Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

High Hopes For Vaccine Could Cause People To Slack Off On Protections

Morning Briefing

Scientists and public health officials worry that people have unrealistic views of how a coronavirus vaccine would roll out. Others wrestle with the question of who gets inoculated first. Other vaccine news covers income disparity, clinical trials and more.

Rep. Grijalva Blasts Maskless House Colleagues After His Positive Test

Morning Briefing

After finding out about the positive coronavirus test, Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Arizona) called out Republican members who “routinely strut around the Capitol without a mask to selfishly make a political statement at the expense of their colleagues, staff, and their families.”

Pandemic Affecting November Election Voting

Morning Briefing

As predictions of a shortage of poll workers grow, adding to the anxiety of a well-run election in November, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said mail-in voting will be an essential option for Americans‘ safety.

Deaths Rose 20% In July With 25,000 American Lives Lost

Morning Briefing

While new cases dipping give reason for cautious optimism, the fatality rate from COVID-19 maintained grim levels. A new model forecasts that the U.S. could pass 180,000 deaths this month.

Birx Warns Of Pandemic’s ‘New Phase,’ Advises More Caution From Americans

Morning Briefing

“I want to be very clear: What we are seeing today is different from March and April,” Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus task force coordinator, said during a CNN interview. “It is extraordinarily widespread. This epidemic right now is different … and it’s both rural and urban.”

Hospital Merger in Washington State Stokes Fears About Catholic Limits on Care

KFF Health News Original

Virginia Mason Health System and CHI Franciscan announced plans in July to merge 12 hospitals and more than 250 other treatment sites in the Puget Sound region and the Yakima area. Some patient advocacy groups warn the proposal would jeopardize access to needed services, such as emergency termination of pregnancies, contraception and physician aid in dying.

Forced Sports Timeout Puts Squeeze on College Coffers, Scholarships and Towns

KFF Health News Original

Sports events — with their sprays of sweat and spit, not to mention large crowds — are ideal settings for the coronavirus to spread. Although some college leagues have canceled their fall seasons, schools with big athletic programs are still hoping for a partial return to the gridiron and the hardwood.