Fauci Warns Covid Rate Still Too High
April 26, 2021
Morning Briefing
Dr. Anthony Fauci spoke on TV to warn that 50,000 new covid infections a day is too many. Meanwhile, studies show the B.1.1.7 covid variant, first found in the UK, is now the dominant strain in Oregon, and the Los Angeles Times reports on the record 5.7 million new cases reported globally over the weekend.
Tennessee’s Secret To Plentiful Coronavirus Testing? Picking Up The Tab
By Blake Farmer, Nashville Public Radio
May 20, 2020
KFF Health News Original
Just about anyone who wants a coronavirus test in the state of Tennessee can get one. How? The state got buy-in and lots of participation from private labs by assuring them it will pay them.
Facebook Live: Intimate Lessons From The Front Lines Of Family Caregiving
November 20, 2019
KFF Health News Original
Family caregivers are the backbone of our nation’s system of long-term care for older adults. Every year, more than 34 million unpaid caregivers — mostly family members — provide essential aid to adults age 50 and older, helping with tasks such as bathing or dressing and, increasingly, performing complex medical tasks such as managing medications, dressing wounds and operating medical equipment.
Is US Surge Of Highly Contagious Variant Inevitable?
March 16, 2021
Morning Briefing
The B.1.1.7 variant is poised to become the dominant strain in the U.S. but public health officials say future infection numbers depend on Americans’ precautions. Meanwhile a new study confirms fears that it is more deadly than other variants. In related news: a new variant is discovered in France.
Vacuna contra el coronavirus: ¿en qué punto está la investigación?
By Louis Jacobson, PolitiFact
July 16, 2020
KFF Health News Original
A principios de julio, había cerca de 160 ensayos de vacunas en todo el mundo, según la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Las tres vacunas más avanzadas se encuentran en la fase 3.
Más adolescentes buscan atención médica para sus problemas de salud mental
By Phillip Reese
November 12, 2019
KFF Health News Original
En 2018, los servicios de urgencias de California trataron a 84,584 pacientes jóvenes, de 13 a 21 años, con un diagnóstico primario relacionado con la salud mental.
Flavor Bans Multiply, But Menthol Continues to Divide
By Ana B. Ibarra
November 8, 2019
KFF Health News Original
As states and communities ban the sale of flavored tobacco products linked to vaping, anti-smoking activists are piggybacking on the momentum to target menthol cigarettes. But some African Americans say menthol cigarette bans will lead to discrimination.
‘Eeek’ Mutation Of A Variant: Latest Discovery Worries Disease Experts
February 3, 2021
Morning Briefing
Samples studied in the United Kingdom and the U.S. have shown a mutation of the more contagious B.1.1.7 variant first discovered in the U.K. Infectious disease experts are concerned about vaccine efficacy against this latest viral change.
Analysis: How A COVID-19 Vaccine Could Cost Americans Dearly
By Elisabeth Rosenthal
July 8, 2020
KFF Health News Original
The United States is the only developed nation unable to balance cost, efficacy and social good in setting prices.
Data Suggest Virus Variant Found In UK Is Deadlier Than Earlier Versions
January 25, 2021
Morning Briefing
The CDC is reviewing a British report that indicates the B.1.1.7 strain may be 30% more lethal. NIH Director Francis Collins and Dr. Anthony Fauci say more information is needed to know if its more lethal and contagious.
Medicare Part B Premiums Going Up
November 9, 2020
Morning Briefing
The monthly premium for outpatient care will go up by $3.90 next year to $148.50. The increase will claim a significant slice of retirees’ Social Security cost-of-living adjustment; it works out to nearly 20% of the average retired worker’s COLA of $20 a month next year, the AP reports.
The Color of COVID: Will Vaccine Trials Reflect America’s Diversity?
By JoNel Aleccia
July 27, 2020
KFF Health News Original
Although racial minorities, older people and those with underlying medical conditions are most at risk from COVID-19, they’ve historically been the least likely to be included in clinical trials for treatments for serious diseases. Will that change with COVID-19?
Warren’s Plan On ‘Medicare For All’ Could Raise Concerns Among Health Providers
November 4, 2019
KFF Health News Original
KHN’s Julie Rovner was featured on NPR’s “Weekend Edition” and MSNBC’s “Kasie DC” show over the weekend to talk about Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren’s plan to fund “Medicare for All.”
HHS Says Drugmakers Should Not Shut Off 340B Discounts To Hospitals
January 5, 2021
Morning Briefing
The Department of Health and Human Services issued an advisory opinion stating that pharmaceutical companies are obliged to offer discounts to medical facilities providing care to low-income communities.
Moderna Ups Its Vaccine Production Target To 1B Doses This Year
January 5, 2021
Morning Briefing
Other news on vaccine development and manufacturing looks at how we got here and the challenges ahead. Advice for people with allergies and cancer is also reported.
Hormone Blocker Shocker: Drug Costs 8 Times More When Used For Kids
By Sydney Lupkin, NPR News
February 24, 2020
KFF Health News Original
Two drug implants are nearly identical. The one for children has a list price of $37,300. For adults, the list price is $4,400. One dad fought for his daughter to be able to use the cheaper drug.
KHN’s ‘What The Health?’: Prepping For A Possible Pandemic
February 27, 2020
KFF Health News Original
Official Washington is sitting up and taking notice of the threat from the novel coronavirus as Congress and the Trump administration prepare for a potential pandemic. Meanwhile, the Democratic candidates for president are still arguing about “Medicare for All.” Joanne Kenen of Politico, Kimberly Leonard of the Washington Examiner and Shefali Luthra of Kaiser Health News join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss this and more. Also, Rovner interviews NPR’s Sydney Lupkin about the latest “Bill of the Month” installment.
Gobernador de California firma larga lista de leyes de salud que revelan los problemas de 2020
By Ana B. Ibarra
October 15, 2019
KFF Health News Original
El Gobernador Gavin Newsom terminó su maratón de firmas, poniendo fin a una sesión legislativa que tendrá un impacto enorme en la atención de salud y la cobertura de los californianos.
Why Hoarding Of Hydroxychloroquine Needs To Stop
By Martha Bebinger, WBUR
March 25, 2020
KFF Health News Original
Six states — Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas — have taken steps to limit inappropriate prescriptions for the medicine and preserve supplies for patients who take it for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
California Governor’s Bill-Signing Marathon Offers Glimpse Of 2020 Issues
By Ana B. Ibarra
October 15, 2019
KFF Health News Original
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed off on an array of health care bills that will significantly affect the lives of Californians, including many college students, pregnant women, schoolchildren and dialysis patients.