Category: Kaiser Health News

Coronavirus Puts Prisons In Tight Spot Amid Staff Shortages, Threats Of Lockdown

As the coronavirus threat rises, prisons are grappling with the possibility of nationwide lockdowns and calls for prisoner releases.

KHN’s ‘What The Health?’: Coronavirus Goes Viral

The rapidly spreading coronavirus has led to the cancellation of sporting events, conferences and travel, with Congress and President Donald Trump scrambling to catch up to the spiraling public health crisis. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has issued long-awaited rules aimed at making it easier for patients to carry copies of their medical records. Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post and Kimberly Leonard of Business Insider join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss this and more. Also, for extra credit, the panelists suggest their favorite health policy stories of the week they think you should read, too.

Donald Trump’s Wrong Claim That ‘Anybody’ Can Get Tested For Coronavirus

The process is not as simple as calling your doctor or pharmacy, saying you want to be tested for COVID-19 and getting it done. Clinicians decide whether patients meet the criteria to warrant it. Circumstances are further complicated because tests are in short supply.

Congress Approves Boost In Food Aid For Seniors But Funding Falls Short Of Growing Need

Congress passed legislation Wednesday reauthorizing the Older Americans Act, which provides for home-delivered and group meals. Although proposed funding increases are substantial, they still don’t keep up with the nation’s growing senior population.

The Startling Inequality Gap That Emerges After Age 65

The good news: Life expectancy for people who make it to 65 has increased. Yet, coastal and urban people fare better than those in rural and middle America.

Tampons, Pads And Politics Mesh In New Push For Access To Menstrual Supplies

As a national movement for better access to menstrual products gains steam, “period equity” activists in Colorado are finding the path to change isn’t straight. Although Denver last summer repealed sales taxes on menstrual products and the state now requires supplies to be provided in prisons, an effort to repeal the statewide sales tax on the products failed. So, activists assemble supply kits to donate to those who need them.

Coronavirus Is Keeping Me Home From Work. Will I Get Paid?

If you are sick from the coronavirus outbreak or sent home, your financial protections may vary depending on what state you live in.

Coronavirus Is Keeping Me Home From Work. Will I Get Paid?

If you are sick from the coronavirus outbreak or sent home, your financial protections may vary depending on what state you live in.

How To Avoid Coronavirus? Lessons From People Whose Lives Depend On It

As the new coronavirus continues its spread through the U.S., the general public can look for guidance from millions of Americans with weakened immune systems who long ago adopted the rules of infection control that officials tout to avoid contagion.

Crushed By A Hospital Bill? Stand Up For Yourself

Most hospitals must offer free or reduced-cost care to certain patients, based on income, even if they have insurance. But some hospitals erect barriers to charity care, so it’s up to patients to advocate for themselves.