Latest KFF Health News Stories
Avoiding Care During the Pandemic Could Mean Life or Death
Americans are avoiding hospitals and clinics by the millions, even when they shouldn’t, and many experts expect a jump in preventable disease diagnoses after the COVID crisis eases. Paradoxically, the pandemic may have been good for some heart patients, however.
Don’t Count on Lower Premiums Despite Pandemic-Driven Boon for Insurers
Early in the pandemic, insurers expected the costs of treating COVID-19 would vastly increase medical spending. Instead, non-COVID care has plummeted and insurers have pocketed the result. Still, few industry observers are predicting broad-based premium cuts in 2021, though some health plans have proposed lowering their rates.
Don’t Fall for This Video: Hydroxychloroquine Is Not a COVID-19 Cure
This statement is taken from a video in which a group of doctors air unproven conspiracy theories about the coronavirus. Dr. Immanuel’s claims were among the most inaccurate. And, before it was removed from social media platforms, thee video was viewed millions of times. President Donald Trump retweeted it.
KHN’s ‘What The Health?’: Republicans in COVID Disarray
President Donald Trump’s sobering view of COVID-19 didn’t last long – this week, he was back to pushing hydroxychloroquine, a drug that has been shown not to work in treating the virus. Meanwhile, Republicans on Capitol Hill are still scrambling to agree among themselves and with the White House on the next coronavirus relief bill, as both a moratorium on evictions and extra unemployment payments expire. And the debate over drug prices, which was going to be one of the biggest health issues of this election year, makes a brief appearance. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Mary Ellen McIntire of CQ Roll Call and Anna Edney of Bloomberg News join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss this and more. Also, Rovner interviews KHN’s Markian Hawryluk, who wrote the latest KHN-NPR “Bill of the Month” story about a surprise bill from a surprise surgical assistant.
Perspectives: The Relief Bill’s Boondoggle, Part II; Pros, Cons Of Keeping Kids At Home This Fall
Editorial writers focus on these pandemic issues and others.
Research Roundup: COPD; Appendicitis; Orthodontics; And Artificial Intelligence
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others.
States facing major health problems, some not related to the coronavirus epidemic, seek federal help. Meanwhile, some state officials are realizing that maybe, just maybe, people are partying too hard and spreading COVID.
How States Are Faring: Ohio Hospitalizations Hit Record High
Reports on the coronavirus epidemic from Ohio, Texas, Arizona, Montana, Oregon and Oklahoma.
The pandemic is reappearing in Vietnam and is surging again in several Asian countries. Also, a Japanese court recognizes “black rain” victims 75 years after the atomic bomb blast.
Number Of Kids With Lead Poisoning Higher Than Expected, Study Finds
Other scientific developments include a potential medieval antibiotic, how your blood sugar affects your workouts and the effects of mechanical ventilation on COVID patients.
US Needs To Drastically Change Or Face Many More Deaths, Health Groups Say
Also in the news today: Covered California; CARES Act funds in Georgia, SOC Telemed; and a major hospital apologizes for performing cosmetic genital surgeries on intersex infants.
Usefulness Of COVID-Symptom Apps Questioned
But venture capitalists pour more money into other medical technology.
Study: Gum Disease Linked To Dementia
“We looked at people’s dental health over a 20-year period and found that people with the most severe gum disease at the start of our study had about twice the risk for mild cognitive impairment or dementia by the end,” said study author Ryan Demmer. And more on cognitive testing.
How White Nurses Can Fight Racism In The Workplace
Other topics on the mental and physical effects of racism include this year’s heat wave, last year’s Walmart shooting in El Paso, Texas, and yoga.
Evolving Plans For Higher Ed: Mailing Test Kits, Switching To Online, Enlarging Classrooms
News on how various colleges and universities are handling students returning, including Baylor, Georgetown, Seton Hall, Miami University and colleges in Michigan.
Shared Homes: Younger Family Members Are Infecting Older Ones
Whether they’re going to work or bars, when young adults head home, family members are at risk. Public health news is on flying, homelessness, assistance funds, masks, isolation, and more.
Thousands Of Lives Spared By Closing Schools In Spring, Researchers Find
A new study shows evidence that closing all of a state’s schools was associated with a measurable decrease in U.S. coronavirus cases and deaths. Also news on how various school districts are handling a fall reopening of classes.
Worries Grow of Antibiotic Shortages
In other pharma news, 23andMe’s database is used in cancer drug development and Kodak shareholders get a windfall after federal government pumps $765 million into a largely moribund company.
Mask Mandates Expanded In Maryland
Maryland’s governor toughens his mask mandate, even though Dr. Anthony Fauci says they are difficult to enforce.