Latest KFF Health News Stories
MLB Takes Issue With Dodgers’ Infected Player Joining World Series Celebration
Third baseman Justin Turner chose to ignore the COVID protocols, a Major League Baseball statement said, putting everyone at risk. News is also on troubling STD rates, snacking and more.
Google Health, Mayo Clinic Target Radiation Therapy In First Joint Project
Their artificial intelligence tool aims to improve radiation therapy targeting in cancer patients by drawing contours around a head or neck tumor, dividing it from healthy tissue, and helping to determine dosage and treatment plans.
Hospitals, Insurer Take Steps Against Racism
Mass General Brigham has unveiled a project called “United Against Racism,” and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois has piloted new programs to improve health equity.
Warp Speed? Race For Vaccine Starts To Look Much Slower
Stat reports it’s entirely possible that a company will find early success, but none of the vaccines being developed for the U.S. market has been proven to be effective in preventing COVID-19 disease. Dr. Anthony Fauci told JAMA that a vaccine might come later than January.
Medicare, Medicaid Will Pay COVID Vaccine Costs, CMS Announces
Beneficiaries of the two federal insurance programs will not have to pay out-of-pocket expenses for a vaccine authorized for emergency use, under a rule change by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
More Mask Mandates Coming If We Don’t Cover Up, Testing Czar Warns
Federal health officials weigh in on the importance of masks in controlling the latest COVID surge, while some state and local lawmakers take steps to require face coverings and add other new restrictions.
White House Questions Swirl: Why Wasn’t Outbreak Traced? Is ‘Herd Immunity’ Plan Now Policy?
The Washington Post reports that White House officials ended early attempts to investigate the spread of coronavirus within the Trump administration. And sources tell Daily Beast that advisers pushing the controversial “herd immunity” strategy have prevailed with President Donald Trump.
Supreme Court Lets N.C., Pennsylvania Extend Post-Election Vote Counting
The two cases are the latest decided by the high court that could greatly impact the outcome of next week’s elections, as many Americans struggle to vote safely during a pandemic.
FBI Alerts Hospitals To ‘Imminent’ Threat Of Crippling Ransomware Attacks
Since Monday, at least six U.S. hospitals have already been hit by cyberattacks believed to be executed by a Russian-speaking criminal gang using the Ryuk ransomware. The FBI, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Health and Human Services warn health care providers to prepare for more hacks.
Viewpoints: Policy Can’t Stop This Virus; Delusions Don’t Concern Trump’s Supporters
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and others.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Sen. Graham Complains That 3 Blue States Get a Third of ACA Funding
Sen. Lindsey Graham insinuates that the law is sending a disproportionate amount of money to New York, California and Massachusetts, all represented by Democrats.
Hospital Bills for Uninsured COVID Patients Are Covered, but No One Tells Them
The CARES Act provides funding that pays the bills for uninsured COVID-19 patients. But the death of a young man in Nashville shows some patients don’t know about the program until it’s too late.
Despite COVID Concerns, Teams Venture Into Nursing Homes to Get Out the Vote
In North Carolina, staffs at nursing homes and assisted living facilities are prohibited by law from helping residents vote. So community members fill the gap, venturing into some of the places hit hardest by the coronavirus.
App-Based Companies Pushing Prop. 22 Say Drivers Will Get Health Benefits. Will They?
Ride-sharing and delivery services such as Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart are bankrolling California’s Proposition 22, which would keep their drivers classified as independent contractors, not employees. But health benefits? That’s something of a stretch.
The Trump Medicaid Record: Big Goals, Yet Few Successes
The Trump administration sought to shrink the federal-state health program for low-income Americans and give states more flexibility. But Democrats and the courts thwarted most of those efforts.
Research Roundup: COVID; Multiple Sclerosis; Fibromyalgia
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Científicos advierten que se espera demasiado de una vacuna para COVID
La Casa Blanca y muchos estadounidenses han depositado sus esperanzas de derrotar a la pandemia en una vacuna. Pero científicos advierten que se espera demasiado, y demasiado pronto.
Viewpoints: Prepare For The Next Pandemic; Get Back To The Office; Understand Toxic Masculinity
Opinion writers weigh in on these issues coming to light during the pandemic.
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.