Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

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.

Public Health Officials Are Our COVID Commanders. Treat Them With Respect.

KFF Health News Original

This pandemic is like war, and California’s local health officers are leading the state’s response. Yet unlike war heroes, who are lionized, they are facing unprecedented attacks and death threats.

Teachers Fight Back-To-School Orders

Morning Briefing

Teachers unions across the country are filing lawsuits in court to avoid going back to work in person with their students. And colleges report more and more cases of coronavirus among their students back on campus.

Colon Cancer Is Increasing Among Younger People, More Likely Among Blacks

Morning Briefing

The cancer that killed 43-year-old Chadwick Boseman is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Other medical news includes addiction treatment, dermatology and darker skins, pediatrics, and ALS and medical marijuana.

Researchers Identify First Reinfection Case In US

Morning Briefing

The 25-year-old man from Nevada was much sicker the second time. Three other reinfections are known to exist, calling into question the immune systems’ ability to prevent more serious illness.