Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Verily’s COVID Testing Program Halted in San Francisco and Oakland
Health officials in San Francisco and Alameda counties have cut ties with Verily’s state-funded COVID testing sites amid concerns about data collection and privacy.
North Carolina Treasurer Took On the Hospitals. Now He’s Paying Political Price.
The state hospital association has endorsed Dale Folwell’s opponent after the treasurer sought to force them to accept lower reimbursements from the state employees’ health plan.
Florida Fails to Attract Bidders for Canada Drug Importation Program
No private firms bid on the $30 million contract to set up and operate the state’s plan to bring in cheaper drugs. The setback is likely to delay by at least several months Florida’s effort to become the first state to import drugs under new federal regulations.
COVID Spikes Exacerbate Health Worker Shortages in Rocky Mountains, Great Plains
COVID-19 infections and quarantines are pulling health professionals off the front lines, exacerbating staffing woes that existed in large, rural states well before the pandemic.
Colorado Initiative Would Further Limit Access in Middle America’s ‘Abortion Desert’
Colorado voters will decide whether to ban most abortions after 22 weeks of pregnancy, which would eliminate a haven for people seeking to end their pregnancies in the Midwest and Mountain West.
Déjà Vu for California Voters on Dialysis
Californians are again being asked to weigh in on a dialysis ballot measure. This one purports to target patient safety, and dialysis industry giants are once again spending big to defeat it.
Arguing to Undo the ACA. Harming Medicare. Do They Go Hand in Hand?
A Biden campaign ad out this month attacks President Donald Trump for pushing to slash Medicare benefits. A campaign spokesperson said the claim comes from the administration’s support for a legal challenge to the Affordable Care Act that seeks to nullify the entire law.
¿Viajas para el Día de Acción de Gracias? Deberás atravesar la barrera de COVID
En todo el mundo, los feriados nacionales han impulsado la propagación de COVID-19 de manera explosiva. Expertos comparten consejos y sus propias experiencias.
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues and others.
Opinion pages focus on these health care issues and others.
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, health insurance, therapy, conspiracy theories and vibrio.
‘Please Stay Home’: Wisconsin Admits First Patient To Field Hospital
Daily new cases and deaths are still rising in the state. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said, “We are thankful to have this facility available to Wisconsinites and our hospitals, but also saddened that this is where Wisconsin is at today.” News is from New Jersey, Massachusetts, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, Utah and Alaska, as well.
Study: Adults With Down Syndrome At 10 Times The Risk Of COVID-19 Death
Additionally, the research, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found the group to be at almost five times the risk for hospitalization for the virus. Researchers are also finding that we don’t need to be wiping down our groceries and that blood plasma treatment for those with COVID may have no benefit.
Shortages For Pneumonia Vaccine Begin As Demand Rises Due To COVID
After a resurgence of COVID In Europe, doctors are giving more pneumonia shots to people to help prevent lung complications. News is on Big Pharma’s expanding use of the cloud, more young patients in breast cancer trials, and more.
Customer Safety?: Southwest To Fill Middle Seats; Target To Offer Shopping Appointments
The Southwest policy goes into effect after Thanksgiving — and will offer passengers a chance to rebook. Target seems to be pulling out all the stops during the holiday shopping season, including letting customers make reservations. News is on the difficulties faced by amputee veterans, the challenges of trick-or-treating, and more, as well.
Financial Troubles, COVID Force Closure Of Rural Georgia Hospital
Southwest Georgia Regional Medical Center becomes the 133rd rural hospital to cease operations in the U.S., and the eighth in Georgia, since 2010. Extra expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic are also challenging Georgia’s University Hospital. News is from Texas, Michigan and elsewhere.
Many Uninsured COVID Patients Remain Unaware Their Hospital Bills Are Covered
There’s no requirement for hospitals to let uninsured patients with COVID-19 know that their bills are covered through a program of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services set up by the CARES Act.
US, Other Nations Sign Anti-Abortion Pact; Poland Effectively Bans Procedure
In the U.S., Mississippi petitions the Supreme Court to review a case seen as a challenge to Roe v. Wade.
Vaccine Safety Is Focus Of FDA Expert Panel’s Debate At Public Meeting
The daylong meeting was livestreamed on multiple outlets for public viewing as the FDA works to increase public confidence in the vaccine approval process.