Latest KFF Health News Stories
Court Rules On Anthem And Cigna Failed Merger
A court ruled neither of the two giant health care insurers can recover damages from their failed merger attempt three years ago. Also, other health industry news from across the country.
Local Health Departments ‘Running On Empty’
COVID-19 has decimated the staffing, budgets and morale of health departments across the United States.
FDA Head Promises Honest Science On Vaccine Approval
Stephen Hahn, the FDA commissioner, vows to resist pressure to release a COVID vaccine before it’s ready. He suggests he would resign if he can’t resist it.
Mylan Launches Semglee, A Biosimilar Insulin, At Discounted Price
Other pharmaceutical companies in the news include Vir, GlaxoSmithKline, Xeris and Purdue Pharma.
CMS Rule Aims To Quickly Cover All ‘Breakthrough’ Medical Devices
If the proposal is approved, the FDA would clear these devices quickly because they treat an unmet medical need. Other medicare news is on changes Joe Biden wants to make; and Medicaid news is from Colorado and Mississippi, as well.
Senate Republicans May Offer New Stimulus Bill Soon, Mnuchin Says
“Hopefully Mitch [McConnell] will enter new legislation next week,” Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told Fox Business Network, as current coronavirus relief negotiations between the White House and House Democrats remain deadlocked.
Dozens Of Secret Service Agents Get COVID During Trump’s Travels
As Donald Trump and Mike Pence continue to travel for campaign rallies during the pandemic, the Secret Service agents assigned to protect them have been exposed to the coronavirus. The Washington Post reveals previously unreported cases.
Trump Retweets False CDC Death Count Claim, Twitter Deletes It
A QAnon-driven conspiracy that baselessly questions the official U.S. coronavirus death count is circulating on social media, including by President Donald Trump. Twitter removed his retweet. Its just the latest example of the uphill climb the company faces in battling dangerous misinformation.
While White House Downplayed COVID Threat To Public, It Privately Warned ‘Red Zone’ States
A House committee released eight secret White House Coronavirus Task Force reports that were only shared with states and reveal the government’s awareness of the state of the pandemic in recent months. The Center for Public Integrity had previously obtained and reported on the secret reports.
Controversial ‘Herd Immunity’ Strategy Pushed By Trump-Backed Task Force Member
Scott Atlas, President Donald Trump’s latest favored adviser on the pandemic, is urging the White House to adopt a new approach and allow COVID-19 to spread in an effort to achieve “herd immunity.” The Washington Report reports that some such policies are already being implemented.
Nations Can’t ‘Just Pretend The Pandemic Is Over,’ WHO Director Says
In the U.S., while new cases decline nationally, areas of the Midwest continue to surge. And hospitalizations and deaths among kids are rising.
Long-Fought Nurse Practitioner Independence Bill Heads to Newsom
The measure caps one of the most contentious health policy debates in recent memory, potentially altering how Californians get their medical care. Gov. Gavin Newsom has until the end of September to sign or veto it.
California Rx: State May Dive Into Generic Drug Market
California could become the first state to develop its own line of generic drugs under a bill approved Monday by the legislature. The measure heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for consideration.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Tourists Tote Dollars — And COVID — To U.S. Caribbean Islands
Tension rises among residents and travelers as U.S. island territories work to stymie the coronavirus while attempting to keep their doors open to tourism.
Public Health Officials Are Our COVID Commanders. Treat Them With Respect.
This pandemic is like war, and California’s local health officers are leading the state’s response. Yet unlike war heroes, who are lionized, they are facing unprecedented attacks and death threats.
Coast To Coast, States Suffer With COVID Surges
But Arizona, a former hot spot for positive cases, is emerging from lockdown as an example of how aggressive restrictions can flatten the curve.
How The World Is Faring: More Infectious Strain Emerges
Global news reports are from Indonesia, China, England, Iran, Chile, Mexico, Tanzania, Zambia, Japan and Germany.
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues and others.
Teachers Fight Back-To-School Orders
Teachers unions across the country are filing lawsuits in court to avoid going back to work in person with their students. And colleges report more and more cases of coronavirus among their students back on campus.