Rachana Pradhan

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rpradhan@kff.org
@rachanadpradhan

El sistema de pruebas para COVID de la Casa Blanca no protegió al presidente

KFF Health News Original

El diagnóstico de COVID-19 del presidente Donald Trump está generando nuevas preguntas sobre la estrategia de la Casa Blanca para realizar pruebas y contener la propagación del virus.

These Secret Safety Panels Will Pick the COVID Vaccine Winners

KFF Health News Original

Data and safety monitoring boards work under a cloak of secrecy meant to prevent undue influence by stakeholders, such as companies or the government. In the Trump era, some worry the anonymity could actually invite it.

It’s Not Just Insulin: Lawmakers Focus on Price of One Drug, While Others Rise Too

KFF Health News Original

While insulin is the poster child for outrageous prescription costs, patients are paying ever more to treat depression, asthma, HIV, cholesterol and more. And the pandemic has overtaken efforts to force the issue in Congress.

Lack of Antigen Test Reporting Leaves Country ‘Blind to the Pandemic’

KFF Health News Original

A KHN review found more than 20 states either don’t count or have incomplete data on the use of COVID-19 antigen tests, leaving the public in the dark about the true scope of the pandemic.

As Georgia Reopened, Officials Knew of Severe Shortage of PPE for Health Workers

KFF Health News Original

State officials said they urgently needed millions more masks and gowns, internal emails show. At least 80 Georgia health workers have died from COVID-19, including after the state reopened its economy.

Business Is Booming for Dialysis Giant Fresenius. It Took a $137M Bailout Anyway.

KFF Health News Original

Half of the money the Trump administration gave dialysis companies was collected by Fresenius, an international juggernaut with a robust balance sheet, a KHN analysis has found.

As Problems Grow With Abbott’s Fast COVID Test, FDA Standards Are Under Fire

KFF Health News Original

After the FDA issues a public warning about the test, one of its senior officials says point-of-care coronavirus tests can miss 20% of cases and still be considered useful. Public health experts are split.

White House Left States On Their Own To Buy Ventilators. Inside Their Mad Scramble.

KFF Health News Original

Although laws prohibit price gouging on precious resources in times of emergency, states have been forced to compete for a share of the nation’s stockpile of ventilators — used to treat the sickest COVID patients — or pay top dollar on sideline deals. With quality and quantity control lacking, what happens when the pandemic’s second wave hits?

COVID Bailout Cash Goes To Big Players That Have Paid Millions To Settle Allegations Of Wrongdoing

KFF Health News Original

At least half of the top 10 recipients, part of a group that received $20 billion in emergency HHS funding, have paid criminal penalties or settled charges related to improper billing and other practices.

Abbott’s Fast COVID Test Poses Safety Issues, Lab Workers Say

KFF Health News Original

HHS said this test would “save personal protective equipment.” But Abbott’s very design ― devised for mobile testing — means those working with specimens need even more protection, experts warn.

‘Red Dawn Breaking Bad’: Officials Warned About Safety Gear Shortfall Early On, Emails Show

KFF Health News Original

As President Donald Trump called the nation “in good shape” to handle COVID-19, a cache of emails released by officials in Washington state show that top public health authorities feared gear shortages and doctor safety in the early epicenter of sickness and deaths.

La decisión de los CDC sobre la prueba del coronavirus atormentará al país por meses

KFF Health News Original

Los kits iniciales para la prueba del coronavirus se distribuyeron casi por igual en localidades de los 50 estados. Sin pensar demasiado aquéllas zonas que realmente los necesitaban con urgencia.

CDC Coronavirus Testing Decision Likely To Haunt Nation For Months To Come

KFF Health News Original

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave huge cities roughly the same number of test kits as some rural spots, which crippled efforts by health officials to contain the virus.

HHS Removed Images Of Condoms From HIV/AIDS Awareness Fliers

KFF Health News Original

For those who are sexually active, condoms are widely recognized as the most effective method for preventing HIV and other diseases, if used correctly. But a fact sheet with “unapproved condom imagery” was taken down from a federal website, KHN has learned.

When Your Doctor Is Also A Lobbyist: Inside The War Over Surprise Medical Bills

KFF Health News Original

As lawmakers consider bills to protect patients against surprise medical bills, doctors have waged a stealth on-the-ground campaign to win over members of Congress. Here’s how they did it.

5 Things To Know About Trump’s Medicaid Block Grant Plan

KFF Health News Original

Federal officials unveiled guidance for states that want to opt out of some of the current funding program and instead seek a fixed payment to gain more flexibility.