Sen. McConnell creates Cornavirus Response Portal with guidance on provisions in the federal relief act; warning that covid-19 doesn't just affect older people - Health News

As news develops in Kentucky about the coronavirus and its covid-19 disease, this item will be updated. Official state guidance is at https://kycovid19.ky.gov.

• "The idea that this is purely a disease that causes death to older people we need to be very, very careful with," said Dr. Mike Ryan, the World Health Organization's emergencies chief, warning that as much as 10 percent to 15% of people under 50 have moderate to severe infection and many middle-aged people spend weeks in the hospital, the Associated Press reports for Modern Healthcare. The AP reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's first snapshot of cases found 29% of infections were found in ages 20 to 44; that underlying health issues can increase the increase of infection and the severity of  the disease; and that men seem more susceptible than women to covid-19.  
• Louisville-based Humana Inc. announced today that it is waiving all medical costs related to the  treatment of covid-19 as well as FDA-approved medications or vaccines as they become available.  The agency had already pledged to cover any out-of-pocket costs for coronavirus testing. The Humana news release says, "Now, costs related to subsequent treatment for COVID-19—including inpatient hospital admissions— will be waived for enrollees of Medicare Advantage plans, fully insured commercial members, Medicare Supplement and Medicaid." The Louisville Couirier Journal reports that Cigna, American worldwide health services organization is also waiving customer co-sharing and co-payments for covid-19 treatment. 
• Norton Healthcare in Louisville is reporting that 45 of its employees have tested positive for the coronavirus across five-hospital systems and that the system is now working under a "universal mask protocol" starting today, Lucas Aulbach reports for the Courier Journal. 
• U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has created a Coronavirus Response Portal on his website to help Kentuckians take advantage of the provisions in the federal coronavirus relief act, called the CARES Act. The portal addresses unemployment insurance, low-interest federal loans, federal taxes and relief checks, federal grants, and assistance for Kentuckians traveling or living abroad.

from KENTUCKY HEALTH NEWS https://ift.tt/39tr3LO - Health News