Latest KFF Health News Stories
States are both fighting and joining forces in their efforts to acquire more ventilators and medical equipment amid global shortages. Meanwhile, doctors lay out the gut-wrenching choices they’ll have to make if they have to ration ventilators. And some critical care physicians question if ventilators are being overused, considering how high the mortality rate is for patients who go on the machines.
State leaders, health officials and advocates across the country are alarmed by the disproportionately high number of black Americans who are being infected and dying of COVID-19. But the numbers are hard to track without nationwide data. “This pandemic just magnifies what we already knew: Access to health care, environmental issues in certain communities, air quality, water quality,” said Michigan state Rep. Tyrone Carter. “We think about Flint and think about my district who has air issues, asthma.”
Health privacy laws already grant broad exceptions for national security purposes, but critics see a national database containing sensitive health data as a step too far, comparing it to the Patriot Act enacted after the 9/11 attacks.
‘We Decided Enough’s Enough’: California Secures 200M Masks A Month At Cost Of $1B
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that his government has struck a deal with a consortium of suppliers to receive 200 million N95 respiratory and surgical masks for front line workers. In other news from the state, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti orders all city residents to wear a mask or bandana when shopping. And news outlets report developments from other areas of the state, as well.
Parts of rural America aren’t seeing the booms like in New York, D.C., and other urban areas, but cases in those parts of the country are now speeding up. Yet, more remote areas also tend to be the places that are already struggling in terms of what their health systems can bear. Media outlets look at how the virus is spreading in the states.
New York reported the biggest jump in deaths on Tuesday, bringing the state’s total to 5,489. The New York Times takes a deep dive into the early response in the state, finding that both the federal government’s missteps as well as early confidence by state leaders played a role in the rapid spread. New Jersey also reported its greatest daily increase of deaths.
Wisconsin Democrats turned out to the polls after a whirlwind back-and-forth debate over whether the primary should be delayed. Many voters braved a pandemic, along with long lines and terrible weather to cast their ballots, but critics say that they should never have been put in that position in the first place and that mail-in-voting needs to be implemented for November.
Congress Could Pass $250B Legislation Targeted At Helping Small Businesses As Early As This Week
Heavy requests for the previously approved $350 billion in loans push lawmakers to consider augmenting the original $2.2 trillion package with a smaller bill geared to help small businesses. Meanwhile, the Small Business Administration struggles with an aging system while under immense strain from the influx of emergency loan requests. In other news: Democrats eye Medicaid incentives for the next stimulus package; a comparison of the stimulus packages to the 2008 bailout; how much Trump hotels could benefit; and more.
Widespread Testing Remains Elusive: U.S. Achilles Heel Is Lynchpin To Re-Opening Country
Every plan to re-open the country involves widespread, aggressive testing. But the government has yet to be able to rise to meet the challenge, and even more shortages loom on the horizon. Dr. Anthony Fauci, meanwhile, warns that it’s not going to be like flipping a light switch, and that it’s imperative that the government doesn’t rush the decision.
Trump Ousts Watchdog Overseeing Coronavirus Stimulus Package In Latest Attack On Inspector Generals
President Donald Trump offered no particular reason for firing Glenn Fine, an inspector general who was known for his independence. The move is just the latest move by Trump to chip away at the watchdogs in charge of evaluating his administration. Critics say the behavior sends a message to government watchdogs to tread softly. “I cannot see how any inspector general will feel in any way safe to do a good job,” said Danielle Brian, the executive director of the Project on Government Oversight. “They are all at the mercy at what the president feels.”
Trump Lashes Out At WHO, Threatens To Halt Funding But Swiftly Back Pedals
President Donald Trump said the World Health Organization “really called every aspect wrong,” and was too focused on China in its initial response. But Trump’s criticism seemed aimed at shifting blame for the U.S. spread from his administration’s early missteps to the international organization.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic-related health issues and others.
Perspectives: Creative Ways To Pay For Pricey Specialty Drugs Could Backfire In The Long Run
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Countries Dredging Up Decades-Old Powers To Suspend Patent Rights In Anticipation Of Drug Shortages
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical development and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Advocates across the country are worried that if the coronavirus outbreak spreads to the prisons, it could be a catastrophe for those inside, who are often kept in close quarters with sub-par health and hygiene services. The Wall Street Journal interviews inmates and their families at one Louisiana prison who say that the invisible enemy is well entrenched inside the gates.
Scientists, political leaders and businessmen are trying to adopt ways to cut months off the vaccine development timeline. That includes wasting billions on preparing to develop vaccines that might not work. In the meantime, drugmakers race to find an effective treatment option.
Advocates are calling for the Trump administration to ramp up spending on outreach to make sure Americans who have been laid off during the crisis know there’s an option out there for them. The administration instead seems to be focused on a plan to tap hospital stimulus funds to pay people’s bills if they get coronavirus and need treatment
In the first nationwide assessment for how hospitals are handling the pandemic, the facilities told HHS’ Office of Inspector General that they’re increasingly “turning to new, sometimes un-vetted, and non-traditional sources of supplies and medical equipment.” The report finds that health systems need more help with tests, supplies and equipment; workforce flexibility; bed capacity; financial assistance; and centralized communication and information, including more and better data about the virus. President Donald Trump waved off the findings.
CMS has finalized a bump for Medicare Advantage plans that’s a good deal higher than the agency’s initial proposal that met with fierce industry opposition. Meanwhile, researchers look at a variety of factors when it comes to spending and safety nets.
