Latest KFF Health News Stories
‘An Arm and a Leg’: David vs. Goliath: How to Beat a Big Hospital in Small Claims Court
In a classic — and hilarious — David vs. Goliath story, Jeffrey Fox takes on a huge hospital over an outrageous bill, and wins.
Medicare Fines Half of Hospitals for Readmitting Too Many Patients
The penalties are the ninth round of a program created as part of the Affordable Care Act’s broader effort to improve quality and lower costs. The average reduction in federal payments is 0.69%, with 613 hospitals receiving a penalty of 1% or more.
California’s Progressive — and Expensive — Health Care Ambitions Rely on Biden Win
There couldn’t be more at stake for California’s Democratic health care agenda in the presidential race. State lawmakers are already penning big-ticket legislation they hope to pursue should Democrat Joe Biden win, from single-payer to a new wealth tax.
Hospitalized? You Can Still Vote in Most Parts of the Country
Hospital staff in states such as California and New York can help patients obtain ballots and vote. In other states, you need a relative to assist you.
Editorial pages express views about the future of health policy and how policy impacts the pandemic.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to sit back and enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on COVID, drug addiction, pregnancy, children’s health and the 2001 anthrax scare.
First Cases Emerge On US Military Bases In Marshall Islands
Two infected workers arrived from the U.S., ending the nation’s ability to claim no cases. News is from New Zealand and Italy, as well.
Different Takes: Reconsider Holiday Plans And Save Lives; Rethink Masks, Lockdowns
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic issues and other health issues, as well.
Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence, Top Contender For Heisman, Has COVID
The star athlete won’t play in this weekend’s game against Boston College. In other sports and recreation news: A wife of a Tampa Bay Rays player has tested positive, as well as several on a pit crew for NASCAR driver William Byron; JetBlue will let people sit in the middle seats; and more.
Walmart Stashes Away Guns, Ammo Ahead Of Election
You can still buy them, but they won’t be on display, the company says.
Advocates Express COVID Concern About California Prisoner Transfers
News is from California, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New York, Mississippi, Texas, Utah, Rhode Island and North Carolina.
Lab Tests Show CRISPR Gene Editing Can Damage Embryos
The work done by Columbia University researchers shows that the tool, recently awarded a Nobel Prize, can cause potential harm. News is on immunotherapy and neurology, as well.
Vermont Hospitals Hit In Cyberattack
The University of Vermont Health Network is working with the FBI to investigate the attack. The FBI, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Health and Human Services had issued a joint warning Wednesday about an “imminent” threat.
Trump’s Celebrity Campaign To ‘Defeat Despair’ Excluded Those Who Support Gay Rights, Documents Show
The $265 million public campaign collapsed in September. Democrats on the House Oversight and Reform Committee released the records Thursday and accused HHS Secretary Alex Azar of “a cover-up to conceal the Trump administration’s misuse of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars for partisan political purposes.”
Pelosi Clings To Stimulus Deal Hopes, But Tensions Flare With Mnuchin
The two argued back and forth Thursday about a letter the House Speaker wrote to the Treasury secretary faulting Republicans for the failed talks.
‘Hope’: Survival Rates Of COVID Patients Improve Dramatically
Since a March high of 25.6%, death rates dropped to 7.6% in August, according to researchers at NYU Langone Health. Other news is on antibodies, vaccine distribution and more.
Insurers Must Reveal Prices Under Rule Finalized By HHS
The new regulation requires health insurance companies to disclose prices for common services and procedures.
Thousands Died At Nursing Homes Certified By Medicare For Infection Controls
Inspections conducted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services during the early part of the pandemic cleared 8 out of 10 nursing homes of infection-control violations, The Washington Post reports.
Minnesota Mail-In Absentee Ballot Extension Rejected In Court
Another legal ruling muddies the waters of which ballots will be counted in next week’s elections and which ones will not, as state efforts to ensure voter safety are challenged in court.
Big Trump Rallies Go On Despite Dangers Of Virus Surge, Heat
Thousands of supporters, often maskless, continue to crowd together to hear President Donald Trump on the campaign trail. A few cases of coronavirus infections are emerging. And in Florida, even the heat posed health concerns. Hurricane Zeta did postpone plans for a North Carolina event.