Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Relief Funds Flowed To Nursing Home Providers Accused Of Fraud, Misdeeds

Morning Briefing

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.

Embattled New York City Health Chief Resigns

Morning Briefing

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

Morning Briefing

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.

Gilead, Purdue Pharma In The Hot Seat

Morning Briefing

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

Morning Briefing

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

Morning Briefing

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.

Fewer Cancers Being Diagnosed During Pandemic, Research Shows

Morning Briefing

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.

Trump Stands By Push To Reopen Schools; Teachers Rally In Dozens Of Districts

Morning Briefing

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.