Latest KFF Health News Stories
California Passes New York For Most Coronavirus Cases
With over 12,000 new confirmed COVID-19 cases reported Wednesday, California — the most populous state — passed New York’s previous record total. Over 7,000 Californians are hospitalized from the virus.
White House, Senate GOP Work Past Intraparty Rift To Near Stimulus Pact
After days of negotiation, Senate Republican leaders announce that they reached tentative agreement with the Trump administration on key measures, including stimulus checks, virus testing and school funding. Contentious issues remain though, and Democrats must still be brought on board.
COVID Toll Mounts With Second Day In A Row Of Over 1,000 US Deaths
As the death rate climbs, so does the number of new coronavirus cases with the United States nearing 4 million cases during the pandemic.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
COVID Runs Amok in 3 Detroit-Area Jails, Killing At Least 2 Doctors
Amid overcrowding and a shortage of personal protective equipment, at least 208 workers and 83 inmates in the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office jail system have been infected with the coronavirus.
As Long Waits for Results Render COVID Tests ‘Useless,’ States Seek Workarounds
With COVID-19 tests bogged down in backlogs, some states that relied on private laboratories, such as Quest Diagnostics, are trying to adapt as caseloads rise.
Medicaid Mystery: Millions of Enrollees Haven’t Materialized in California
State officials had projected that 2 million Californians would join Medi-Cal, the state’s health insurance program for low-income people, by July because of the economic devastation wrought by COVID-19. Yet enrollment has barely budged, and why is unclear.
Adjunct Professors: Jobs Are Low on Pay and Health Benefits With High COVID Risk
As colleges and universities develop plans for the fall semester amid the coronavirus pandemic, these non-tenured, often part-time instructors find themselves in an especially precarious position.
Listen: How the Pandemic Further Politicized Public Health
KHN Midwest correspondent Lauren Weber joined Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies on “The Source” show to talk about the politicization of public health during the COVID pandemic.
Ever Heard of a Surgical Assistant? Meet a New Boost to Your Medical Bills
A college student’s bill for outpatient knee surgery is a whopper — $96K — but the most mysterious part is a $1,167 charge from a health care provider she didn’t even know was in the operating room.
Editorial pages focus on ways government can respond to the pandemic.
Perspectives: We Don’t Deserve Constant Barrage Of Confusing, Misleading Drug Ads
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Viewpoints: Lessons On The Complete Failure Of Testing, High Cost Of Treatments
Opinion writers weigh in on these health care topics and others.
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues and others.
‘Life-Changing’ Hemophilia Treatment Could Be Priciest Ever: $3M Per Patient
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Planned Parenthood To Drop Sanger’s Name From NYC Clinic Over Eugenics Advocacy
“Margaret Sanger’s concerns and advocacy for reproductive health have been clearly documented, but so too has her racist legacy,” Karen Seltzer, the chair of Planned Parenthood of New York, said about the organization’s founder in a statement announcing the removal of her name.
News from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Oregon, Michigan, Louisiana, Arizona, Mexico, Utah, Maine, Georgia, District of Columbia, Oklahoma, California and Texas.
And How’s The Rest Of The World Doing?
Coronavirus updates from across the globe — and one item on Ebola. Also a little news about the Olympics in Japan.
Residents Of Pennsylvania Veterans’ Home In ‘Immediate Jeopardy’: Health Inspectors
Workers at Southeastern Veterans’ Center in Philadelphia failed to take proper safety precautions to protect its residents during the pandemic, according to health inspectors. 42 people have died at the facility. Other COVID-related news is on: the high death rate of Filipino Americans; health care worker dangers; and attacks against Pennsylvania’s health secretary.
Emergency Responders Wary Of Safely Protecting Evacuees From Storms, COVID
People needing to be relocated during hurricanes often have health issues that can be compromised by COVID, experts say. Public health news also focuses on mental health, women’s health, bingeing, and more.