Phil Galewitz

Visit kff.org to read Phil's bio.

pgalewitz@kff.org
@philgalewitz

Wealthy Hospital Taps Craft Breweries For Aid To Buy Masks, Gloves

KFF Health News Original

Although the federal government has poured billions of dollars into hospitals to defray their losses from the coronavirus outbreak, new streams of fundraising have emerged — including health worker-themed beer that adds “a drop in the bucket.”

Open (Your Wallet) Wide: Dentists Charge Extra For Infection Control

KFF Health News Original

A growing number of dental offices across the country are now charging patients an “infection control fee” of $10 to $20 to pay for masks, face shields, gowns and air purifiers to help keep the offices free of the coronavirus.

COVID-Like Cough Sent Him To ER — Where He Got A $3,278 Bill

KFF Health News Original

A dad in Denver tried to do everything right when COVID symptoms surfaced. Still, he ended up with a huge bill from an insurer that had said it waived cost sharing for coronavirus treatment. What gives?

Reopening Dental Offices For Routine Care Amid Pandemic Touches A Nerve

KFF Health News Original

Most states ordered dental offices to close except for emergency patient care when the coronavirus hit the U.S. But the shutdown drilled deep into dentists’ finances, and they have been eager to reopen as states have relaxed their closures.

Looking For A Path To Reopen, Employers Weigh COVID Testing Of Workers

KFF Health News Original

As some states begin the delicate task of lifting stay-at-home orders and allowing businesses to reopen, many employers are considering whether their strategy should include wide testing of workers.

Coronavirus Crisis Opens Access To Online Opioid Addiction Treatment

KFF Health News Original

Under the national emergency, the government has waived a law that required patients to have an in-person visit with a physician before they could be prescribed drugs that help quell withdrawal symptoms, such as Suboxone. Now they can get those prescriptions via a phone call or videoconference with a doctor. That may give video addiction therapy a kick-start.

Retiree-Rich Palm Beach County Leads Florida In COVID-19 Deaths

KFF Health News Original

The coronavirus death toll in Palm Beach County — home to President Donald Trump’s palatial home and club, Mar-a-Lago ― is the highest in Florida, where the large senior population is at risk.

Medicaid Nearing ‘Eye Of The Storm’ As Newly Unemployed Look For Coverage

KFF Health News Original

The coronavirus outbreak has forced millions out of work and the federal-state health program for low-income people could face unprecedented strains as many states don’t necessarily have the resources or systems in place to meet the demand.

Under Pressure, Florida Governor Finally Orders Residents To Stay Home

KFF Health News Original

Florida joins more than 30 other states and the District of Columbia that have similarly restricted residents and businesses. Florida was the only state with more than 5,000 coronavirus cases that had yet to act.

With Coronavirus Rare In Rural Florida, Experts Dispute Way Forward

KFF Health News Original

At least 30 states have issued statewide stay-at-home orders. Florida, one of the eight states with the highest number of COVID-19 cases recorded so far, is the only one in that group not to have such an order.