Latest KFF Health News Stories
Legal Challenges Ahead For Medicaid Work Rules, Medicare Drug Pricing
The Supreme Court agreed to hear the Trump administration’s case on work requirements, but the issue may be moot because the Biden administration is expected to eliminate the rules.
Fauci And Birx Continue To Plea For Mask Wearing
Dr. Deborah Birx says it is frustrating to hear false claims about COVID — coming from the public. Dr. Anthony Fauci repeats his prediction that things won’t get better until the third quarter of 2021.
Rudy Giuliani, President Trump’s personal lawyer, is being treated at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington for COVID-19. Two chambers of the Arizona state legislature will suspend their work this week because of close contact with Giuliani.
Vaccine Czar Makes A Host Of Promises
Moncef Slaoui, President Trump’s vaccine chief adviser, said Sunday there would likely be fewer elderly deaths by the end of January, a return to normalcy no later than May and more.
‘Never Too Late’: Trump’s Vaccine Czar Supports Biden’s 100-Day Mask Plea
Operation Warp Speed’s scientific chief, Moncef Slaoui, told CNN that he thinks President-elect Joe Biden’s plan to ask all Americans to wear masks for 100 days is “a good idea.”
States Expecting Fewer Vaccine Doses
As health officials expect demand for the COVID vaccines will be high, state officials are expecting fewer doses than promised. They also ask for federal money for distribution.
Britain Set To Become First Western Nation To Start Inoculating Against COVID
The first COVID-19 vaccine shots are expected to be administered in Britain on Tuesday.
Winter’s Coronavirus Deluge Already Straining Health Systems To Breaking Point
From new infections to hospitalizations to deaths, the U.S. COVID trends all continue to rapidly spiral up and experts say the worst is yet to come. “This is going to be the biggest stress test of American health care in history,” a doctor tells NPR.
California Locks Down To Again Fight COVID
Most Californians will be home for Christmas whether they like it or not, as USA Today put it. The stay-at-home order applies to nearly 85% of California residents.
Virus Specialist Gets Biden’s Nod To Helm CDC
President-elect Joe Biden taps Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Massachusetts General Hospital’s infectious diseases chief, to lead the agency critical to the next administration’s pandemic response.
Biden Selects Xavier Becerra As Nominee To Run HHS
In his role as California attorney general, Xavier Becerra emerged as a national leader of blue states’ defense of the Affordable Care Act. Before that, he worked in the House of Representatives for 25 years.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages focus on the need for a relief package, politicians who don’t set the best example and more.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic issues and other public health topics, as well.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to sit back and enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on COVID, galaxy brain, period underwear and more.
China Is Upbeat About Its Two Vaccines In Early-Stage Trials
Both produced strong immune responses, researchers said. News is on the United Nations’ summit on COVID, Turkey’s decision to start vaccinating soon and more.
Overdose Deaths Skyrocket In Minnesota
News is also from Massachusetts, Maryland and Florida.
At-Home COVID Test Kits Now On Sale At Walmart.com
To get a kit, customers must buy a code that provides access to a heath survey. If the survey shows a test is appropriate for the customer, a physician’s order will be generated and the purchase is completed. The completed kits, which start at $99, must be mailed back to a lab. It’s unclear whether the tests are covered by insurance.
Teachers Push To Be Included In Second Wave Of Vaccines
News reports are also about the pressure on school nurses, quarantining, disabled students losing momentum and supporting college students with aid.
Medical Providers Get Greenlight To Expand Telehealth Across State Lines
The action ensures that COVID-19 Covered Countermeasures can be provided, HHS said. News is also on new startups MedArrive and Oscar Health Insurance and pitfalls of junk insurance.
