Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers weigh in on these health care issues and others.
Different Takes: CDC Guidelines On Opening Schools Misses Key Strategy; Masks Can’t Save The Day
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and others.
Fertility Patient Wrestles With Unclear Prices, Surprise Bills
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Perspectives: Insulin, Trump Hype, US Drug-Pricing System
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
How Other Countries Are Faring Against COVID
A small outbreak in Hong Kong, a lockdown in hipster Melbourne and doubts in Mexico City are among reports from around the world.
Relief Funds Flowed To Nursing Home Providers Accused Of Fraud, Misdeeds
A Washington Post analysis of coronavirus relief money distribution finds that hundreds of millions of dollars went to dozens of nursing home companies that settled recent lawsuits with the Justice Department over alleged improper Medicare billing, forged documents, substandard care and other abuses.
Who Is Making More Money During The Pandemic?
Earning reports from publicly traded companies reveal the pandemic’s uneven effect on insurance, health care and health tech companies.
Vegas Becomes Latest Hot Spot; N.Y., N.J., Conn. Update Quarantines For Travelers
Media outlets report from Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Texas, Oklahoma, and elsewhere.
Embattled New York City Health Chief Resigns
Oxiris Barbot had been relegated to a near-invisible status after a feud with Mayor Bill de Blasio. In other news: Dr. Leon McDougle is appointed president of the National Medical Association; home health care workers say their struggles have been overlooked during the pandemic.
Marijuana’s Health Benefits Questioned
The Food and Drug Administration moves closer to establishing regulations for cannabidiol; The American Heart Association says any cannabis product is not good for the circulatory system.
Novavax Releases Encouraging COVID Vaccine Results From Early Studies
The biotech company announced its experimental vaccine yielded promising immune response in a small preliminary human trial, though it came with a high rate of mostly mild side effects.
Gilead, Purdue Pharma In The Hot Seat
A group of state attorneys general wants the federal government to sidestep Gilead’s patents for remdesivir, and the Justice Department wants $18.1 billion from bankrupt opioid maker Purdue Pharma. Also in the news: Kodak; and pricey drugs.
COVID Yields Some Answers On Disease Severity
Researchers find that women who take birth control pills are less likely to develop a serious form of the illness. And those with milder cases of COVID-19 may not be as infectious. News outlets report on other coronavirus scientific developments.
Azar Defends FDA’s Moves To Prevent Use Of Subpar Masks
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar told Fox Business that inspections found imperfections in some mask brands. Other news on masks includes a new Mississippi mandate and the horrors facing wedding planners.
Hucksters and quacks are warned in Texas about advertising fake cures for COVID. In Japan, a politician touts gargling as a cure and people believe him.
Fewer Cancers Being Diagnosed During Pandemic, Research Shows
Also in the news: a long-awaited fetal tissue advisory board convenes; stillbirths; dengue fever hits the Florida Keys; how the pandemic is affecting relationships, work and sports; and more.
6 States Connect To Fix ‘Severe Testing Shortages, Delays’
The group, with Republican and Democratic governors, includes Maryland, Virginia, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio and Massachusetts. Other states have expressed interest in joining.
Trump Stands By Push To Reopen Schools; Teachers Rally In Dozens Of Districts
While most school districts are still deciding how to safely start the new year, Georgia’s largest district has returned to classrooms despite an outbreak and some Texas administrators face ventilation concerns. Other reports from across the country on K-12 school re-openings.
Out Of Clorox Wipes? You’ll Likely Have To Wait Until 2021 To Buy More
Also: Bill Nye the Science Guy scolds young people for partying; how the coronavirus is affecting communities across the United States; and more.
Outbreak Of Rare, Polio-Like Disease Possible This Year, CDC Warns
But some health experts say precautions such as mask-wearing and school closures could help minimize the risk of acute flaccid myelitis, a neurologic condition that mostly affects children.