaccine. Also, do-it-yourself vaccines.
Georgia Governor Applies To Opt Out Of Obamacare Exchange
Gov. Brian Kemp (R) wants the Trump administration to let him block state residents from using the federal exchange set up under the Affordable Care Act and force Georgians to seek out their own commercial options instead. In other health law news: Texas medical professionals urge the governor to expand Medicaid; and Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) fails to offer up his promised ACA alternative.
Treating COVID With Steroids Cuts Deaths Of Hospitalized Patients
The World Health Organization calls for corticosteroids — which are inexpensive and easily accessible — to become the new standard for coronavirus care based on the evidence of its lifesaving benefit in a series of clinical trials.
Study: Experimental Medications Slow ALS
While not a cure, two experimental drugs appear to delay the progression of Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Bee Venom Might Fight Breast Cancer
An Australian study suggests honeybee venom can fight one type of breast cancer. Other studies look at sickle cell anemia and at face masks.