Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

More Schools Open; Colleges Remain A Trouble Spot

Morning Briefing

Florida students returned to in-person classes as President Trump’s new pandemic adviser labels parents’ concerns as “hysterical.” COVID outbreaks continue on college campuses.

Virus Wreaks Havoc On Undocumented Immigrants Without Health Insurance

Morning Briefing

It’s difficult to track how many undocumented immigrants have tested positive for COVID-19. Many live in crowded homes with multiple generations of families or work at jobs where possible exposure to the virus is high, WBUR reports.

Visiting To Resume At Federal Prisons

Morning Briefing

Inmates who are not in isolation or quarantine will be allowed two visitors a month with social distancing rules in effect. Prison news is on Georgia’s efforts to cut costs and COVID cases in Tennessee and West Virginia.

Court Rules On Anthem And Cigna Failed Merger

Morning Briefing

A court ruled neither of the two giant health care insurers can recover damages from their failed merger attempt three years ago. Also, other health industry news from across the country.

CMS Rule Aims To Quickly Cover All ‘Breakthrough’ Medical Devices

Morning Briefing

If the proposal is approved, the FDA would clear these devices quickly because they treat an unmet medical need. Other medicare news is on changes Joe Biden wants to make; and Medicaid news is from Colorado and Mississippi, as well.

Senate Republicans May Offer New Stimulus Bill Soon, Mnuchin Says

Morning Briefing

“Hopefully Mitch [McConnell] will enter new legislation next week,” Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told Fox Business Network, as current coronavirus relief negotiations between the White House and House Democrats remain deadlocked.

Dozens Of Secret Service Agents Get COVID During Trump’s Travels

Morning Briefing

As Donald Trump and Mike Pence continue to travel for campaign rallies during the pandemic, the Secret Service agents assigned to protect them have been exposed to the coronavirus. The Washington Post reveals previously unreported cases.

Trump Retweets False CDC Death Count Claim, Twitter Deletes It

Morning Briefing

A QAnon-driven conspiracy that baselessly questions the official U.S. coronavirus death count is circulating on social media, including by President Donald Trump. Twitter removed his retweet. Its just the latest example of the uphill climb the company faces in battling dangerous misinformation.

While White House Downplayed COVID Threat To Public, It Privately Warned ‘Red Zone’ States

Morning Briefing

A House committee released eight secret White House Coronavirus Task Force reports that were only shared with states and reveal the government’s awareness of the state of the pandemic in recent months. The Center for Public Integrity had previously obtained and reported on the secret reports.

Controversial ‘Herd Immunity’ Strategy Pushed By Trump-Backed Task Force Member

Morning Briefing

Scott Atlas, President Donald Trump’s latest favored adviser on the pandemic, is urging the White House to adopt a new approach and allow COVID-19 to spread in an effort to achieve “herd immunity.” The Washington Report reports that some such policies are already being implemented.

Long-Fought Nurse Practitioner Independence Bill Heads to Newsom

KFF Health News Original

The measure caps one of the most contentious health policy debates in recent memory, potentially altering how Californians get their medical care. Gov. Gavin Newsom has until the end of September to sign or veto it.

California Rx: State May Dive Into Generic Drug Market

KFF Health News Original

California could become the first state to develop its own line of generic drugs under a bill approved Monday by the legislature. The measure heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for consideration.