Latest KFF Health News Stories
Women In Poland Join In Sixth Day Of Protests Over Abortion Ruling
Poland’s ban on abortion due to congenital abnormalities is not subject to appeal. Also, doctors can now refuse to prescribe contraception based on religious grounds. News on the pandemic is from the Czech Republic and Australia, as well.
‘Not In A Good Place’: 41 States Report 10% More Cases
The rising records of cases and hospitalizations make up “a bad recipe for a tough time ahead,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said. News is from Wisconsin, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and California.
MLB Takes Issue With Dodgers’ Infected Player Joining World Series Celebration
Third baseman Justin Turner chose to ignore the COVID protocols, a Major League Baseball statement said, putting everyone at risk. News is also on troubling STD rates, snacking and more.
Google Health, Mayo Clinic Target Radiation Therapy In First Joint Project
Their artificial intelligence tool aims to improve radiation therapy targeting in cancer patients by drawing contours around a head or neck tumor, dividing it from healthy tissue, and helping to determine dosage and treatment plans.
Hospitals, Insurer Take Steps Against Racism
Mass General Brigham has unveiled a project called “United Against Racism,” and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois has piloted new programs to improve health equity.
Warp Speed? Race For Vaccine Starts To Look Much Slower
Stat reports it’s entirely possible that a company will find early success, but none of the vaccines being developed for the U.S. market has been proven to be effective in preventing COVID-19 disease. Dr. Anthony Fauci told JAMA that a vaccine might come later than January.
Medicare, Medicaid Will Pay COVID Vaccine Costs, CMS Announces
Beneficiaries of the two federal insurance programs will not have to pay out-of-pocket expenses for a vaccine authorized for emergency use, under a rule change by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
More Mask Mandates Coming If We Don’t Cover Up, Testing Czar Warns
Federal health officials weigh in on the importance of masks in controlling the latest COVID surge, while some state and local lawmakers take steps to require face coverings and add other new restrictions.
White House Questions Swirl: Why Wasn’t Outbreak Traced? Is ‘Herd Immunity’ Plan Now Policy?
The Washington Post reports that White House officials ended early attempts to investigate the spread of coronavirus within the Trump administration. And sources tell Daily Beast that advisers pushing the controversial “herd immunity” strategy have prevailed with President Donald Trump.
Supreme Court Lets N.C., Pennsylvania Extend Post-Election Vote Counting
The two cases are the latest decided by the high court that could greatly impact the outcome of next week’s elections, as many Americans struggle to vote safely during a pandemic.
FBI Alerts Hospitals To ‘Imminent’ Threat Of Crippling Ransomware Attacks
Since Monday, at least six U.S. hospitals have already been hit by cyberattacks believed to be executed by a Russian-speaking criminal gang using the Ryuk ransomware. The FBI, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Health and Human Services warn health care providers to prepare for more hacks.
Viewpoints: Policy Can’t Stop This Virus; Delusions Don’t Concern Trump’s Supporters
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and others.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: COVID; Multiple Sclerosis; Fibromyalgia
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: Prepare For The Next Pandemic; Get Back To The Office; Understand Toxic Masculinity
Opinion writers weigh in on these issues coming to light during the pandemic.
A Warning For The US? Canadians Are Seeing Thanksgiving-Related Spike
Canada’s cases and deaths have been rising since the country celebrated the holiday earlier this month. News is from France, England, Russia and Yemen, as well.
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Texas Reverses Rule, Tells Social Workers To Serve LGBTQ Community
News is from Texas, California, Maine, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia and Oklahoma.
‘Cash Cow’: Details On Sackler Profits, Role In Opioid Marketing Released
Stat reports on documents released by the congressional committee following Purdue Pharma’s agreement last week to plead guilty to three felony counts. News is on Vertex’s cystic fibrosis drug, Da Vinci robotics, Exact Sciences and more.
Despite Spending More Time With Patients, Female Doctors Earn Less Than Men
In other health care industry news: drug-resistant hospital bacteria; a COVID outbreak at UCSF; Baylor Alliance and Catalyst Health are combining; and more. Also, pioneering AIDS physician Joyce Wallace, 79, has died.
