Latest KFF Health News Stories
Insurance Regulators Stepping In To Protect Patients From Eye-Popping Bills For Virus Tests
Although coronavirus tests are supposed to be free, lawmakers didn’t limit charges if the testing is done out of network — or prohibit labs or hospitals from billing patients if insurers refuse to pay their posted charges. In other news: a testing location directory, testing in the workplace and the need for a contact tracing army.
A small number of states are experimenting with online voting as they prepare for an expected second wave in the fall. While Russian hackers stopped short of manipulating voter data in 2016, American officials determined the effort was likely a dry run for future interference.
Trump Administration Sitting On More Than 75% Of Humanitarian Aid Allocated By Congress
Relief workers say they were alarmed and bewildered as to why the vast majority of the aid money has not been distributed. Officials in charge of the funds say they want to ensure it goes to the right places, but relief organizations say the money is being released “demonstrably slower” than in past global health crises. Meanwhile, Bill Gates expresses his disappointment with President Donald Trump’s decision to cut ties with WHO.
Trump Touts Job Numbers, Looks Ahead To ‘Recovery Summer’ As He Tries To Turn Page On Pandemic
Health experts worry that President Donald Trump’s eagerness to move past the pandemic is sending misleading information to Americans that the crisis is over. Public health models forecast that more than 130,000 in the United States will have died by the end of June.
Exactly 100 Days Since Its First Confirmed Case, NYC Begins To Reopen With Eyes Of Nation On It
As many as 400,000 workers could begin returning to construction jobs, manufacturing sites and retail stores in the city’s first phase of reopening. But the momentous day comes amid turmoil and uncertainty from the protests. Media outlets look at how other areas of the country are weathering the pandemic as the U.S. death toll surpasses 110,000.
Experts Carefully Watching For Surges In Virus Cases As Tens Of Thousands March In The Streets
Experts say there’s no question that the protests will exacerbate the pandemic, wile many protesters think the risk is worth it.
For many Americans, the health disparities laid bare by the pandemic are intertwined with police violence and the Black Lives Matter movement. And many experts say that tackling those inequities lay at the heart of the battle against racism.
Opinion writers weigh in on these health care issues and others.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these health care topics and other topics.
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic issues and others.
HHS Considers Extending Telemedicine Flexibility For Medicare Beneficiaries After The Pandemic
There are regulatory barriers in place though that would will require HHS coordination with and support from other federal agencies, Congress and state governments in order to make some of the current practices permanent. In other technology news, investment interest in health IT companies dips.
Longer Looks: COVID In Detention Facilities; Health Care Workers And Protests; And Pandemic Escapism
Each week, KHN finds interesting reads from around the web.
Protesters Should Highly Considering Getting Tested For COVID-19, CDC Director, Other Leaders Say
“I do think there is a potential, unfortunately, for this to be a seeding event,” said CDC Director Robert Redfield. Govs. Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) and Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.)–leaders of states hit hard by the outbreak–also spoke out about the need for protesters to be evaluated for the virus.
Sens. Harris, Booker Blast Paul For Holding Up Bipartisan Anti-Lynching Bill ‘On A Day Of Mourning’
In a heated and emotional floor debate, Sens. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) said that Sen. Rand Paul’s (R-Ky.) amendment to an anti-lynching legislation would weaken it and put a “greater burden on victims of lynching than is currently required under federal hate crime laws.”
Global pandemic developments are reported out of Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Pakistan, South Korea, France, Belgium, Japan and other nations.
As Innovative Contact Tracing Apps Emerge, Privacy And Accuracy Pitfalls Could Thwart Efforts
In addition to privacy concerns, experts say that smartphone-based contact tracing could miss low-income populations who are some of the most vulnerable in the pandemic. Meanwhile, at a congressional hearing, CDC Director Robert Redfield emphasized the need for building up an army of contact tracers.
Millions Of Families Struggling With Rare Illnesses Hit Hardest By Suspension Of Experiments, Trials
All research on diseases will be impacted by the current switch to COVID research, advocates say, but often there’s a small window when therapies can work for the 30 million people in the U.S. impacted by rare diseases for which there is no treatment or cure. Public health news is on caregivers, learning loss, the lifting of an e-book ban, additional flights, experts repeat warnings, challenging get-togethers, congenital syphilis, and climate change, as well.
Media outlets report on news from Nevada, Virginia, New Jersey, Florida, Maryland, California, Michigan, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island.
‘My Anxiety Is Out Of Control’: Officers In Navajo Nation Have Added Worry About Exposure To COVID
The high rate of infection makes Navajo Nation officer Carolyn Tallsalt, who grew up on the reservation, panic for her family members and friends but also for herself, writes the Los Angeles Times. Other news on Native Americans is on the new hardships of potters and artists who can’t sell at markets, the end of weekend lockdowns in some areas and the decision of tribes in Montana to keep reservations closed.
