Latest KFF Health News Stories
Swab, Spit, Stay Home? College Coronavirus Testing Plans Are All Over the Map
2020 will be a year like no other on college campuses, as every institution makes its own rules. Some have no plans to routinely test students for the coronavirus; others aim to test every student and staff member twice a week.
DeSantis Says COVID Is a Lower Risk for School-Aged Kids Than Flu
Although it is still early, available numbers provide backup.
Democratic Convention, Night 3: Making the Party Lines Clear
Sen. Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic nomination for vice president amid strong arguments against Donald Trump.
KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Democrats in Array (For Now)
In a highly produced, made-for-TV political convention, Democrats papered over their differences on a variety of issues, including health care, to show a unified front to defeat President Donald Trump in November. Meanwhile, COVID-19 continues to complicate efforts to get students back to school, and a federal judge blocks the Trump administration’s efforts to eliminate anti-discrimination protections for transgender people. Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post and Shefali Luthra of The 19th join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss this and more. Plus, for extra credit, the panelists recommend their favorite health stories of the week they think you should read, too.
Alerta por fraude: cosas que un rastreador de contactos de COVID nunca preguntaría
Los rastreadores de contactos legítimos no solicitan pagos ni buscan otra información financiera, advierten defensores de los consumidores y funcionarios.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic issues and others.
Research Roundup: Face Masks, Hydroxychloroquine, COVID, Lipids, BMI In Children
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
In Venezuela, COVID Victims Being Harassed, Jailed, Called ‘Bioterrorists’
Other global developments are reported out of the United Kingdom, Iran, India, Russia and Japan.
Perspectives: Time For A Relief Deal In Congress; A Big Thanks For ACA’s Protections For Unemployed
Opinion writers express views on these public health policies and more.
Premium Refunds: Blue Cross Michigan Saw Many Fewer Claims
Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurers must issue rebates for individual plans if they collect too much premium. Other industry news is on HIV services, slow prescription mail deliveries, praise for teleheath expansion and more.
Georgia Governor Balks At Reports That Say State Is In ‘Red Zone’
Other developments are reported from Massachusetts and New York.
California Limps Through Week Of Heat, Fires, Blackouts And COVID
Ash is raining from the sky in the Bay Area as wildfires rage. Meanwhile, a group that handles crisis calls in San Francisco says calls for high-risk suicide situations rose 25% on average from May through July 2020 compared to February through April.
New Clue May Explain Why Coronavirus Attacks The Lungs
A neurologist at New York’s Mount Sinai Health System stumbled onto it while doing a “bubble study.” In other developments: COVID-19 can survive on plastic, but it might not matter; scientists dig deeper into patients’ loss of taste and smell; and a new study links metabolism and cancer.
HHS Now Allows Pharmacists In All States To Give Kids Their Vaccines
The move comes as a dangerous drop in childhood inoculations during the pandemic is reported.
Flying And COVID: Fears Of Infection Could Be Unfounded, Scientists Say
CNN looks at why the chances are slim and why sitting in a window seat might be the best plan. Public health news is also on shutting off power on parties, obscured data from prisons, and more.
Risks Of Alcohol: Less Is Better, Cut Back To One Drink A Day
Physician and Boston University researcher Timothy Naimi said: “Whatever kind of study you look at, two drinks a day is associated with a higher risk of death than drinking one drink a day.” Public health news is on child abuse, vaping and more.
Unreliable? Some Tests Get Go-Ahead Without FDA Approval
Public health officials disapprove, arguing the HHS decision to lower the bar will lead to the use of flawed tests. News is on saliva tests, farm worker tests, and more.
Michigan To Settle Tainted Flint Water Lawsuits For $600M, Sources Say
The deal is subject to a federal judge’s approval. Tens of thousands of Flint residents exposed to contaminated drinking water are expected to be eligible, with most of the money designated for kids poisoned by hazardous lead.
Detroit Teachers Approve Strike; Teachers In NYC, Iowa Push Back
Public-sector employees are legally barred from striking in New York, but teachers have threatened to hold sickouts, The New York Times reports. In Iowa, the statewide teachers union announced a lawsuit over Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds’ mandate that districts offer at least 50% classroom instruction.
Birx Calls For College ‘Surge’ Testing While Trump Urges In-Person Classes
Federal, state and school officials continue to struggle with how to safely educate students this fall.