Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

GOP Speakers Praise Trump For ‘Quick Action And Leadership’ On COVID

Morning Briefing

Republicans speaking Monday night at the party’s convention met criticism of the president’s actions on the coronavirus response head-on, arguing that he helped turn the tide on the pandemic and saved thousands of lives.

In Heated Exchange With Lawmakers, Postal Leader Defends Changes

Morning Briefing

“I am not engaged in sabotaging the election,” Postmaster General Louis DeJoy told a House committee, but President Donald Trump again Monday lashed out at Democrats’ push to have more people vote by mail.

White House Pressure For Fast-Tracked Vaccine Collides With Safety Warnings

Morning Briefing

While President Donald Trump accuses the FDA of dragging its feet on vaccine approval, public health experts urge against prematurely authorizing a vaccine. Meanwhile, AstraZeneca denies that it is discussing emergency use authorization for its experimental vaccine. And at the center of the storm is a political newbie, FDA Commissioner Steven Hahn.

FDA’s Authorization Of Convalescent Plasma Launches Torrent Of Questions

Morning Briefing

Does it really work? Is the move politically motivated? Dr. Stephen Hahn, head of the FDA, defended his agency against the second charge, while global scientific experts raise concerns about the first.

As U.S. Sees Hopeful Decline Of Cases, Some States Report Troubling Numbers

Morning Briefing

The daily tally of COVID cases hit the lowest level in more than two months on Sunday, marking the ninth straight day with fewer than 50,000 new cases. But the outbreak is still haunting the heartland.

First Case Of Person Contracting COVID Twice Is Documented

Morning Briefing

Genetic testing shows that a Hong Kong man was reinfected with the coronavirus. While there have been anecdotal reports of such cases previously, this new evidence offers important information for scientists studying COVID-19 immunity.

Wildfires Provide Another Reason to Mask Up

KFF Health News Original

As the long U.S. fire season gets underway, it’s even more important for Western residents to have a good face mask. Unfortunately, most of the masks we’re wearing for COVID-19 aren’t great for smoke.

Veteran’s Appendectomy Launches Excruciating Months-Long Battle Over Bill

KFF Health News Original

An uninsured Colorado man owed $80,232 after two surgeries — the second to correct a complication from the first. After months of negotiating with the hospital, he still owes far more than most insurers would pay for the surgery he had.

Is Cuomo Directive to Blame for Nursing Home COVID Deaths, as US Official Claims?

KFF Health News Original

New York’s governor directed nursing homes to take COVID patients. But is it fair to say he “forced” them to do so, or that his directive led to the deaths of thousands of elderly residents? Most public health experts say no.

How The Globe Is Faring: Germany Stages Concert To Study Mass-Event Spread

Morning Briefing

Developments in the global pandemic are reported from Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, Iran, France, Brazil, India, Lebanon, Italy, New Zealand, South Korea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mexico, Japan and other nations.

Mask Mandates Prove Effective In Oklahoma

Morning Briefing

The Oklahoman reports that state data shows cities with mask mandates nearly cut by half the number of new virus infections after three weeks. Other news from around the nation comes from Wisconsin, Montana, South Dakota, Texas, California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Kansas, Mississippi, Georgia, Illinois, Arizona, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico and North Dakota.