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Latest KFF Health News Stories

Nursing Homes Still See Dangerously Long Waits for COVID Test Results

KFF Health News Original

The Trump administration hailed rapid tests as the way to halt COVID’s spread in nursing homes. A KHN analysis of federal data shows they’re not being used, as questions linger about accuracy and best practices.

When False Information Goes Viral, COVID-19 Patient Groups Fight Back

KFF Health News Original

Fear and uncertainty about the coronavirus have made online patient support groups fertile ground for the spread of misinformation. But some in these groups make fact-checking a part of the mission to support fellow COVID sufferers.

Crooked Media and KHN’s ‘No Mercy’ Dissect Fallout After Rural Hospital Shuts

KFF Health News Original

Crooked Media’s “America Dissected” explores the rural health crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Podcast guest KHN Editor-in-Chief Elisabeth Rosenthal said: “I expect we’ll see a lot more rural hospital failures.”

California Stands to Lose Big if US Supreme Court Cancels Obamacare

KFF Health News Original

California has more at stake than any other state should the U.S. Supreme Court strike down the Affordable Care Act. Millions of people could lose their health coverage and the state could lose billions in federal money each year.

Listen: The ACA in Court Again

KFF Health News Original

KHN’s Julie Rovner joins public radio station KQED in California to discuss the stakes in the latest case challenging whether the Affordable Care Act is constitutional.

‘No Mercy’ Chapter 7: After a Rural Town Loses Hospital, Is a Health Clinic Enough?

KFF Health News Original

In Fort Scott, Kansas, the Community Health Center’s big green-and-white sign replaced Mercy Hospital’s name on the front of the town’s massive medical building. In the final chapter of Season One: “No Mercy,” we have an appointment to see what’s inside.

Orange County Struggles With Health Equity — And Battles State Restrictions

KFF Health News Original

Disneyland can’t reopen until Orange County’s coronavirus infection rates improve — especially among its poorest and most vulnerable residents. Local officials are protesting the requirements, saying the economy will suffer, and residents’ health along with it.

Justices Bound to See ACA as ‘Indispensable,’ Says Californian Leading Defense

KFF Health News Original

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments Tuesday in a case that could overturn the Affordable Care Act. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who is defending the law with the backing of more than 20 other states, told California Healthline that he predicts the justices will uphold it.

What to Know as ACA Heads to Supreme Court — Again

KFF Health News Original

Republican state officials and the Trump administration argue that the justices should overturn the entire law. At issue in the case is Congress’ decision to reduce to zero the penalty for not having health coverage.

Search for a Snakebite Drug Might Lead to a COVID Treatment, Too

KFF Health News Original

Human clinical trials are scheduled for a drug that could prevent some of the 100,000-plus deaths from snakebites worldwide each year. The same drug may also help people suffering from COVID-related acute respiratory distress.

Biden Wins, but His Health Agenda Dims With GOP Likely to Hold Senate

KFF Health News Original

Democrats had hoped not only to defeat President Donald Trump but also to capture the Senate so they could make major policy changes, such as bolstering the Affordable Care Act and reducing the number of uninsured.

KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Change Is in the Air

KFF Health News Original

Former Vice President Joe Biden remains on the cusp of being declared the winner of the presidential election, and which party will control the Senate next year remains in question. The outcomes of both the presidential and Senate elections will have dramatic effects on the health agenda. Meanwhile, should President Donald Trump eke out a win, his administration is still pushing some sweeping health changes. Joanne Kenen of Politico, Kimberly Leonard of Business Insider and Mary Ellen McIntire of CQ Roll Call join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more.