Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

‘No Mercy’ Explores the Fallout After a Small Town Loses Its Hospital

KFF Health News Original

Listen to “Where It Hurts,” each episode debuting on Tuesdays, from Sept. 29 through Nov. 10. When Mercy Hospital Fort Scott shut its doors, locals lost care. Health workers lost jobs. The hole left behind is bigger than a hospital. Season One is “No Mercy.”

Multi-State Salmonella Outbreak Tied To Dried Mushrooms

Morning Briefing

COVID news is on the pandemic’s impact on households, working mothers, home care workers and the most vulnerable. Other news reports are on HIV, masking, wildfire dangers and more, as well.

Whitmer Orders K-5 Students To Wear Masks In Michigan

Morning Briefing

Schools news is on a lack of data being shared by Georgia health officials; one older teacher’s resolve to open her classroom; higher education’s punishment of partying students, and more.

Japan Approves Gilead’s Filgotinib After FDA Rejected It

Morning Briefing

The rheumatoid arthritis drug, which has been touted as a potential blockbuster, will be sold under the name Jyseleca. The FDA had raised concerns about sperm toxicity, especially for the higher, 200-mg dose. The Japan go-ahead covers the 200 mg and 100 mg tablets.

Biden Campaign Laughs Off Trump’s Debate Drug Test Suggestion

Morning Briefing

Health care issues, including coronavirus management, the Affordable Care Act and drug prices, are expected to feature heavily during the first debate between President Donald Trump and the Democratic nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden — an event that will break with past debate traditions, like the candidates’ handshake and a large audience, due to COVID-19.

Suicides Up 20% In Military; Army Considers Shortening Deployments

Morning Briefing

An Associated Press report found that there was an overall dip in military suicides during the first three months of 2020 compared with the same time last year. But when the pandemic hit in the spring, the numbers increased.

HHS Reallocates $300M From CDC For Ad Campaign; Celebs Defend Involvement

Morning Briefing

According to a report from Politico, the videos featuring administration officials and celebrities aim to “defeat despair” about the coronavirus pandemic. Two of the people taped, actor Dennis Quaid and gospel singer CeCe Winans, say their involvement is not political.

Biden, Democrats Say Republicans Rushing Supreme Court Pick To Kill Obamacare

Morning Briefing

With little chance of blocking the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett in the Republican-controlled Senate, Democrats are focusing their campaign messaging on the potential threat posed to the Affordable Care Act.

Where Amy Coney Barrett Stands On Reproductive Rights, Health Care

Morning Briefing

President Donald Trump’s nominee for the high court has been described as a devotee of the late conservative Justice Antonin Scalia, for whom she worked as a law clerk. On the subject of abortion, Scalia wrote that the Constitution has nothing to say about it and that states should decide the question for themselves. There is no reason to believe Barrett disagrees.