Latest KFF Health News Stories
Governors and hospital leaders fear the voluntary efforts from private companies will be too scattershot without federal coordination. But President Donald Trump has been hesitant to actually use the Defense Production Act, which could compel companies to manufacture medical equipment and protective gear. A FEMA official caused confusion on Tuesday when he mentioned the act, but the agency later walked back statements that it had been invoked.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages focus on these health care issues and others emerging during the pandemic.
Trump Wants To ‘Open Up’ The Country By Easter Despite Public Health Experts’ Warnings
Public health experts caution that lifting social distancing recommendations would overwhelm the country’s health system and have fatal consequences. But President Donald Trump, who has tied his presidency to the success of the economy, seems to be getting restless. The suggestion that the country restart in two weeks kicked off a debate about the value of human life between the political parties.
The measure is the largest economic rescue package in U.S. history and would give direct payments to most Americans, expand unemployment benefits and provide a $367 billion program for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) wants to pass the legislation on unanimous consent so that she doesn’t have to call lawmakers back to the Capitol, but Republicans signal at least one member is protesting that move.
Perspectives: Will Americans Actually Be Able To Afford A Vaccine If One Is Available?
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Drug Pricing Legislation Fades Into Background As Coronavirus Dominates Lawmakers’ Attention
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical development and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Editorial pages focus on these health care topics and others.
Thalidomide Crisis: Decades Later, Survivors Demand Justice, Recognition For Severe Defects
A New York Times special report looks at efforts under way to help thousands of Americans who say they were harmed during trials for a drug used as sedative to help treat morning sickness in the 1950s and 1960s.
“This what I’m seeing everyday,” a doctor in Italy says. If odds of surviving are stacked against a patient on a ventilator, doctors have to make tragic decisions to remove them from the machine for younger, healthier patients. Other news on COVID-19 is on South Korea’s success at flattening the curve, China’s aims to lift its lockdown, Britain’s plans a virtual lockdown, and a slowdown on security clearances in the U.S., as well.
Olympics Postponed Until 2021 Amid Outcry Over Public Health Dangers
Countries had begun announcing they wouldn’t participate in Tokyo’s 2020 games.
N.J. ICE Detainees Are Only Allotted One Bar Of Soap A Week. If They Want More, They Have To Buy It.
As fears of the coronavirus spreading like wildfire inside detention facilities mount, inmates are demanding more supplies like soap and toilet paper.
In interviews with The New York Times nearly two dozen Asian-Americans across the country said they were afraid — to go grocery shopping, to travel alone on subways or buses, to let their children go outside.
Health Law Turns 10 In Midst Of Global Pandemic
For a legislation that’s had a rocky journey from the start, it is almost fitting that it marks its 10-year anniversary in the middle of a pandemic. The New York Times and KHN look back on how far it has come and where it’s headed next. Meanwhile, as states re-open their marketplaces, Democrats are calling on the federal government to do the same.
Business Is Booming For Gun Sellers But They Could Be Shut Down As Nonessential
The gun industry is asking states to classify gun sellers as essential businesses amid fears that they’ll be closed by shut down orders. Meanwhile, their sales so far have been skyrocketing amid Americans’ fears.
Courts Try To Keep Crippled Justice System Moving With Video Hearings, Home Detentions
As the coronavirus outbreak disrupts and delays most court proceedings, federal and state judicial and prison officials take steps to institute solutions and technological workarounds to try to restart criminal and civil cases.
It’s a lesson Americans learned after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001: privacy violations done in the name of a crisis have a way of lingering after threat has passed. In other technology news: hackers target WHO and rural communities struggle to access tele-education options.
Advocates Balk After Texas, Ohio Categorize Abortions As Nonessential Procedures
The states say they are trying to protect public health, but abortion rights advocates say the leaders are capitalizing on a crisis to further their own political agenda.
Former Vice President Joe Biden, the 2020 Democratic front-runner, has a tricky tightrope to walk, and some critics wonder if he’s managed to be effective as he tries to step back into the public spotlight. Meanwhile, the outbreak continues to upend the elections, from questions on what to do abut the Democratic National Convention to the debate over main-in voting.
Although the mortality rates among young people are still low, they are being hospitalized in rates that some might not have realized because of early messaging around the demographics of patients.
