Latest KFF Health News Stories
‘No Mercy’ Chapter 3: Patchwork of Urgent Care Frays After a Rural Hospital Closes
Fort Scott, Kansas, went without an ER for 18 days, after the local hospital shut down. Documenting local trauma during that “dark period” helped investigative reporter Sarah Jane Tribble unravel some of the complications that come after a rural hospital closes.
Black Doctors Work to Make Coronavirus Testing More Equitable
The Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium has increased access to coronavirus testing in the Philadelphia region, testing more than 10,000 people. The group’s mobile unit and pop-up testing sites also offer patients an opportunity to connect with African American health care providers.
New Moms Behind Bars Get Help From Someone Who’s Been There
Nina Porter of Indiana spent most of her adulthood behind bars, even raising an infant daughter in prison. Now out of prison, she’s drawing on her struggles to create a program that helps other moms get by in a sometimes unwelcoming post-prison world.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and other health topics, as well.
Nevada Reverses Decision On Rapid Tests In Nursing Homes
In a letter to Nevada officials, the Department of Health and Human Services threatened punitive action if the state did not revoke its ban. Nevada had halted use of the tests over concerns about reliability.
England On Alert For Tiered Lockdown System As Resurgence Hits Europe
Global news is from England, Spain, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Romania, China and Nigeria, as well.
Harsh Winter Comeback For COVID Anticipated
The autumn rebound presages more COVID infections in winter, and fears grow that caring for the sick will overburden hospitals.
High School Students Suffering From Long-Haul Symptoms, Too
Researchers attempt to understand why some young people haven’t fully recovered from COVID. About 10% of the U.S. cases are in children. News is on middle schools and colleges, as well.
People Of Color Find It Harder To Obtain Mental Health Services
Disparities already existed, but “what we’re seeing is that some of the stresses that are associated with being a member of a marginalized group have been exacerbated during the pandemic,” said Brian Smedley of the American Psychological Association.
More Large COVID Contracts For Drug Companies
Pharmaceutical industry news includes AstraZeneca’s $486 million government contract for COVID antibody treatment; a metformin recall; and Mallinckrodt filing for bankruptcy.
Healthy Profits Prompt Hospital Chain To Return $6 Billion
In news about the health care industry, HCA Healthcare returns federal funds, California’s attorney general seeks antitrust oversight of Sutter and Atrium and Wake Forest Health to merge.
As yet another member of Congress admits to contracting COVID, some lawmakers press for widespread testing of legislators and staff.
Trump Official: A COVID Vaccine In January
The official in charge of preparedness and response at the Department of Health and Human Services says a vaccine will be ready in January, altering President Trump’s more optimistic timeline. The official warns distribution will take time.
CMS: Unsubsidized Enrollees For ACA Drop Again
Enrollment among the subsidized continues to grow, but the portion that is unsubsidized dropped by more than 300,000 beneficiaries last year.
COVID Fears Inside Judiciary Committee Chambers
With at least two members of the committee grilling Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett reporting COVID infections, other senators weigh the risk of attending the confirmation hearing in person.
Let’s Try This Again: White House Has New Idea For COVID Relief
The Trump administration wants to repurpose about $130 billion in unused funding from the Paycheck Protection Program.
Just 11 Days After Being Hospitalized, Trump Back On Campaign Trail
Axios reports that the president is trying to schedule events every day until Election Day. One adviser warned, “He’s going to kill himself.”
Fauci Calls Out Trump Campaign For Using Old Quote Out Of Context In Ad
In the ad, Dr. Anthony Fauci seemingly praises President Donald Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. But the quote dates to early in the crisis and was about White House coronavirus task force. And Fauci says his words were used without his permission.
White House Nixed CDC Order Mandating Masks On Public Transit
The New York Times reports that the White House coronavirus task force refused to consider a draft order from CDC that would have required passengers and employees on public or commercial transportation to wear face coverings.
Is Trump ‘Immune’? Not So Fast, Infectious Disease Experts Say
Donald Trump tweeted “I can’t get it (immune), and can’t give it,” after his physician said the president is “no longer considered a transmission risk to others.” But epidemiologists say it’s uncertain if Trump is contagious or has immunity. The White House continues to dodge questions about whether he is still testing positive for COVID-19.