Latest KFF Health News Stories
‘Uncertainty Is Stressful’: How To Cope With The Angsty Election Wait
Bad news for those stressed and anxious leading up to Election Day: it’s going to continue for awhile longer. So be kind to each other and check out tips for alleviating the strain and exhaustion.
Proposal Would Force HHS To Review Its Regulations Every 10 Years
Rules would expire after that time if the agency didn’t reassess them. HHS Secretary Alex Azar said: “With HHS regulatory responsibilities as wide-ranging as food safety, drug approval, adoption and childcare and healthcare financing, it’s essential that we know … whether we’re executing on these responsibilities in a way that maximizes benefits [and] minimizes costs.”
Damage Found In Victims’ Lungs Could Explain Struggles Of ‘Long Haulers’
A study of 41 people who died from COVID-19 revealed massive blood clotting of the arteries and veins and scarring of respiratory tissue.
AstraZeneca: Vaccine Results Likely Later This Year
The company is scaling up manufacturing of AZD1222 as late-stage trials advance. News on the race to produce a vaccine is from Pfizer and Abbott, as well.
In Step Toward Approval, FDA Says New Alzheimer’s Drug Is Safe, Effective
The drug, called aducanumab, is administered intravenously once a month and aimed at slowing the disease in its early stages. The FDA will decide by early March whether to approve the drug.
‘We Need To Do It’: McConnell Wants COVID-Relief Bill By End Of The Year
The Senate majority leader is fresh off his own reelection Tuesday. Meanwhile, Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman warned Thursday that the United States needs a “really, really big” stimulus package to keep the economy afloat because the U.S. hasn’t managed to contain the coronavirus.
Louisiana’s Amendment On Abortion Leaves Many People Confused
The new language specifies that abortion is not a right in the state. But it does not mean that abortions are banned.
COVID Crisis Tops Any Biden Transition Planning
Though he has not yet secured the presidency, former Vice President Joe Biden is launching transition planning that includes a COVID-19 task force and cabinet nominations that can get through a Republican-controlled Senate — all while fighting legal challenges from President Donald Trump in court.
Public Health Officials Grapple With Huge Block Of Voters Who Snubbed Science
As the coronavirus public health emergency escalates, government officials and medical experts examine results and exit surveys for lessons they can learn from this year’s elections.
Biden Edges Toward Magic Number To Win As Trump Files Lawsuits
Ongoing vote counts in a handful of battleground states are under intense scrutiny as Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden stands just a few Electoral College votes away from a projected victory. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump contests the process in court.
One Day. 100,000 New Cases: COVID Crisis Reaches New High In US.
Contributing to this grim milestone: most states reported increased cases Wednesday, with at least five breaking their own daily records.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Dangers Of Lockdowns, Flying, Classrooms, Post-ACA
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic issues and others.
Opinion writers weigh in on these public health topics and others.
Poland Hits Pause On Abortion Law
The constitutional court ruled Oct. 22 to further tighten one of Europe’s most restrictive abortion laws, allowing abortion only in cases of rape or incest. The ruling was scheduled to be formally published on Monday. Unpublished, it has no legal power.
Perspectives: Price Transparency; Trump’s Socialized Medicine; And More
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
On Drug Costs, Here’s What To Expect From A Biden Or Trump Presidency
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
In Alaska, Mask Mandates Are Snagged In Fine Print Of State Constitution
“Home rule” municipalities like Anchorage and Juneau can exercise any powers not explicitly barred by the Alaska Legislature. But “second-class boroughs” — which function like counties — only have powers that the state explicitly granted to them. Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy has said that a mask mandate should be left up to local governments.
Chew On This: Teeth Grinding Hit New Highs Because Of All This Stress
An uptick in grinding is associated more with injuries to fillings, teeth and pain in the jaws and ears, according to the American Dental Association. Other public health news is on diets, vaccines, cruises and more.
$21 Billion Opioid Settlement Proposed
McKesson said a group of state attorneys general have proposed the it and Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen pay $21 billion over 18 years to settle more than 3,000 lawsuits. Mylan, Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb are also in industry news.
