Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Lawmakers Question Unusual ‘Operation Warp Speed’ Contract

Morning Briefing

By designating drug company executive Moncef Slaoui as a private contractor, he can avoid disclosing drug company investments that he accumulated as a former top executive at GlaxoSmithKline and as a partner in a large venture capital fund, Medicxi.

FEMA Might Stop Paying For PPE, Other COVID Supplies, States Say

Morning Briefing

According to a top official in Vermont, FEMA officials told cities and states that they may have to use other federal programs to cover the costs of their coronavirus supplies, including protective gear for government employees and disinfection supplies for schools, the Washington Post says.

Only 29% Of Opioid Treatment Facilities Provide Life-Saving Drug

Morning Briefing

The FDA-approved medication buprenorphine helps reduce cravings for heroin or fentanyl. Opponents of its use say it substitutes one drug for another. Also news on vaccine trials, rural hospitals, and Google sister company selling health insurance.

Two People Killed During Demonstrations In Kenosha

Morning Briefing

Jacob Blake, the man Kenosha, Wisconsin, police shot in the back is said to be paralyzed from the waist down. In other news r ace and health, Latinos struggles in Marin County, Calif. and more.

CDC Urges Store Workers Not To Argue With People Who Aren’t Wearing Masks

Morning Briefing

In other public health news: Princess Cruises and Cunard have canceled their sailings into early 2021; a Kentucky man accused of twice breaking Canada’s COVID rules could be fined $569,000; and more.

American Airlines Warning About Layoffs Signals Congress About Need For Relief

Morning Briefing

Efforts between the Democrats and Republicans to find a compromise on a new relief bill collapsed before the summer recess. In other news, New York joins other states in filing a lawsuit to block postal service changes.

From 99 to 20,000: Superspreading Biogen Conference Likely Source Of Far More Cases Than Previously Estimated

Morning Briefing

A genetic data study finds that the Biogen conference held in Boston in February played a much greater role in spreading the coronavirus in the outbreak’s early days than previously identified. Meanwhile, public health experts say that the recent Sturgis motorcycle rally is shaping up as a similar “superspreader” event.

Melania Trump Delivers Rare Nod At Convention To Tragedy Of Pandemic

Morning Briefing

Telling Americans “you are not alone,” First Lady Melania Trump has been one of the few speakers so far at the Republican National Convention to voice sympathy for the more than 182,000 lives lost in the U.S. due to COVID-19.

All Nursing Homes Must Now Test Workers For COVID, CMS Mandates

Morning Briefing

Facilities face financial penalties if they don’t test staff during an outbreak. The interim regulation is the first time the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has required such testing during the coronavirus pandemic.

CDC: No COVID Symptoms? No Test

Morning Briefing

People who have been exposed to others with the virus “do not necessarily need a test” if they are not experiencing symptoms, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hospitals Must Report COVID Data Or Risk Medicare, Medicaid Funding

Morning Briefing

In new emergency rules, the Trump administration warned hospitals that it would revoke Medicare and Medicaid dollars if coronavirus patient data and test results are not reported to HHS. The reporting program was previously voluntary.