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Essential Workers
Minerva Alers

The Indicator from Planet Money

Essential Workers

Essential workers put themselves at risk of infection every day to keep the economy running. But many aren't well protected or compensated for the dangerous work they do.

Essential Workers

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COVID-19 Tests That Are Supposed To Be Free Can Ring Up Surprising Charges

Anna Davis Abel, a graduate student studying creative writing at West Virginia University, couldn't get tested for COVID-19 until her doctor ruled out other possible illnesses. Rebecca Kiger for KHN hide caption

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Rebecca Kiger for KHN

Shots - Health News

COVID-19 Tests That Are Supposed To Be Free Can Ring Up Surprising Charges

Kaiser Health News

A graduate student in West Virginia was concerned she had come down with COVID-19. But she couldn't get tested for it until her doctor ruled out other things, a process that cost a bundle.

COVID-19 Tests That Are Supposed To Be Free Can Ring Up Surprising Charges

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Business

What Happened Today: Flyover Salute To Health Care Workers, Economy Questions

NPR's chief economics correspondent updates the situation with federal small business loans and answers listener questions about what to expect after the pandemic is over.

What Happened Today: Flyover Salute To Health Care Workers, Economy Questions

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Disease In A Globalized World
-/AFP via Getty Images

The Indicator from Planet Money

Disease In A Globalized World

Globalization and urbanization historically have made the global economy more productive and efficient — and also more vulnerable to pandemics. But now they can be forces for good in the fight against disease.

Disease In A Globalized World

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How To Donate The Federal Relief Check

Americans have already started receiving their federal relief checks. And for those thinking that there are people who need this money much more, there are various ways to donate the cash.

How To Donate The Federal Relief Check

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3.4 Million Homeowners Skip Payments. But Many Are Scared, Say Congress Needs To Act

Nevada resident Derek Reich lost his income as a freelance cameraman. He says his lender told him he'd have to make up any missed payments in a giant balloon payment he can't afford. Then he was told that if he didn't qualify for a better option, "you're going into foreclosure." So Reich says he's going to spend his 401(k) retirement money rather than get the help that Congress wanted him to have. Courtesy of Derek Reich hide caption

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Courtesy of Derek Reich

The Coronavirus Crisis

3.4 Million Homeowners Skip Payments. But Many Are Scared, Say Congress Needs To Act

Homeowners say that to catch up on payments, lenders demand big balloon payments they can't afford. Advocates want Congress to mandate that missed payments simply be added to the end of the loan term.

3.4 Million Homeowners Skip Payments. But Many Are Scared, Say Congress Needs To Act

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Patients Are Being Billed For Some Phone Chats With Doctors That Used To Be Free

Despite recent changes in insurance policy, some patients say doctors and insurers are charging them upfront for video appointments and phone calls — not just copays but sometimes the entire cost of the visit, even if it's covered by insurance. sesame/Getty Images hide caption

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sesame/Getty Images

Shots - Health News

Patients Are Being Billed For Some Phone Chats With Doctors That Used To Be Free

Kaiser Health News

As part of their social distancing policies, elected leaders suggested phone and video medical appointments would be covered by health insurance. So why are some patients paying $70 per virtual visit?

What The CARES Act Means For Your Student Loans
LA Johnson/NPR

Life Kit

What The CARES Act Means For Your Student Loans

The CARES Act provides relief to many student loan borrowers during the coronavirus pandemic. But how do you know if you qualify? What if you're enrolled in Public Service Loan Forgiveness? What about private loans? This episode, a Life Kit collaboration with Death, Sex & Money from WNYC Studios, explains the fine print of how to handle student loans during the pandemic.

What The CARES Act Means For Your Student Loans

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Business

Listeners Make Plans For Their Federal Relief Money

Americans are beginning to receive their pandemic assistance checks of up to $1,200. We hear from listeners about what they are using the money for.

Listeners Make Plans For Their Federal Relief Money

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Economy

What Happened Today: New Aid Bill Passes Senate, Economy Questions

Wall Street Journal chief economics commentator Greg Ip talks about the new aid package passed in the Senate and answers listener questions about the economy and stimulus checks.

What Happened Today: New Aid Bill Passes Senate, Economy Questions

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How To Get Estate Documents In Order During The Pandemic

How does one prepare legal documents if diagnosed with COVID-19? Estate planning attorney Stephanie Perry advises listeners on whether and how to prepare a will and get other documents in order.

How To Get Estate Documents In Order During The Pandemic

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Politics

Congress Reaches Deal On Expansion Of Emergency Funding

Bipartisan negotiators and the Trump administration reached a deal on spending more money to support small businesses, as well as to assist hospitals and improve testing nationwide.

Congress Reaches Deal On Expansion Of Emergency Funding

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