Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Luz, cámara… sin acción: problemas con el seguro de salud en Hollywood por COVID
Los sindicatos de la industria del entretenimiento gerencian seguros de salud basados en las horas de trabajo, un problema en medio de una pandemia que paralizó las producciones.
NIH ‘Very Concerned’ About Serious Side Effect in Coronavirus Vaccine Trial
The AstraZeneca trial is on hold in the U.S. as scientists try to unravel whether a rare neurological condition is linked to the vaccine. But regulators are frustrated by a lack of information from the drugmaker.
‘It Seems Systematic’: Doctors Cite 115 Cases of Head Injuries From Crowd Control Devices
In the most comprehensive tally of such injuries to date, the Physicians for Human Rights scoured publicly available data — including social media, news accounts and lawsuits — to document and name victims of summer protests. Still, the group cautions, it’s likely an undercount.
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and others.
Opinion writers express views on vaccine development and distribution and other health topics.
North And South Dakota Are Nation’s Newest COVID Hot Spots
Mask requirements have been fiercely debated in both states. Meanwhile, California lawmakers are criticized for improperly wearing masks. News is also from Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Michigan, Georgia and Texas.
US Flight Crew Strives To Keep Antarctica COVID-Free; Israel Reports Second Wave
Global pandemic developments are also reported out of Antarctica, Israel, Austria, Brazil and India.
Preventive Care Data: Use Lags Behind 2019
Colonoscopies and some other procedures are gaining ground, however, compared to April. News is on mental health, sex, safe workplaces, ovarian cysts and hunger.