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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
Listen: HHS Files Challenge Over Rights To Gilead’s HIV-Prevention Drug
November 7, 2019
KFF Health News Original
KHN’s Shefali Luthra discusses the recent Trump administration lawsuit regarding the HIV-prevention drug Truvada.
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.
Trusting Injection Drug Users With IV Antibiotics At Home: It Can Work
By Martha Bebinger, WBUR
February 26, 2020
KFF Health News Original
When patients need long-term treatment with intravenous antibiotics, hospitals usually let them manage their treatment at home — but not if they have a history of injection drug use. A Boston program wants to change that.
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.
Watch: When Insurance Doesn’t Cover A Mental Health Crisis
November 6, 2019
KFF Health News Original
CBS This Morning reports on the latest KHN-NPR Bill of the Month.
In Massachusetts, Minors Need Permission For Abortion, But That Could Change
By Martha Bebinger, WBUR
January 7, 2020
KFF Health News Original
A parental consent requirement for minors who seek abortions is still on the books in left-leaning Massachusetts, as well as about two dozen other states. But a proposed Massachusetts law seeks to repeal that consent requirement and shore up the right to abortion in case the Supreme Court strikes down the federal right to the procedure.
Paying It Forward: ‘Bill Of The Month’ Series, A Vital Toolkit For Patients, Wraps Year 2
By Hannah Norman
December 23, 2019
KFF Health News Original
In our ongoing, crowdsourced investigation with NPR and CBS, we’ve armed future health system pilgrims with the tools they need to avoid exorbitant medical bills and fight back against unfair charges. Here’s a look back at 2019’s stories.
‘An Arm And A Leg’: Tradition Grows Into $1 Million Gift For People In Medical Debt
By Dan Weissmann
December 26, 2019
KFF Health News Original
Every year — for decades — the Buehler family and friends have organized a softball tournament in the Cincinnati, Ohio, area to raise money for someone with big medical expenses. In 2019, the group helped forgive $1 million in medical debt.
For Her Head Cold, Insurer Coughed Up $25,865
By Richard Harris, NPR News
December 23, 2019
KFF Health News Original
A New York City woman, worried that her sore throat might be strep, got swabbed at her doctor’s office. The sample was sent to an out-of-network lab for sophisticated DNA tests ― with a price tag similar to a new SUV.
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.
‘An Arm And A Leg’: Reporter Says ‘Shame’ Spurred Hospital To Cancel Debt For Thousands
By Dan Weissmann
December 19, 2019
KFF Health News Original
Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in Memphis, Tenn., sued thousands of patients for unpaid medical bills. Journalist Wendi Thomas wrote about it. Months later, the hospital dropped 6,500 lawsuits.
