Latest KFF Health News Stories
No Magic Equation As Hospitals Juggle COVID, Elective Services, Fiscal Losses
After quickly shutting down nonemergency procedures early in the pandemic, many hospitals are now trying to stay open as long as possible.
Pelosi To Trump: Sign Testing Plan; Administration Sends N.C. Rapid Tests
News outlets reports on the lack of a national testing strategy, who’s getting tests, ways of testing, including looking in sewer tunnels, and contact tracing .
COVID Immunity Might Wear Off, Large Study Finds
The study looked at 365,000 adults in England over the summer. In other news on COVID treatments: Eli Lilly says its antibody drug bamlanivimab doesn’t seem to help hospitalized patients; AstraZeneca’s vaccine seems to work in older adults; and the race to be the first company with a proven vaccine continues.
‘Things Are Different And Way Better’: Nursing Homes Make Major Changes
More personal protective equipment and more COVID testing have significantly helped the facilities improve their safety, the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living says.
Medicare, Medicaid Set To Cover Costs For COVID Vaccine Even Under EUA
Politico reports that the Trump Administration plans to announce a proposed rule that would cover out-of-pocket expense for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries for a coronavirus vaccine approved for emergency use. Current regulations would not cover the cost.
A ‘Controllable’ Pandemic? White House Officials Offer Mixed Messages
Statements from the White House chief of staff continue to raise questions and criticisms. In other Trump administration news: political appointees are leaving HHS; Jared Kushner invokes a racist stereotype; and the Agriculture Department keeps up the fight to shrink food stamps.
Trump Tells Rallygoers ‘It’s Ending Anyway’ Despite Deluge Of New Cases
Without evidence, President Donald Trump continues to try to convince voters that the coronavirus outbreak is fading. On the other side of the ballot, Democratic nominee Joe Biden takes a cautious approach to the final campaign days.
Supreme Court Refuses To Extend Wisconsin’s Mail-In Voting Deadline
The Supreme Court again waded into the election arena, rejecting a push from Democrats and civil rights groups to count Wisconsin ballots received after Election Day. In their opinions, two of the justices warned of the risk of chaos around vote counting.
Justice Barrett Sworn In At Packed Gala That Mimicked Superspreader Event
The Supreme Court has returned to nine justices after Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed Monday by a 52-48 vote in the Senate. Friends and political allies of President Trump gathered on the South Lawn of the White House for the swearing-in. Many wore masks, although some — including Trump and Barrett — did not. Barrett’s quick ascension means she will be seated in time to hear oral arguments in California v. Texas, a case that could determine the fate of the ACA.
It’s Not Just New COVID Cases Surging; Deaths Are Accelerating Again Too
As Dr. Anthony Fauci put it: “It’s not good news.” In the last week alone, the U.S. tally of confirmed infections grew by 487,769. New COVID cases are overwhelming hospitals in many parts of the nation and are rising among kids.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues and others.
Opinion writers weigh on these pandemic topics and others.
Immigrants At Georgia Detention Center Forced To Have Unnecessary Gynecological Surgeries
Media outlets report on news from Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Vermont, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Michigan, Missouri, Montana and Texas.
Crowded Hospitals Could Also Be Hot Spots For Superbug
National Geographic reports that an influx of COVID patients in hospitals could be driving a surge of a drug-resistant fungal infection. News is on false positives, tuberculosis, online interviews and more.
2020 Thanksgiving: Big Happy Reunion Or Red-Hot Problem?
News outlets begin to roll out advice that will help people, eager to see family and friends, make safe plans. News is on vaccine rates for toddlers and quarantines for Fox News president and staff.
Bayer Pays Up To $4B For NC-Based Gene Therapy Firm AskBio
Bayer is offering $2 billion up front, and could pay out another $2 billion if the firm hits certain milestones, Stat reports.
Near The Brink, Utah Hospitals May Soon Start Rationing Care
Under the criteria, patients who are getting worse despite receiving intensive care would be moved out first. In the event that two patients’ conditions are equal, the young get priority over the old, since older patients are more likely to die.
One ‘Operation Warp Speed’ Contract Released, Riddled With Redactions
HHS made public the federal government’s $1.5-billion deal with Moderna to secure access to its COVID-19 vaccine candidate. But information on 39 pages of the 53-page document is obscured by redactions, NPR reports. Other developments on the vaccine race were also in the weekend’s news.
Senate Speeds Toward Barrett Confirmation
After a rare all-night Sunday session, in which Republicans easily beat back Democrats’ efforts to oppose moving forward, Amy Coney Barrett is expected to be approved to the Supreme Court in a vote tonight.
