Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Trump Approves Final Plan to Import Drugs From Canada ‘for a Fraction of the Price’

KFF Health News Original

The announcement clears the way for Florida and other states to implement a program bringing medications across the border to save money. The effort is strongly opposed by drugmakers and the Canadian government.

Heartbreaking Bills, Lawsuit and Bankruptcy — Even With Insurance

KFF Health News Original

With health insurance that can leave him on the hook for more than a quarter of his salary every year, a Kentucky essential worker who has heart disease is one of millions of Americans who are functionally uninsured. At only 31, he has already been through bankruptcy and being sued by his hospital. This year, he faced a bill for more than $10,000.

KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: ACA in Peril With Ginsburg’s Seat in Play

KFF Health News Original

The death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is giving new life to the latest constitutional challenge to the Affordable Care Act. It also places anti-abortion activists on the cusp of a court majority large enough to ensure the rollback of the right to abortion and, possibly, some types of birth control. Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar tries to centralize power at the sprawling department plagued by miscommunications and scandals. Anna Edney of Bloomberg News, Kimberly Leonard of Business Insider and Mary Ellen McIntire of CQ Roll Call join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Plus, Rovner interviews KHN’s Sarah Jane Tribble about her new podcast, “Where It Hurts,” debuting Sept. 29.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, Who Railed Against Masks, Now Has Coronavirus

Morning Briefing

NPR reports that as recently as July 11, Parson told a group of cattle ranchers that the government should not interfere with their decision to wear or forgo a face covering. “You don’t need government to tell you to wear a dang mask,” he said.

CDC: Halloween Masks Don’t Offer Protection

Morning Briefing

The agency also warns against wearing a costume mask over a regular cloth face mask and instead recommends Halloween-themed cloth masks. Other public health news reports on ongoing county fairs, airline mask policies, parental burnout and Wall Street’s reopening, as well.

Wildfires Expose More Americans Than Ever To Toxic Air Pollution

Morning Briefing

The increase of 9 million more Americans is compared to 2018, the worst previous year. Other news is on exercising when the air is hazy, a death linked to black licorice, food safety and more.

Number Of Patients, Surgeries Slow To Return To Normal, Report Finds

Morning Briefing

The slow rebound is causing financial concerns for hospitals. Also in the news: liability claims against home care nurses; medical deferrals for immigrants; COVID grants; Northwell Health; Teladoc; Amwell; and Community Health Systems.

Trump Promises Abortion Executive Order In Appeal To Catholic Voters

Morning Briefing

Text of the order has not been released, but President Donald Trump said it will require health care providers to provide medical care to all babies born alive, whether prematurely or from a failed abortion. Organizations representing obstetricians and gynecologists say the law already provides those protections.