Latest KFF Health News Stories
Purdue Was Urged To Pay $14,000 Rebates Per Patient Hurt By Opioids, Documents Show
The suggestion was contained in a proposal made three years ago by McKinsey consultants, STAT reports.
‘No National Shutdown,’ Biden Pledges As Transition Impasse Extends
The Biden team continues to plan for its coronavirus crisis response, though President-elect Joe Biden said Thursday: “Unfortunately, my administration hasn’t been able to get everything we need” with the ongoing transition delay.
Hospitalized COVID Patients Shouldn’t Get Remdesivir, WHO Panel Advises
In other news on COVID treatments, the FDA on Thursday authorized the emergency use of baricitinib, a drug made by Eli Lilly. When used with remdesivir, the drug can reduce recovery time from COVID-19.
Federal Government Bets Big On New ApiJect Vaccine-Injection Device
The Trump administration approved a $590 million loan Thursday for the single-use, self-contained devices that are designed to be an alternative to traditional vials and syringes.
Trump Set To Release Two Rules Targeting Medicare Drug Costs
The “most favored nation” rule would tie what Medicare pays for prescription drugs to costs paid by other wealthy countries. The other regulation will limit rebates paid to pharmacy benefit managers. It’s unclear if the Biden administration will roll back the rules, which the pharmaceutical industry opposes.
Trump Administration Cuts Off Federal Reserve’s Emergency Lending Programs
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says the pandemic relief program is no longer needed. The Federal Reserve opposed the move.
Deaths Rising Back Up To Tragic Levels Of The Spring
For the first time since May, daily coronavirus deaths passed 2,000 in the U.S. on Thursday, with no end in site as cases of new infections continue to also break records.
California Issues Curfew, Work Safety Rules; New Hampshire Mandates Masks
As state and local leaders renew or add restrictions to try to contain the coronavirus spread, an analysis finds that the states with the least strict measures in place over the summer and early fall are now experiencing the worst outbreaks.
Breaking Silence, White House Task Force Warns Of Massive COVID Spread
Urging vigilance until a mass vaccine program is in place, members of the White House coronavirus task force held its first press briefing since July.
Pfizer To Apply Today For Emergency Approval Of Its COVID Vaccine
Pfizer and its partner BioNtech will be the first to file for FDA review of its coronavirus vaccine — an evaluation that is expected to take several weeks.
Don’t Travel, Limit Thanksgiving Gatherings, CDC Cautions Americans
A week ahead of the holiday, CDC issued guidance stating: “Postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others this year.” The agency also urged celebrating with just immediate household members.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Trump’s Lame-Duck Status Leaves Governors to Wing It on COVID
As coronavirus cases surge, state officials can’t afford to wait for a new president to take office before taking action. But some governors’ initiatives seem to be little more than policy tweaks or symbolic gestures.
KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Fear of Flying Is a COVID-Era Conundrum
As coronavirus cases take off across the U.S., airlines promote holiday deals and encourage travel. But are flyers throwing caution to the wind?
Florida’s New Hospital Industry Head Ran Medicaid in State and Fought Expansion
The state’s hospital association in September picked Mary Mayhew to be its new CEO. While leading the state Medicaid office, she was a vocal critic of the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion program.
These Front-Line Workers Could Have Retired. They Risked Their Lives Instead.
An investigation by KHN and The Guardian shows that 329 health care workers age 65 or older have reportedly died of COVID-19.
Voz de un experto: los niveles de seguridad que propone Fauci durante COVID
El doctor Anthony Fauci, la autoridad máxima en enfermedades infecciosas del país, dice que, si la mayoría de las personas se vacuna, se lograría cierta “normalidad” a mediados de 2021.
Research Roundup: COVID; CARB-X; Gender Dysphoria; Statin Therapy
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others.