Latest KFF Health News Stories
Quarantined Mizzou Students Say School Forgot To Bring Them Food
In other higher-education developments: students at Michigan State are quarantining after an “alarming” outbreak of cases; Arizona State University says nearby bars aren’t following COVID protocol; LSU students who get coronavirus tests will have priority for football tickets; and more.
NYC Schools Not Ready To Open Next Week, Teachers Union Says
School staffers are concerned about “basic procedures and supplies” and school building ventilation in place when they returned last week to prepare for the scheduled reopening, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Kaiser Permanente Is First Health System To Win Carbon-Neutral Status
The health insurance company is not affiliated with Kaiser Health News (KHN) or KFF. Other health systems in the news include UnitedHealthcare, Lifespan, Care New England, Northwestern Medicine, Palos Health, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Atlantic Health and CentraState Healthcare.
4 In 10 Americans Know Someone Who Was Hospitalized Or Died From COVID
The Pew Research Center conducted the poll in August. The proportion of Hispanics who knew someone (46%) more than doubled since the April/May survey. Other hospital news reports on music therapy, inequalities and on-site telehealth.
At Least 800 Nurses, Hundreds Of Health Care Workers Strike In Chicago
They’re calling for safer working conditions and better pay. The strike, which is scheduled to last seven days, was supposed to include about 1,300 nurses, but a Cook County judge ruled that 525 nurses couldn’t join because it would endanger patients’ safety.
Once A Vaccine Is Approved, What Comes Next?
News outlets examine the obstacles that could complicate efforts to inoculate the globe from COVID-19.
CMS Opens Public Comments On Nursing Home Infections
The measure could be added to its Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program this year.
Drug Company Touts Anti-Inflammatory Drug’s Role In Shortening COVID Recovery
Eli Lilly said it planned to discuss with regulators the possible emergency use of baricitinib for hospitalized patients. Other news is about early research on an antibody that might neutralize COVID and how the virus controls the brain, as well.
Increases In Medicaid Enrollment Widespread Due To Job Losses
Caseloads rose on average 8.4% through July in 30 states for which researchers have enrollment information. And in 14 states with enrollment data through August, the average is 10%. Other news is on CMS pulling back from a financing proposal, as well.
Bipartisan Group Tries To Break Up Stimulus Logjam With $1.5T Proposal
Lawmakers calling themselves the House Problem Solvers Caucus float a recovery package aimed at pushing Democratic leaders and White House officials to resume negotiations on a coronavirus relief economic relief package.
House To Investigate Alleged Interference By Trump Aides On COVID Reports
Democratic House lawmakers informed HHS Secretary Alex Azar of the probe into charges, reported by Politico, that agency political appointees tried to influence CDC scientific reports on COVID-19. Meanwhile, the White House refuses to allow trade adviser Peter Navarro to testify to a House panel about a canceled ventilator manufacturing contract.
‘I’m On A Stage, And It’s Very Far Away’: Trump Defends Indoor Rally
In an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, President Donald Trump said that he is not subject to Nevada’s rules limiting indoor gatherings to 50 and that he was not concerned about his own safety. He did not address health risks for supporters who attended the rally. Privately, Trump campaign aides voiced concerns that the events could exacerbate the pandemic.
Report: Meatpacking Industry Asked Federal Regulators For Support To Stay Open
“The industry ran to the White House as meat and poultry workers all across the country were getting sick and dying to say, ‘Let us stay open and have USDA intimidate health departments so they can’t close us down because our profits are more important than workers’ health and community’s health,’” said a former chief of staff of OSHA.
Air Quality Alerts Trap Western Residents Inside
Everyone living in California, Oregon and Washington is under some level of warning about smoke-clogged air conditions created by the ongoing wildfires. Parts of California may not see relief until October.
HHS Spokesman Accuses CDC Scientists Of ‘Sedition’ With No Evidence
Talking to Facebook followers live on Sunday night, HHS spokesman Michael Caputo also offered up conspiracy theories about a left-wing insurrection and voiced concerns that his own “mental health has definitely failed.” The comments follow reports that Caputo and other HHS political appointees tried to interfere with scientific reports issued by CDC.
‘We’ve Been Set Back About 25 Years’: Pandemic Erodes Global Health Progress
A Gates Foundation report details the calamitous impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on vaccination rates, hunger, mental health, education and other critical initiatives that have driven global health progress over the previous decades.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Lights, Camera, No Action: Insurance Woes Beset Entertainment Industry Workers
Many actors, directors, backstage workers and others in the entertainment industry are often eligible for health coverage through their unions, a model that some experts promote for other gig workers. But coverage is determined by past employment, and many of these professionals aren’t working because of the coronavirus.
COVID Exodus Fills Vacation Towns With New Medical Pressures
As people leave COVID-stricken cities to settle semi-permanently in vacation communities, locals assess how these new residents are changing demands on medical services.
New Dental Treatment Helps Fill Cavities and Insurance Gaps for Seniors
A new treatment for tooth decay is cheaper, quicker and less painful than getting a filling. Originally touted as a solution for kids, silver diamine fluoride is poised to become a game changer for treating cavities in older adults or those with disabilities that make oral care difficult.