Latest KFF Health News Stories
‘Tragic Impasse’: Pelosi, Meadows Make No Progress In First Relief Bill Talk Since Executive Orders
Negotiations between House Democrats and the White House on another coronavirus stimulus package remain stalled with both sides entrenched about $1 trillion apart.
Administration Considers Collecting Contact Info On Incoming Travelers
Under the proposal, anyone coming into the country — including Americans — would hand over phone numbers and email addresses for possible contact tracing, NBC is reporting. Also in the news, Senate Democrats raise concerns about coronavirus spread in the military.
US Set To Buy 150 Million Rapid COVID Tests From Abbott Labs
The White House announced plans on Thursday for the $750 million purchase. President Donald Trump also claimed on Thursday that a vaccine would be available by the end of the year.
Backlash Prompts CDC Director To Soften New Testing Guidance
In his latest statement, CDC Director Robert Redfield said “all close contacts of confirmed or probable COVID-19 patients” can consider testing. A lack of evidence and potential politics behind the abrupt change — advising exposed people not to get tested if asymptomatic — sparked harsh questions from scientists and lawmakers.
Hurricane Laura’s Wake: Chemical Fire And Fears Of Virus Super-Spreading
The fire erupted at a chlorine production plant near Lake Charles, Louisiana. Meanwhile, experts worry that mass evacuations may result in another wave of virus infections.
Most In US, UK Say Their Government Has Handled COVID Badly: Poll
The survey results contrast with the results of people surveyed in 12 other wealthy nations, where most people said their country has done a good job managing the crisis.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
COVID + Influenza: This Is a Good Year to Get a Flu Shot, Experts Advise
A robust sign-up for flu shots could help head off a nightmare scenario in the coming winter of hospitals stuffed with both COVID-19 patients and those suffering from severe effects of influenza. Plus, no one knows how flu and COVID might interact if a patient got both.
How to Weigh Evacuation Options With Both Wildfires and COVID at Your Door
As the twin disasters of COVID-19 and fire season sweep through California, thousands of residents are weighing difficult options, pitting risk against risk as they decide where to evacuate. Amid a virulent pandemic, where can you safely relocate?
Opposition to Obamacare Becomes Political Liability for GOP Incumbents
Control of the U.S. Senate this election hinges on a handful of vulnerable GOP incumbents. Their opposition to the Affordable Care Act could be their undoing.
5 Things to Know About Convalescent Blood Plasma
President Donald Trump touted the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of this unproven COVID-19 treatment for emergency use. That set off reactions ranging from excitement and optimism to scientific concerns and criticism that the decision was politically motivated.
Pence Praises Trump’s ‘Seamless’ COVID Response, Leaves Out His State Feuds
Early in the pandemic, Trump feuded with governors over whose responsibility it was to secure supplies and states sometimes found themselves competing with each other and the federal government for scarce personal protective equipment and testing materials.
Republican Convention, Day 3: Revisionist History
Vice President Mike Pence officially accepted the Republican Party’s nomination for a second term.
KHN’s ‘What the Health?’ Replay: What’s at Stake When High Court Hears ACA Case
We’re off this week, but the Affordable Care Act is in the news, as the GOP holds its virtual convention and the Supreme Court recently scheduled arguments in a case challenging the law. So we’re reposting our ACA 10th anniversary episode from March. For this special episode of “What the Health?” host Julie Rovner interviews Kathleen Sebelius, who was President Barack Obama’s secretary of Health and Human Services when the law was passed. Then Rovner, Joanne Kenen of Politico and Mary Agnes Carey of KHN discuss the law’s history, impact and prospects for the future.
Research Roundup: COVID In Children; Diabetes; Gonorrhea; Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: CDC’s New Message On Testing Is Incorrect; New Alcohol Guidelines Are Tough To Swallow
Opinion writers express views on these public health issues and others.
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues and others.
‘Massive Criminal Attack’: Fraud Hinders Unemployment Claim Process
COVID news and events affecting health are from Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Massachusetts, Georgia, and other states.
Global news is from Russia, Mexico, China, Germany, South Korea, and India.
To no one’s surprise, the coronavirus is racing through colleges that called students back to campus. Some schools suspend party goers. At other universities, students take matters into their own hands.