Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Justice Investigates Nursing Home Deaths

Morning Briefing

The Department of Justice is asking for data from four governors–all Democrats– New York’s Andrew Cuomo, New Jersey’s Phil Murphy, Pennsylvania’s Tom Wolf and Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer.

CMS Extends Deadline To Update Self-Referral Law

Morning Briefing

Because of delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Department of Health and Human Services are still “working through the complexity of the issues raised by comments received on the proposed rule,” they said Wednesday.

White House Might Take Executive Action On COVID Relief Bill

Morning Briefing

Chief of Staff Mark Meadows told Politico he doubts there will be a deal with Congress, adding that the administration might take matters into its own hands to prevent furloughs in the airline industry.

Pence Vows End-Of-Year Vaccine In Speech, Then Greets Maskless Supporters

Morning Briefing

During his keynote speech on the third night of the Republican National Convention, Vice President Mike Pence said, “I’m proud to report that we’re on track to have the world’s first safe, effective coronavirus vaccine by the end of this year.” He also praised health care workers.

The Vaccine Race: Who Gets One First?; Novavax, Moderna Report Progress

Morning Briefing

The CDC proposes guidelines for who in the U.S. will have first access to a COVID-19 vaccine — once one is approved. Meanwhile, Novavax is reportedly eyeing December to apply for authorization of its vaccine candidate, while Moderna shows promising trial results in older adults.

Public Health Experts Appalled By Testing Change, Question Scientific Basis

Morning Briefing

The shifting guidance will confuse Americans and result in less testing, public health experts worry — as they also raise alarms about the scientific reasoning driving the CDC’s abrupt change. In related news, Dr. Anthony Fauci was not in the room when the deliberation happened.

Another COVID Mystery: Patients Survive Ventilator, But Linger in a Coma

KFF Health News Original

Doctors are diagnosing a new stage of COVID-19 recovery: patients who take much longer than usual to regain consciousness after coming off a ventilator. And a growing number of doctors are worried some patients aren’t being given the time they need to wake up.

Republican Convention, Day 2: Pomp, the Pandemic and Planned Parenthood

KFF Health News Original

Tuesday night’s speakers offered positive views on President Donald Trump’s handling of the pandemic. The first lady and Trump, himself, took advantage of the trappings of the White House in setting the scene.