Latest KFF Health News Stories
Cabinet Watch: Who Will Be Tapped To Lead HHS?
With a new administration comes one of Washington, D.C.’s favorite pastimes: the cabinet guessing game. A big factor for this round of contenders is if they can get approved by a Senate likely to be controlled by Republicans.
Over 10 Million Cases Of COVID-19 Have Been Confirmed In US
Across the globe, it’s 50 million, as the virus surges in many pockets of the planet. In the U.S., the record for daily cases was broken for a fourth day in a row, hitting 128,000 on Saturday.
After Securing White House Victory, Biden Launches His COVID Task Force
In his victory speech Saturday night, President-elect Joe Biden cited “the battle to control the virus” as one of his top mandates from the 2020 election. On Monday he named the 13 health and policy experts who will be tasked with that tough job.
Election Partying Likely Superspreader Events, Experts And Critics Say
“When people’s guards get down, when people are celebrating, yelling, singing, these contribute to superspreading events,” says Robert Siegel, an infectious-disease specialist at Stanford University.
Pfizer Says Vaccine Is More Than 90% Effective In Latest Trials
Pfizer said it is on track to ask health regulators for permission to sell the shot before the end of this month, if pending data indicate the vaccine is safe.
Obamacare’s Fate At Stake Tomorrow In The Supreme Court
At the center of the case before the court — California v. Texas — is the question: If one section of the Affordable Care Act is deemed unconstitutional, can the rest of it stand?
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
What to Know as ACA Heads to Supreme Court — Again
Republican state officials and the Trump administration argue that the justices should overturn the entire law. At issue in the case is Congress’ decision to reduce to zero the penalty for not having health coverage.
Search for a Snakebite Drug Might Lead to a COVID Treatment, Too
Human clinical trials are scheduled for a drug that could prevent some of the 100,000-plus deaths from snakebites worldwide each year. The same drug may also help people suffering from COVID-related acute respiratory distress.
As Nation Awaits Vaccine, Biden Is Under Pressure to Name New FDA Chief ASAP
It typically takes months to install new leadership, but with COVID deaths set to surge through the winter, many Democrats say Biden doesn’t have that sort of time.
Biden Wins, but His Health Agenda Dims With GOP Likely to Hold Senate
Democrats had hoped not only to defeat President Donald Trump but also to capture the Senate so they could make major policy changes, such as bolstering the Affordable Care Act and reducing the number of uninsured.
KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Change Is in the Air
Former Vice President Joe Biden remains on the cusp of being declared the winner of the presidential election, and which party will control the Senate next year remains in question. The outcomes of both the presidential and Senate elections will have dramatic effects on the health agenda. Meanwhile, should President Donald Trump eke out a win, his administration is still pushing some sweeping health changes. Joanne Kenen of Politico, Kimberly Leonard of Business Insider and Mary Ellen McIntire of CQ Roll Call join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to sit back and enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on mothering during COVID, special-needs children, body temperature, why you should sign up for a health savings account and more.
In Denmark, 214 People Were Infected With Mink-Related Versions Of COVID
As the country deals with culling its entire mink herd, the United Kingdom has imposed a two-week quarantine on travelers from Denmark. And while some scientists say the outbreak is “scary,” they also say fears about mink-to-human transmission are likely overblown.
Opinion writers weigh in on these public health issues and others.
‘The Witches’ Slammed For Portrayal Of People With Limb Differences
In the new movie, which is based on the book by Roald Dahl, the witches have three long fingers. One Paralympic swimmer said that was particularly troubling because doctors will fashion similar three-fingered hands for disabled children or adults to help them live a normal life.
DC Visitors From High-Risk States Required To Get Tested Before Arrival
But they do not have to self-quarantine for 14 days in the nation’s capital. News is from Vermont, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Nevada, California, and Alaska.
In Ferrets, Nasal Sprays Seem To Prevent COVID Infection
The next step would be to pursue clinical trials in humans. The study has been submitted to the journal Science for peer review. News is on children’s response, looking for treatment in llamas, and more.
4 Drug Companies Agree To $26 Billion Opioid Settlement
The tentative deal for opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and the “Big Three” distributors, McKesson, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen, must still pass muster with judges who have been handling the complex litigation in federal and state courts.
Senate Control Looms Large Over Health Agenda, With Georgia Races Going To Runoffs
Both of Georgia’s seats will be decided by a Jan. 5 runoff election, determining overall control of the U.S. Senate.