Latest KFF Health News Stories
Quarantine Plans: Stockpiling Likely Again Before Election
Even in Vermont, where the pandemic is under control, residents have plans to protect their families in the event of a second surge or political unrest. Public health news is on mental health, heavy drinking, motherhood in jail and updates on schools, as well.
You’re Negative For COVID? New App Will Help You Prove It
HealthCheck, a type of health “passport,” will permanently record your test results in your phone in a way that is not “fakeable,” according to Dr. John Halamka of the Mayo Clinic, which teamed with Safe Health Group on the venture. “It will provide you a QR code to show your employer, your school, or to show before attending an event,” he said.
Future Of ACA Takes Center Stage At Supreme Court Confirmation Hearing
Senate Democrats on the Judiciary Committee are focusing much of their questions and comments to Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett around an upcoming case that could overturn the Affordable Care Act as well as other issues related to the pandemic.
Long Lines, Fake Drop Boxes, Delayed Ballots: Early Voting Challenges Grow
With concerns growing about how to vote safely in large groups on Nov. 3, more Americans than usual are seeking early or absentee voting options. But some are encountering problems.
‘A Whole Lot Of Trouble’ Is Brewing, Fauci And Local Health Officials Warn
Thirty-three states have reported a rise in new COVID cases. “That’s a bad place to be when you’re going into the cooler weather of the fall and the colder weather of the winter,” infectious diseases expert Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNBC on Monday. “We’ve got to turn this around.”
Maskless Trump Holds First Campaign Trail Rally Since COVID Infection
President Donald Trump is traveling again, telling supporters in Sanford, Florida, that he is feeling “so powerful” after his coronavirus treatment and praising his administration’s handling of the pandemic.
Trump’s COVID-19 Tests Now Negative, Doctor Says
Dr. Sean Conley’s memo states that President Donald Trump tested negative for the coronavirus on consecutive days and that his medical team assessed him to no longer be contagious. Others question the effectiveness of the test used.
‘Unexplained Illness’ Halts Testing Of Johnson & Johnson’s Vaccine
A second final-phase vaccine trial is now on hold after Johnson & Johnson temporarily paused testing of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a participant becoming ill.
‘Caution Light’: Nevada Man Is First Reported In US To Get Virus Twice
Scientists confirm that a 25-year-old was reinfected earlier this year, the fifth confirmed reinfection worldwide. The second case can be more severe.
COVID Restrictions Struck Down In Michigan But Upheld In Wisconsin
The ruling in Michigan doesn’t affect orders that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration had issued through the state health department director — which replicate mask requirements, restrictions on gathering sizes and restaurant capacity.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
England On Alert For Tiered Lockdown System As Resurgence Hits Europe
Global news is from England, Spain, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Romania, China and Nigeria, as well.
Nevada Reverses Decision On Rapid Tests In Nursing Homes
In a letter to Nevada officials, the Department of Health and Human Services threatened punitive action if the state did not revoke its ban. Nevada had halted use of the tests over concerns about reliability.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and other health topics, as well.
People Of Color Find It Harder To Obtain Mental Health Services
Disparities already existed, but “what we’re seeing is that some of the stresses that are associated with being a member of a marginalized group have been exacerbated during the pandemic,” said Brian Smedley of the American Psychological Association.
High School Students Suffering From Long-Haul Symptoms, Too
Researchers attempt to understand why some young people haven’t fully recovered from COVID. About 10% of the U.S. cases are in children. News is on middle schools and colleges, as well.
Harsh Winter Comeback For COVID Anticipated
The autumn rebound presages more COVID infections in winter, and fears grow that caring for the sick will overburden hospitals.
Healthy Profits Prompt Hospital Chain To Return $6 Billion
In news about the health care industry, HCA Healthcare returns federal funds, California’s attorney general seeks antitrust oversight of Sutter and Atrium and Wake Forest Health to merge.
More Large COVID Contracts For Drug Companies
Pharmaceutical industry news includes AstraZeneca’s $486 million government contract for COVID antibody treatment; a metformin recall; and Mallinckrodt filing for bankruptcy.
CMS: Unsubsidized Enrollees For ACA Drop Again
Enrollment among the subsidized continues to grow, but the portion that is unsubsidized dropped by more than 300,000 beneficiaries last year.
