Latest KFF Health News Stories
Economic Toll Of COVID Epidemic Often Hidden
Wage cuts, unemployment checks delayed and workers comp claims denied add up to more economic misery in the pandemic, but much of it is not visible.
Hotel, Health Care Workers Protest Working Conditions
Hotel groups filed a lawsuit in San Francisco citing concerns about exposure to contaminated surfaces, and hospital staff in Santa Rosa, Calif., are protesting over inadequate protection and proposed pay cuts. Other news on workers from Michigan and Washington, as well.
Few Photos Of Dark Skin Hinders Care For Blacks, Latinos, Dermatologists Say
In other news on health care and racism, NIH researchers try to get a better sense of how socioeconomic factors like income, family structure and diet affect COVID infections and outcomes, and Black professionals are losing their livelihoods at greater rates than their white counterparts.
Some Recovered COVID Patients Shunned Or Stigmatized
A Mayo Clinic publication interviews people who had the virus who report being treated differently since recovering. Other news stories on disparities in America report on telehealth challenges for low-income seniors, ageism and the beating of a veteran at the Portland protests.
It’s Not The Heat, It’s The COVID
Very high temperatures across the country, coupled with social distancing, make it harder to deal with heat-related health problems. And, by the way, the heat isn’t killing the coronavirus.
NFL Will Eliminate Preseason Games; NBA’s Safety Rules Are Working
In other sports news: NCAA paints a bleak picture of college football’s future during the pandemic; and Dr. Anthony Fauci will throw out the first pitch on Opening Day for the champion Washington Nationals.
California Allows Outdoor Haircuts And Manicures
Hair salons and barber shops, forced to close again last week, get an OK for some outdoor services. Other public health news is on journalists’ mental health, foster care, pandemic pregnancies, prisons, health care workers and birthday parties.
Report: Poor Nutrition Is Leading Cause Of Illness, Lost Productivity
“Every day, our country suffers massive health, social, and economic costs of poor diets,” said Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, co-author of the paper. Also, news is reported on food labeling and allergies.
Mosquitoes Probably Won’t Give You COVID
Always a menace, mosquitoes are not going to pass along the coronavirus, a group of scientists say. But they remain a public health scourge throughout the country.
Florida Teachers File Lawsuit Over In-Person Schooling Mandate
Meanwhile, Kansas instructs teachers and students to mask up when schools reopen; Catholic schools in St. Louis aim for in-person classes starting in August; and the big experiment that is schools reopening.
More Retail Chains Require Masked Customers
Gap Inc., which owns Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy stores, and Target are among the businesses now demanding that all customers wear masks. And Surgeon General Jerome Adams literally begs Americans to wear them.
Drugmakers Wary Of Plan To Ease Medicaid Rules
Modern Healthcare investigates how CMS’ recent proposal “could have wide-ranging implications for the 340B program.”
COVID Spreads As People Wait For Lab Results
In some areas, test results are taking a week or longer. That turnaround time could negate testing’s ability to stem the spread of the virus, experts warn.
Initial Results From Oxford COVID Vaccine Trial Appear Hopeful
The Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine trial is one of three — with CanSino Biologics and Pfizer-BioNTech leading the other two — that are reporting only minor side effects, coupled with strong immune response.
In Ad Blitz, Planned Parenthood Urges Passage Of COVID-Relief Bill
The digital campaign asks constituents to call their senators and tell them to “stop stalling” on the bill.
23 States Join Suit Aimed At Protecting ACA Anti-Discrimination Rule
The lawsuit, filed by Democratic state attorneys general on Monday, alleges that a federal rule by the Trump administration in June “arbitrarily and unlawfully strips health care rights” from the LGBTQ community, pregnant women and others.
Vaccines Are A Hot Topic Of Capitol Hill Debate, Lobbying
Stat reports on a potential financial conflict of interest for two House lawmakers during a hearing on vaccine development, as well as the stepped-up lobbying by pharmaceutical companies.
FDA Looks To Crack Down Further On Fruit-Flavored Vapes
The Food and Drug Administration sent warning letters to 10 companies that manufacture disposable e-cigarettes with sweet or fruity flavorings that appeal to youth vapers.
Testing Has White House, GOP Lawmakers At Odds Over Stimulus Bill
While common ground with Democrats is still far off, disagreements remain between the Trump administration and congressional Republican leaders after a White House meeting. At issue is money for virus testing, schools and payroll taxes while a surprise billing measure appears to be off the table.
HHS Restores Public Access To Pandemic Data Through New Portal
HHS Protect launched Monday by the Department of Health and Human Services. This new data system replaces the one previously managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
