Latest KFF Health News Stories
Hospitals Expect To Face Financial Shortfalls
The main lobbying group for American hospitals reports hospitals will be running in the red because of Covid costs as it asks for even more federal taxpayer relief.
COVID Scientists Dig Deeper Into Immunity, Transmission, Blood Clots
But many questions are still mysteries, such as how the virus spread so silently and quickly, and how deadly it really is. Meanwhile, researchers look further into the disease’s effects on organs, how UV light might help and how other viruses or vaccinations play a role.
Impending Insolvency Of Medicare May Hit Sooner Due To Pandemic
With record numbers out of work, fewer payroll taxes are coming in to fund Medicare — at the same time more people are enrolling and Congress dips into Medicare’s reserves to help fund COVID-19 relief efforts.
We Won’t Skimp On Safety, Vaccine Makers Promise Lawmakers
In testimony to Congress, officials from AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Moderna and Pfizer said the unprecedented speedy push for a vaccine won’t cause them to cut corners.
Biden Unveils His Caregiver Plans
Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden announces a $775 billion (over 10 years) plan to improve care for children and the elderly. He couches it as part of an economic recovery effort.
Trump And Spokeswoman Contradict One Another On How Often He’s Tested
Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters Tuesday that the president gets tested for coronavirus multiple times a day. Yet later in the day, President Donald Trump put the frequency closer to one test every two to three days.
Chinese Hackers Targeting Biotech Firms, Says FBI
The FBI said the Chinese government is acting like “an organized criminal syndicate” and a Congressman proposes a bill to sanction foreign hackers.
White House, Congressional GOP Continue To Clash Over Stimulus Bill
Back-and-forth negotiations Tuesday between the White House and Senate Republicans yielded little agreement — but a lot of ire — over the scope and cost of the next pandemic funding legislation.
Positive COVID Test? Isolate For 10 Days, CDC Now Says
Updated guidelines from the CDC for those who’ve gotten a positive coronavirus test result recommend isolating for 10 days after symptoms begin. For asymptomatic patients, it’s 10 days from the testing date.
Trump Abandons Rosy Forecast: Pandemic To ‘Get Worse Before It Gets Better’
In the first briefing of the White House coronavirus task force since April, President Donald Trump warned the nation about the state of the pandemic. He also told Americans to, “get a mask.”
True Number Of COVID Cases Could Be 10 Times Higher
The CDC reports that blood samples taken from people in 10 U.S regions show that far more Americans have been infected by COVID-19 than have tested positive. The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, also indicates that not enough people have been exposed for widespread immunity.
COVID Death Rate In America Back Up To Over 1,000 In A Day
For the first time since early June, the United States reported Tuesday more than 1,000 deaths in a single day due to the coronavirus. The alarming climb in death rates and hospitalizations undercut arguments about the severity of the current surge.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Parsing Policies: Pros, Cons Of The Next Virus Economic Relief Package
Opinion writers focus on efforts under way in Congress and at the local level to address the economic recovery and fight the pandemic.
Viewpoints: COVID Lessons On Preparations For Election Season
Opinion writers weigh in on how the country needs to prepare for the 2020 vote.
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic issues and others.
Global Update: EU’s Mega-Stimulus Package; China’s New Visitors’ Test
Pandemic news from the European Union, China, South Korea and Spain.
Rising Caseloads, More Deaths As States Confront Virus’s Spread
Montana deals with a care facility outbreak, while additional news on the coronavirus comes from Indiana, Nebraska, Oregon, Nevada, Washington, Texas and Louisiana.
Fla. Sheriff Says He Can’t Provide Security For GOP Convention
Duval County Sheriff Mike Williams, a Republican, says a lack of plans and funding for the Jacksonville event are troubling. Plus, other news from Kentucky, Maryland and Illinois.
Health Care Construction Boom Anticipated
Health care companies in New York City are expected to spend 38% more on construction. And a lab company settles federal kickback allegations.
