Latest KFF Health News Stories
90% Positive: Officials Request Field Hospital To Treat Infected Prisoners
In Carson City, Nevada, 470 prisoners out of 525 have tested positive at the Warm Springs Correctional Center, along with 55 staff members. News is on the Sequoia Project, Quality Payment Program and Nuance Communications.
Purdue Was Urged To Pay $14,000 Rebates Per Patient Hurt By Opioids, Documents Show
The suggestion was contained in a proposal made three years ago by McKinsey consultants, STAT reports.
Delirium May Be COVID Symptom For Elderly
A new study found that 28% of COVID-19 patients ages 65 and older at seven U.S. emergency departments had delirium. In some cases, it was their only symptom.
Federal Government Bets Big On New ApiJect Vaccine-Injection Device
The Trump administration approved a $590 million loan Thursday for the single-use, self-contained devices that are designed to be an alternative to traditional vials and syringes.
Hospitalized COVID Patients Shouldn’t Get Remdesivir, WHO Panel Advises
In other news on COVID treatments, the FDA on Thursday authorized the emergency use of baricitinib, a drug made by Eli Lilly. When used with remdesivir, the drug can reduce recovery time from COVID-19.
‘No National Shutdown,’ Biden Pledges As Transition Impasse Extends
The Biden team continues to plan for its coronavirus crisis response, though President-elect Joe Biden said Thursday: “Unfortunately, my administration hasn’t been able to get everything we need” with the ongoing transition delay.
Trump Administration Cuts Off Federal Reserve’s Emergency Lending Programs
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says the pandemic relief program is no longer needed. The Federal Reserve opposed the move.
Trump Set To Release Two Rules Targeting Medicare Drug Costs
The “most favored nation” rule would tie what Medicare pays for prescription drugs to costs paid by other wealthy countries. The other regulation will limit rebates paid to pharmacy benefit managers. It’s unclear if the Biden administration will roll back the rules, which the pharmaceutical industry opposes.
Breaking Silence, White House Task Force Warns Of Massive COVID Spread
Urging vigilance until a mass vaccine program is in place, members of the White House coronavirus task force held its first press briefing since July.
California Issues Curfew, Work Safety Rules; New Hampshire Mandates Masks
As state and local leaders renew or add restrictions to try to contain the coronavirus spread, an analysis finds that the states with the least strict measures in place over the summer and early fall are now experiencing the worst outbreaks.
Deaths Rising Back Up To Tragic Levels Of The Spring
For the first time since May, daily coronavirus deaths passed 2,000 in the U.S. on Thursday, with no end in site as cases of new infections continue to also break records.
Don’t Travel, Limit Thanksgiving Gatherings, CDC Cautions Americans
A week ahead of the holiday, CDC issued guidance stating: “Postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others this year.” The agency also urged celebrating with just immediate household members.
Pfizer To Apply Today For Emergency Approval Of Its COVID Vaccine
Pfizer and its partner BioNtech will be the first to file for FDA review of its coronavirus vaccine — an evaluation that is expected to take several weeks.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others.
Research Roundup: COVID; CARB-X; Gender Dysphoria; Statin Therapy
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Second Wave Slows In Europe; China’s Vaccine; Borders Closed To US
Media outlets report on news about the pandemic and an end to the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
NYC Closes Public Schools As Infections Rise; Kentucky’s Schools Shut Down
Also, NBC looks at how closings cause privacy concerns for teachers and students. News is on California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s fancy dinner gathering and nursing home negligence, as well.
New Orleans Bans Upcoming Mardi Gras Parades To Avoid Spike
Mayor LaToya Cantrell says she wasn’t given any warning about the danger of large gatherings prior to the 2020 parades. News is on airline travel, the NFL’s new plans, indoor restaurants and more.
Brother Of Biden Adviser Is Pharmaceutical Industry Lobbyist
On Tuesday, Steve Ricchetti was named counselor to the president in Biden’s administration. Ricchetti’s brother, Jeff, started lobbying for GlaxoSmithKline in September. A month earlier, he started work for Horizon Therapeutics, once known as Horizon Pharma. Horizon did not rule out having Jeff Ricchetti lobby the incoming administration.
