Latest KFF Health News Stories
States Anticipate Biden Will Bolster Health Exchanges, Medicaid
Stateline examines how the incoming Biden administration could deliver increased support and funding for state health care services.
COVID Planning At Top Of Biden’s To-Do List As Transition Officially Starts
With access to funds and federal officials no longer blocked, getting up to speed on the government’s pandemic response and vaccine distributions plans is the top priority for President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team.
Delivery Begins Of Regeneron’s Antibody Treatment After FDA OK
The Trump administration says it will start today distributing the COVID-19 therapy, just approved for emergency use by the FDA. Meanwhile a former FDA chief warns about the virus’ long-term effects.
Texas, Louisiana Can Halt Medicaid Funding To Planned Parenthood, Appeals Court Rules
Reversing a lower court’s ruling, a federal appeals court ruled that the states can cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood clinics. The case is expected to reach the Supreme Court.
At-Capacity Colorado Hospitals Can Turn Away Patients; N.Y. Reopens Emergency Hospital
To address the surge of COVID cases flooding the medical system, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed an executive order allowing hospitals to transfer patients without their consent or not admit new ones if the facility is full. And in New York, a Staten Island emergency hospital is reopened.
3-Week ‘Pause’ Begins Today In Nevada To Get COVID ‘Wildfire Under Control’
News about state and local virus restrictions also comes from Washington, D.C., California, Delaware, Florida and Missouri. Additionally, research explores how mask mandates can help consumer spending as well as public health efforts.
Utah Eases Limits On Thanksgiving Gatherings; Pa. Plans Get Tougher
Even though cases are surging in several counties, Utah dropped restrictions on household-only gatherings. Pennsylvania takes steps to lessen spread, while South Dakota lets common sense rule.
Millions Of Americans Board Planes For Thanksgiving, Despite Public Health Warnings
More than 3 million Americans headed to airports over the weekend, while medical professionals and public health officials simultaneously warned of the COVID-19 dangers of traveling and celebrating the holiday with people outside one’s own household.
Hospitalizations Climb For 14th Straight Day. Peak Is Still Weeks Away.
Over 85,000 Americans are severely sick enough from COVID-19 to require hospitalization, overwhelming health care capacity and workers. And one model indicates that the crisis will only deepen over the next three weeks, while Dr. Anthony Fauci warns that the U.S. death total could reach 300,000.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Lessons About COVID Task Force Membership, Vaccine Confidence
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and others.
Viewpoints: Still Traveling For Thanksgiving? Have The Best Mask; Schools Need To Know About Safety
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues and others.
Trump Quickly Addresses G-20 Summit On COVID, Then Hits Golf Course
While President Donald Trump stressed the importance of treating all Americans first, other leaders of the Group of 20 pushed for an international response.
Court: Tennessee Can Enforce Down Syndrome Abortion Ban
Media outlets report on news from Tennessee, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Minnesota, California and Alaska.
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Co-Founder Pat Quinn Dies At Age 37
The challenge raised more than $220 million around the world for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Quinn died seven years after being diagnosed. News is also on cooking burns, unsafe COVID practices, new masks, and more.
Bill Would End Schools’ Use Of Student Seclusion, Curb Physical Restraints
The bill, called the Keeping All Students Safe Act, would apply nationally to all schools that receive federal funds. ProPublica takes a thorough look at the proposed legislation.
Walmart Health Expands In Chicago
Other health industry names in the news include Sanford Health, UW Health and the U.S. Indian Health Service.
A Vaccine People Already Get May Help Prevent COVID, Too
A small study found low death rates in coronavirus patients with high MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination rates. Older adults—including virtually all people born before 1957—likely have MMR antibodies already, but they may have waned over time. “Based upon our study, it would be prudent to vaccinate those over 40,” co-author David Hurley said.
CMS Releases Rule That Revamps Organ Transplant Distribution
The Trump administration says the regulation’s goal is to make more organs available and provide transparency. About 113,000 people are on the waiting list for kidneys, livers, hearts, lungs, pancreases and intestines.
Biden Pushing Congress To Kick Start Stimulus Negotiations
Fearing a looming “double-dip” recession next year, President-elect Joe Biden is pressing lawmakers to take up another coronavirus economic relief package.
