Category: Kaiser Health News

With Caveats, Hopeful News for Preschools Planning Young Kids’ Return

Hundreds of thousands of essential workers have kept their kids in day care during the pandemic out of necessity and, so far, these centers haven’t been big disease spreaders. But the evidence remains incomplete.

Missouri Voters Approve Medicaid Expansion Despite GOP Resistance

Missouri is the sixth state to use a ballot initiative to extend Medicaid eligibility. Most of the remaining states that have not expanded Medicaid are Republican-leaning states in the South.

Could Labs That Test Livestock Ease COVID Testing Backlog for People? Well … Maybe.

Experts say aid from certain veterinary labs could relieve some of the pressure on commercial and hospital-based labs to lessen the current delays in COVID-19 testing and results, but it is unlikely to be a game changer.

Pandemic’s Bumps and Backlash Shape Montana Race Poised to Steer US Senate

Gov. Steve Bullock’s response to the pandemic has helped raise his profile as he challenges incumbent Republican Sen. Steve Daines. But it also complicates the campaign as the state sees a resurgence of COVID-19 cases and voters question some of the governor’s actions.

Maryland County Pledges Investigation of Health Worker’s Coronavirus Death

The disease intervention specialist at the Prince George’s County Health Department was among at least 20 department employees infected by the coronavirus, union officials say. The outbreak underscores the stark dangers facing the nation’s front-line public health army.

When Green Means Stop: How Safety Messages Got So Muddled

Philadelphia is in the “restricted green” reopening phase. What does that mean? And why does the U.S. have so many different pandemic safety rules? 

California GOP Consultant Rues ‘Big Mistake’ That Led to Family’s COVID Infections

Richard Costigan, a well-respected fixture in state Capitol circles, has detailed his family’s ongoing experiences with COVID-19 on social media after catching the virus — he surmises — at a backyard gathering. The former Schwarzenegger aide wants people to know this virus doesn’t care who you are.

Hospital Merger in Washington State Stokes Fears About Catholic Limits on Care

Virginia Mason Health System and CHI Franciscan announced plans in July to merge 12 hospitals and more than 250 other treatment sites in the Puget Sound region and the Yakima area. Some patient advocacy groups warn the proposal would jeopardize access to needed services, such as emergency termination of pregnancies, contraception and physician aid in dying.

What Seniors Can Expect as Their New Normal in a Post-Vaccine World

Experts say folks 60 and up must continue to limit exposure in the years to come — even after there is a vaccine for COVID-19.

Fauci Unfazed as Scientists Rely on Unproven Methods to Create COVID Vaccines

Teams are starting to test vaccines using messenger RNA or chimpanzee cold viruses to inoculate humans. Will their benefits last?