Category: Kaiser Health News

In An Exchange About Coronavirus, Homeland Security Chief Gets Flu Mortality Rate Wrong

The Homeland Security secretary missed the mark with his estimate of the flu’s annual U.S. mortality rate.

HHS Removed Images Of Condoms From HIV/AIDS Awareness Fliers

For those who are sexually active, condoms are widely recognized as the most effective method for preventing HIV and other diseases, if used correctly. But a fact sheet with “unapproved condom imagery” was taken down from a federal website, KHN has learned.

Failure To Communicate: The Debate On ACA Rages On 10 Years After Passage

Health policy is complicated. As a result, many journalists ― and sometimes policymakers ― have defaulted to talking about its politics. That means opponents often have shaped the debate about the federal health law’s implementation and effects to foment public fear or anger.

Nursing Home Outbreak Spotlights Coronavirus Risk In Elder Care Facilities

The spread of coronavirus disease to a skilled nursing facility in Washington state underscores the risk the deadly new virus poses in elder care facilities, where illnesses caused by more common pathogens, like seasonal influenza, often spread rapidly.

Must-Reads Of The Week From Brianna Labuskes

Newsletter editor Brianna Labuskes wades through hundreds of health care policy stories each week, so you don’t have to.

Watch: Reviewing Public Health Record Of New Coronavirus Commander Mike Pence

KHN Midwest editor and correspondent Laura Ungar shares her expertise on Vice President Mike Pence’s public health track record as he leads the nation’s novel coronavirus response. Ungar covered a 2015 Indiana HIV outbreak and its fallout amid Pence’s tenure as governor.

Colorado Forges Ahead On A New Model For Health Care While Nation Waits

Since gaining control of the House, Senate and governor’s office, Colorado Democrats are pushing an aggressive health care agenda. With measures to create a public insurance option, welcome drug importation, lower drug prices, curtail surprise billing and cap insulin copays, the state is becoming a likely model for health policies at the federal level.

High Court Revisits Abortion Law Akin To One Struck Down In 2016

The justices will hear a case Tuesday involving a Louisiana law requiring abortion providers to be able to admit patients to a nearby hospital. But four years ago, the court said a similar Texas law was unconstitutional.

Readers And Tweeters Dive Into Debate Over ‘Medicare For All’

Kaiser Health News gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.

Growing Concerns Of Coronavirus Should Spur Plans – Not Panic – In The Workplace

Even in the event of an outbreak, employers have to follow certain rules in their efforts to protect employees from this virus.