March 13, 2020
Trump Wrongly Said Health Insurers Will Pay For All Coronavirus Treatment
By Shefali Luthra and Amy Sherman, PolitiFact
There are important distinctions between how insurance companies will cover the test and the treatment. This makes the president’s statement an exaggeration, at best.
The Coronavirus, The Congressman And Me
By Shefali Luthra
When four KHN reporters were possibly exposed to COVID-19, they tried to take preventive steps. But even for health care journalists, getting tested for the virus ― and figuring out what to do next — is an uphill task.
Coronavirus Pushes Hospitals To Share Information About Stocks Of Protective Gear
By Blake Farmer, Nashville Public Radio
There is currently no central coordination of the supply of protective garb and masks in U.S. hospital inventories. A CDC project wants hospitals to share that information for the good of all.
Coronavirus Is Keeping Me Home From Work. Will I Get Paid?
By Michelle Andrews
If you are sick from the coronavirus outbreak or sent home, your financial protections may vary depending on what state you live in.
Donald Trump’s Wrong Claim That ‘Anybody’ Can Get Tested For Coronavirus
By Miriam Valverde, PolitiFact
The process is not as simple as calling your doctor or pharmacy, saying you want to be tested for COVID-19 and getting it done. Clinicians decide whether patients meet the criteria to warrant it. Circumstances are further complicated because tests are in short supply.
Coronavirus Puts Prisons In Tight Spot Amid Staff Shortages, Threats Of Lockdown
By Lauren Weber
As the coronavirus threat rises, prisons are grappling with the possibility of nationwide lockdowns and calls for prisoner releases.
KHN’s ‘What The Health?’: Coronavirus Goes Viral
The rapidly spreading coronavirus has led to the cancellation of sporting events, conferences and travel, with Congress and President Donald Trump scrambling to catch up to the spiraling public health crisis. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has issued long-awaited rules aimed at making it easier for patients to carry copies of their medical records. Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post and Kimberly Leonard of Business Insider join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss this and more. Also, for extra credit, the panelists suggest their favorite health policy stories of the week they think you should read, too.
How To Avoid Coronavirus? Lessons From People Whose Lives Depend On It
By Anna Maria Barry-Jester
As the new coronavirus continues its spread through the U.S., the general public can look for guidance from millions of Americans with weakened immune systems who long ago adopted the rules of infection control that officials tout to avoid contagion.
Surging Health Care Worker Quarantines Raise Concerns As Coronavirus Spreads
By Jenny Gold
The number of U.S. health care workers who have been ordered to self-quarantine because of potential exposure to the new coronavirus is rising at an exponential pace. Many experts say something has to change.
Pence Leaves Out Key Details About Health Coverage Of Coronavirus Testing
By Julie Appleby
The vice president's remarks are more proof that health care is complicated.
The Startling Inequality Gap That Emerges After Age 65
By Judith Graham
The good news: Life expectancy for people who make it to 65 has increased. Yet, coastal and urban people fare better than those in rural and middle America.
Around The Corner: 3D Housing Designed For The Homeless And Needy Seniors
By Sharon Jayson
As homelessness among older adults increases, a movement is afoot to use a powerful 3D printer to construct affordable and durable housing.
Congress Approves Boost In Food Aid For Seniors But Funding Falls Short Of Growing Need
By Laura Ungar
Congress passed legislation Wednesday reauthorizing the Older Americans Act, which provides for home-delivered and group meals. Although proposed funding increases are substantial, they still don’t keep up with the nation’s growing senior population.
Dental Shock: Six Pulled Teeth And One Unexpected Bill
By Victoria Knight
One woman's experience with the high cost of dental care and confusing Medicare coverage offers a teachable moment for other consumers. Her small church took up a collection, but the surprise bill — four times what she expected to pay — was sent to collections.
Crushed By A Hospital Bill? Stand Up For Yourself
By Bernard J. Wolfson
Most hospitals must offer free or reduced-cost care to certain patients, based on income, even if they have insurance. But some hospitals erect barriers to charity care, so it’s up to patients to advocate for themselves.
VCU Health Halts 30-Year Campaign That Seized Patients’ Wages, Put Liens On Homes
By Jay Hancock and Elizabeth Lucas
The bold move by the giant hospital system will help thousands of patients in the wake of a Kaiser Health News investigation last year.
Tampons, Pads And Politics Mesh In New Push For Access To Menstrual Supplies
By Kate Ruder
As a national movement for better access to menstrual products gains steam, “period equity” activists in Colorado are finding the path to change isn’t straight. Although Denver last summer repealed sales taxes on menstrual products and the state now requires supplies to be provided in prisons, an effort to repeal the statewide sales tax on the products failed. So, activists assemble supply kits to donate to those who need them.
As Youth Suicides Climb, Anguished Parents Begin To Speak Out
By Sharon Jayson
The suicide rate for children ages 10 to 14 almost tripled in a decade and is still rising. As parents grapple with loss, some turn to activism.
Heart Association Puts Halt To Bayer’s Giant Displays Of Baby Aspirin
By Phil Galewitz
After Kaiser Health News’ questions, the association tells the aspirin maker to take down display bins at Walmart pharmacies that gave a false impression that the over-the-counter drug is recommended for everyone to prevent heart attacks.
New Federal Rules Will Let Patients Put Medical Records On Smartphones
By Fred Schulte and Erika Fry, Fortune
Patients would have far more control over their health care with complete medical histories stored on their phones, proponents say.