Latest KFF Health News Stories
Anti-Mask Republican Congressman Will Lead COVID Drug Trial
Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.) is on the data and safety monitoring committee for the drug aviptadil. The five-term congressman’s membership on the board is unusual; former FDA chief Scott Gottlieb told Politico he hadn’t heard of a member of Congress sitting on such a committee for any drug. Surgeon General Jerome Adams and Dr. Anthony Fauci also make headlines.
Private Insurers Pay More Than Double What Medicare Pays For Same Care
“The prices are so high, the prices are so unaffordable — it’s just a runaway train,” said Gloria Sachdev, the chief executive of the Employers’ Forum of Indiana, a coalition that worked with RAND on the study.
CMS Task Force Unveils Guidelines For How Nursing Homes Can Fight COVID
The commission, announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in April, was tasked with enhancing strategies for infection control and prevention in facilities. The task force was made up of 25 appointed members, including infectious disease experts and directors of nursing homes. Critics claim it does little to set higher standards.
Moderna, Pfizer Reveal Vaccine Designs
Companies typically share these plans after studies are complete, but both companies hope to earn the trust of the public and scientists.
Frustrations Roil Surface Of Relief Negotiations But Spur No Progress
Despite talk of a middle ground from President Donald Trump and some lawmakers, stimulus legislation negotiators end the week no closer to striking a deal.
House Vote On Marijuana Legalization Bill Postponed Until After Election
More moderate Democrats expressed concerns about the progressive labeling of the bill and failure to pass a relief bill.
‘President Should Step Down’: Biden Condemns Trump’s Pandemic Response
At a campaign town hall in Pennsylvania, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden charged that President Donald Trump’s coronavirus actions have been solely motivated by re-election and financial self-interest. He also questioned vaccine timing talk and slammed Attorney William Barr’s comments comparing pandemic restrictions to slavery.
White House Abandoned HHS Plan To Mail Masks To Every American In April
Documents obtained by The Washington Post and NBC News detail the Department of Health and Human Service’s proposal to deliver 650 million cloth masks in April — enough for five face coverings per household, according to a U.S. Postal Service draft press release. The USPS papers also reveal safety fears raised by postal workers since the pandemic’s start.
Trump Officials’ Private Battle To Control CDC Messaging Goes Public
Health officials within HHS and CDC fear that recent attacks leveled by President Donald Trump and his aides at CDC Director Robert Redfield could escalate, while the American public receives mixed messages from the federal government during a public health crisis.
CDC Scientists Did Not Write Or Agree To Release Altered COVID Testing Guidance
Controversial guidelines saying asymptomatic people exposed to COVID-19 don’t need to get tested were crafted by HHS officials and did not go through CDC’s standard scientific review process. Memos obtained by The New York Times finds the policy change was published over objections from CDC scientists.
Europe’s COVID Cases Rising Faster Than Spring’s Peak, Alarming WHO
The World Health Organization’s European officials warn governments and residents to redouble efforts to fight the virus. With hospitalizations spiking, the United Kingdom considers a second lockdown. And the worldwide total of confirmed COVID-19 cases passes the 30 million mark.
Farmers To Receive Additional $13B In Coronavirus Relief, Trump Says
President Donald Trump announced the second round of aid for farmers during a reelection rally in Wisconsin. More details are expected today. Other Trump campaign news covers drug importation and pricing, the United Nations and opioids.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: COVID And Heart Disease; Denial At The Top; And Help For The Vulnerable
Opinion experts weigh in on these public health issues and others.
Viewpoints: Pros, Cons Of Faster Vaccine Approval; Lessons On Living During Pandemic
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and others.
Germany Gets Assurance From US Military About Taming Outbreak
Global news is from Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, France, England, Spain and South Africa.
Financial Struggles: Low Occupancy Hits Connecticut Nursing Homes Hard
Media outlets report on news from Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and Michigan, as well.
Research Roundup: Antibiotics; Myocarditis; Convalescent Plasma; Seasonal Viruses; Staph Infections
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
October Kickoffs: Big 10 Reverses Course On Football Season
Fans and President Donald Trump cheered on the decision to play. News is on cases among student-athletes at Penn State, the University of Florida and more.
Pedestrian Deaths Reach Crisis Levels
A new book looks at the causes of deaths that have jumped 46%. More public health news is on mosquito-borne viruses, blood pressure and other developments.
