Latest KFF Health News Stories
DeVos Applauds Efforts To Keep Arizona Schools Open
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, who toured with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, said families deserve options for learning despite an uptick in cases. More school news is from New York, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Indiana and elsewhere.
Deep Cleaning: Houston Voting Site Closes For One Hour
News is from Texas, Rhode Island, Florida, Iowa and California.
Canada: No Reopening Of Border Until U.S. Controls Infections
Global news is on travel restrictions in England, Spain, France and Italy; a tentative, partial reopening between New Zealand and Australia; and more.
Airline Study: Threat Of COVID On Planes ‘Virtually Non-Existent’
The Department of Defense partnered with United Airlines in the six-month study. Other public news reports are on rapid tests, public restrooms, premature births, a teen who tested negative but then spread infection to 11 relatives, nursing homes and more.
People With Type O Or B Blood May Have Advantage Against COVID
These patients spent, on average, 4.5 fewer days in intensive care than those with Type A or AB blood. The latter group averaged 13.5 days in the ICU and was more likely to require ventilators.
Scrubs Company Apologizes To Women, DOs For Video, Poor Judgment
News is on an offensive video from FIGS, how a doctor’s bias impacts care, the future of telemedicine, home health aides and more.
Remdesivir Doesn’t Prevent COVID Deaths, Study Finds
Remdesivir is the only antiviral drug authorized for treatment of COVID in the U.S., and the results are likely a major blow to scientists hunting for a viable medication.
Major Players In Vaccine Supply Chain Warn Distribution Will Be Difficult
Whether making it, transporting it or administering it, every step of the COVID vaccination process is rife with complications, Stat reports.
Georgia Can Partially Expand Medicaid With Work Requirements, Premiums
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved a waiver request from Georgia to expand its Medicaid program with restrictions that narrow the number of residents who will be eligible.
New Supreme Court Alignment Will Shape Health Care For Years To Come
While the confirmation hearings for Amy Coney Barrett focused on the Affordable Care Act and abortion, there are a host of health-policy cases the high court will decide in the near future and far term, Politico reports.
Now It’s Republicans Rejecting A White House-Backed Relief Deal
Up to now, the stimulus stalemate has primarily been between House Democrats and White House negotiators. But the latest $1.8 trillion proposed package, which President Donald Trump says he supports, was nixed Thursday by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Unlikely Trump Can Deliver Seniors Promised $200 Drug Discounts By Election, If At All
President Donald Trump announced his plan ahead of legal and regulatory reviews, which are now bogged down by questions of whether the White House has the authority to outlay billions in Medicare funds. One anonymous administration official tells AP that the odds are 75-25 it won’t happen.
Striking Back Against Foes, Trump Withholds Millions In Federal Funds
The Trump administration rejected California’s request for disaster-relief funds to help it recover from some of the worst wildfires in the state’s history. It also recently withheld health care funds from 9/11 first responders and stimulus checks from incarcerated people, and has threatened to withhold COVID grants from “anarchist” cities.
White House’s Pandemic Messaging Hits Resistance
Residents of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, rail against using the town’s name to promote herd immunity; the CDC struggles to contain White House meddling; former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he was “wrong” not to wear a mask at the White House; and more.
Pandemic Puts Trump On Defense Vs. Biden’s Offensive During Competing Town Halls
COVID-19 played a major role in canceling a second in-person debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, while also dominating the stage of the candidates’ alternative town hall events.
Biden Campaign’s Approach To Positive COVID Tests Differs To Trump
The Biden team revealed some specifics about the first known positive tests among campaign staffers Thursday and stressed the protective measures they are taking. And Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris halted weekend travel plans “out of an abundance of caution.”
Fall COVID Surge Starting To Overwhelm Hospitals In Some Cities
The U.S. is about to blow by the 8 million mark for confirmed cases of COVID-19 with new infections accelerating quickly. Hospitalizations are also on the rise and some city hospitals report bed shortages.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Most Home Health Aides ‘Can’t Afford Not to Work’ — Even When Lacking PPE
Home health aides flattened the curve by keeping the most vulnerable patients — seniors, the disabled, the infirm — out of hospitals. But they’ve done it mostly at poverty wages and without overtime pay, hazard pay, sick leave or health insurance.
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.