Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Workers Who Lost Jobs Due to COVID May Need Help Getting Coverage This Fall
Millions of people have lost their jobs and health insurance since March, and experts say many of those looking for a plan on the ACA marketplace may not be able to get the assistance they need.
When False Information Goes Viral, COVID-19 Patient Groups Fight Back
Fear and uncertainty about the coronavirus have made online patient support groups fertile ground for the spread of misinformation. But some in these groups make fact-checking a part of the mission to support fellow COVID sufferers.
Crooked Media and KHN’s ‘No Mercy’ Dissect Fallout After Rural Hospital Shuts
Crooked Media’s “America Dissected” explores the rural health crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Podcast guest KHN Editor-in-Chief Elisabeth Rosenthal said: “I expect we’ll see a lot more rural hospital failures.”
Cinco preguntas críticas sobre la vacuna contra COVID-19 de Pfizer
La farmacéutica anunció que en una muestra pequeña se comprobó que podría prevenir la infección en nueve de cada 10 casos. Pero se necesitan más respuestas.
Perspectives: Biden Hasn’t Taken Office Yet, But Some Of His Ideas Are Already In Trouble
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others.
Different Takes: Pros, Cons Of Supreme Court’s Health Law Arguments
Editorial writers express views about the Supreme Court’s response to a case challenging the Affordable Care Act.
How President-Elect Biden Aims To Cut Prescription Drug Prices
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
U.S. Official Complains About WHO’s Investigation Plans In China
The World Health Organization is also waiting to see if President-elect Joe Biden reverses the decision to exit the agency. News reports are on Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Brazil, China, and Lebanon, as well.
Vermont Ups Hazard Pay Fund For Essential Workers By $8 Million
News is from Vermont, Alaska, New Mexico, Montana, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada and Illinois.
Russia Claims Sputnik Vaccine Shows More Than 90% Efficacy
The country’s announcement follows Pfizer’s reporting of a similar breakthrough. Late-stage trials have not yet finished.
Cities, States Weigh New Restrictions As COVID Scales Tip
But pushback continues: In Utah — where the governor recently enacted an emergency order calling for everyone to wear masks — the Iron County sheriff said he won’t enforce the order. The sheriff says pandemic restrictions are causing adverse effects on county residents’ well-being.
As If COVID Pandemic Isn’t Hard Enough, Scammers Make Things Worse
The IRS is warning people about scammers who reach out about stimulus payments via text and email. Other coronavirus scam-related news is on fake clinical trials, fake COVID tests, fake cures and more.
Mental Illness Appears To Be Yet Another COVID Side Effect
A new study out from The Lancet found that 20 percent of COVID-19 patients are diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder within 90 days after the COVID diagnosis. New research on the virus also covers hospital readmissions, melatonin, testing and more.
CDC: Thanksgiving Gatherings Need To Be Small And Outside
Even with friends and family, take precautions or consider having virtual celebrations. News is on plans for the National Christmas Tree Lighting, superspreader events, honoring nurses and more.
More Poll Workers Test Positive For COVID Following Elections
At least 28 employees of the Jackson County Election Board in Missouri were infected, though it’s not clear if it was due to exposure from voters. Election workers in California, Pennsylvania and Minnesota also test positive.
Skewing The Data?: South Dakota Including NICU Beds In Hospital Count
Hospital bed availability a key metric that Gov. Kristi Noam, a Republican, has used to defend her handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Also in the news: El Paso’s University Medical Center, Detroit Medical Center, Tower Health and more.
Senators Want To Increase HHS Budget By $2 Billion Next Fiscal Year
The draft bill includes $300 million for the HHS Hospital Preparedness Program, which provides grants to states to prepare hospitals for public health emergencies, an increase of $24 million from last year.
Biden Promises To ‘Protect Your Health Care’ By Shoring Up Insurance
And President-elect Joe Biden says his team is preparing a contingency plan to ensure Americans do not lose coverage for preexisting conditions, in case the Supreme Court strikes down the health law. And he wants to work with Congress to improve protections.