Latest KFF Health News Stories
Trump Approves Final Plan to Import Drugs From Canada ‘for a Fraction of the Price’
The announcement clears the way for Florida and other states to implement a program bringing medications across the border to save money. The effort is strongly opposed by drugmakers and the Canadian government.
Heartbreaking Bills, Lawsuit and Bankruptcy — Even With Insurance
With health insurance that can leave him on the hook for more than a quarter of his salary every year, a Kentucky essential worker who has heart disease is one of millions of Americans who are functionally uninsured. At only 31, he has already been through bankruptcy and being sued by his hospital. This year, he faced a bill for more than $10,000.
In Los Angeles, Latinos Hit Hard By Pandemic’s Economic Storm
A new poll finds 71% of Latino households in Los Angeles County experienced serious financial problems because of the coronavirus.
KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
En Los Angeles, la tormenta económica por la pandemia ha pegado fuerte en los latinos
Los latinos ahora representan el 60% de los casos de COVID-19 en California, aunque son alrededor del 40% de la población.
KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: ACA in Peril With Ginsburg’s Seat in Play
The death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is giving new life to the latest constitutional challenge to the Affordable Care Act. It also places anti-abortion activists on the cusp of a court majority large enough to ensure the rollback of the right to abortion and, possibly, some types of birth control. Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar tries to centralize power at the sprawling department plagued by miscommunications and scandals. Anna Edney of Bloomberg News, Kimberly Leonard of Business Insider and Mary Ellen McIntire of CQ Roll Call join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Plus, Rovner interviews KHN’s Sarah Jane Tribble about her new podcast, “Where It Hurts,” debuting Sept. 29.
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues and others.
Perspectives: Pros, Cons Of U.S. Response To Testing, Opening Schools, Rushing A Vaccine
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic issues and others as the U.S. death toll passes 200,000.
Research Roundup: UTIs; C Difficile; Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma; Radiotherapy; Smoking And Tobacco
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
California Governor Orders Ban On New Diesel, Gas Cars By 2035
The White House criticized the announcement: “… the lengths to which they will go to destroy jobs and raise costs on the consumer is alarming.”
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, Who Railed Against Masks, Now Has Coronavirus
NPR reports that as recently as July 11, Parson told a group of cattle ranchers that the government should not interfere with their decision to wear or forgo a face covering. “You don’t need government to tell you to wear a dang mask,” he said.
Fall Could Be Worse Than Spring: Trudeau Warns Canada About Second Wave
The Canadian prime minister says it’s unlikely people will be gathering for their Thanksgiving in October. News is also from Germany, Israel, Malaysia, Honduras and Vietnam.
CDC: Halloween Masks Don’t Offer Protection
The agency also warns against wearing a costume mask over a regular cloth face mask and instead recommends Halloween-themed cloth masks. Other public health news reports on ongoing county fairs, airline mask policies, parental burnout and Wall Street’s reopening, as well.
Wildfires Expose More Americans Than Ever To Toxic Air Pollution
The increase of 9 million more Americans is compared to 2018, the worst previous year. Other news is on exercising when the air is hazy, a death linked to black licorice, food safety and more.
Testing Czar Ships Rapid Test Kits To Black Colleges
The first shipment of more than 250,000 will be followed up next week with 300,000 more. Other news is on school building safety, transmission rates, banned students and more.
Legendary Football Player Gale Sayers Dies Following Battle With Dementia
His wife said she partly blames the repeated head injuries during his NFL career for his dementia. News is also on figure skating.
Studies Show Face Shields Don’t Stop COVID, But Copper Surfaces Do
Researchers are urging hospitals to consider swapping out stainless steel surfaces for copper. COVID lives for several days on stainless steel but dies within hours on copper, studies show.
New In Biotech: Google Maps’ COVID Tracker; Apple Watch’s Blood Oxygen Sensor
And in pharmaceutical news, “brain-boosting” supplements may contain unapproved drugs in potentially dangerous combinations and doses.
Number Of Patients, Surgeries Slow To Return To Normal, Report Finds
The slow rebound is causing financial concerns for hospitals. Also in the news: liability claims against home care nurses; medical deferrals for immigrants; COVID grants; Northwell Health; Teladoc; Amwell; and Community Health Systems.
Trump Promises Abortion Executive Order In Appeal To Catholic Voters
Text of the order has not been released, but President Donald Trump said it will require health care providers to provide medical care to all babies born alive, whether prematurely or from a failed abortion. Organizations representing obstetricians and gynecologists say the law already provides those protections.