Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Widespread Testing Remains Elusive: U.S. Achilles Heel Is Lynchpin To Re-Opening Country

Morning Briefing

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

Morning Briefing

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

Morning Briefing

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.

‘Our Sentences Have Turned Into Death Sentences’: A Look Inside A Louisiana Prison Offers Snapshot Of National Issue

Morning Briefing

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.

A Vaccine Is The One True Global Exit Strategy From This Pandemic, But Timeline Is Frustratingly Long

Morning Briefing

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.

Health Law Could Act As Safety Net For Millions, But Marketing Has Been So Severely Cut They Might Not Know It

Morning Briefing

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

HHS Watchdog Report Finds Hospitals Are Seriously Grappling With Equipment And Protective Gear Shortages

Morning Briefing

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.

Industry Roundup: A Medicare Advantage Pay Bump; Hospitals’ Partnerships With Local Agencies; Social Safety Nets And Health

Morning Briefing

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.

How COVID-19 Affects U.S. Kids: CDC Data Confirms That Children Are Less Likely To Fall Seriously Ill

Morning Briefing

Less than 2 percent of the confirmed U.S. coronavirus infections are pediatric cases, according to a new CDC report. Three kids under 18 so far have died though, and there is some evidence that babies may be at more risk, though data is incomplete. News reports focus on the health impact to pregnant women, as well.

Government To Buy 167M Masks From 3M For Front-Line Workers Following Contentious Negotiations

Morning Briefing

The federal government’s decision to use the Defense Production Act was key to shifting the trajectory of negotiations between the two sides, Trump administration officials say. Health care workers are issuing desperate calls for more masks. In one Detroit hospital system alone, 700 employees have tested positive for the virus. Meanwhile, the military steps up its efforts to produce masks, as well. And despite experts’ guidance, President Donald Trump has yet to don a mask in public.

Physical And Mental Complications Can Linger For Patients Who Recover From Coronavirus

Morning Briefing

While a life-saving tool, ventilators can cause long-term physical and emotional side effects. And physicians say they can’t offer recovered patients who aren’t retested any guarantees about whether they can still transmit the virus. Meanwhile, experts warn of a mental health crisis brewing. More public health news related to the outbreak report on a drop in heart attacks and strokes, fears of dying alone, loneliness, how the virus attacks the body, an anticipated surge in foster care placements, uncertainty for cancer patients, and more.

Virus Outbreak Seems To Hit Black Americans At Alarming Rate But Lack Of Data Obstructs Full Picture

Morning Briefing

Data on race and the impact of COVID-19 is too limited so far to draw conclusions, experts say. But disparate rates of sickness and death is emerging in many African-American and Latino communities. “We cannot have a colorblind policy,” Stephen Thomas, director of the University of Maryland’s Center for Health Equity tells Politico. “With a colorblind policy — ‘Hey, we’re all in this together’ — we’ll be left with an explosion of Covid-19 concentrated in racial and ethnic minority communities.”

The Struggle To Keep The Food Supply Steady Made More Difficult As Grocery Stores, Meat Plants Hit By Infections

Morning Briefing

So far, at least four grocery store workers have died. And employees at meat plants in several states are sick. Meanwhile, online grocers try to keep up with demand. And meal assistance programs try to reach vulnerable seniors.

Pelosi Warns Another $1T Is Needed For Next Stimulus That Would Include Another Direct Payment To Americans

Morning Briefing

While House Democrats have been eager to start working on another stimulus package, Republicans have been more hesitant, although in recent days Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has talked about prioritizing health care in any potential legislation. Meanwhile, experts continue to warn about a deep and devastating hit to the economy. Some parts of the country may fare better than others, however.