Latest KFF Health News Stories
Biden, Trump Paint Starkly Different Pictures Of Pandemic For Voters
On the campaign trial, former Vice President Joe Biden outlines his plan for containing the COVID-19 surge while President Donald Trump says the nation is already “rounding the turn.”
Trump Health Advisers — Past And Present — Urge National Mask Mandate
And “Ho, ho, ho” turns to “no, no, no” as the Trump administration backs off a plan that would have put Santa Claus performers near the front of the vaccine line.
Is White House Giving Up On Limiting Spread Of Coronavirus?
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows signals that the Trump administration may be doing so when he said during an interview: “We’re not going to control the pandemic.” Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said the statement is a flag of surrender.
Pence’s Team Now Infected By COVID: Chief Of Staff, Top Aides Test Positive
The vice president’s chief of staff Marc Short and at least four other staffers are reported to have the coronavirus. Mike Pence has so far tested negative and will continue to travel to campaign.
US Just Had Worst Week Of Pandemic As COVID Races Through Nation
The numbers are grim. The highest seven-day average of new cases was just set: 68,767. The single-day case record also broken: 83,757. Deaths, according to one tally: 225,000. And currently hospitalized: over 42,000.
As Voters Across The US Rethink Issues, One State Seems To Have Too Many
From surging COVID cases to racial protests to economic troubles, “Wisconsin,” Chris Walton, chair of the Milwaukee County Democrats, said, “is one-stop shopping this year. We’ve got it all.”
‘Deeply Troubling’: Italy, Other Parts Of Europe Hit By Rapidly Spreading Virus
Reports are from Italy, France, Germany, Poland, Spain, Mexico, Iceland, England, South Korea and Finland.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion pages focus on these health care issues and others.
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues and others.
‘Please Stay Home’: Wisconsin Admits First Patient To Field Hospital
Daily new cases and deaths are still rising in the state. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said, “We are thankful to have this facility available to Wisconsinites and our hospitals, but also saddened that this is where Wisconsin is at today.” News is from New Jersey, Massachusetts, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, Utah and Alaska, as well.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to sit back and enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on COVID, health insurance, therapy, conspiracy theories and vibrio.
Customer Safety?: Southwest To Fill Middle Seats; Target To Offer Shopping Appointments
The Southwest policy goes into effect after Thanksgiving — and will offer passengers a chance to rebook. Target seems to be pulling out all the stops during the holiday shopping season, including letting customers make reservations. News is on the difficulties faced by amputee veterans, the challenges of trick-or-treating, and more, as well.
Shortages For Pneumonia Vaccine Begin As Demand Rises Due To COVID
After a resurgence of COVID In Europe, doctors are giving more pneumonia shots to people to help prevent lung complications. News is on Big Pharma’s expanding use of the cloud, more young patients in breast cancer trials, and more.
Study: Adults With Down Syndrome At 10 Times The Risk Of COVID-19 Death
Additionally, the research, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found the group to be at almost five times the risk for hospitalization for the virus. Researchers are also finding that we don’t need to be wiping down our groceries and that blood plasma treatment for those with COVID may have no benefit.
Many Uninsured COVID Patients Remain Unaware Their Hospital Bills Are Covered
There’s no requirement for hospitals to let uninsured patients with COVID-19 know that their bills are covered through a program of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services set up by the CARES Act.
Financial Troubles, COVID Force Closure Of Rural Georgia Hospital
Southwest Georgia Regional Medical Center becomes the 133rd rural hospital to cease operations in the U.S., and the eighth in Georgia, since 2010. Extra expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic are also challenging Georgia’s University Hospital. News is from Texas, Michigan and elsewhere.
Moderna Recruits 30,000 Volunteers To Max Out Final-Stage Vaccine Trial
More than a third of the participants enrolled are minorities. Racial representation in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials is an area of development concern. Meanwhile, Pfizer adds minors to its vaccine testing.
Vaccine Safety Is Focus Of FDA Expert Panel’s Debate At Public Meeting
The daylong meeting was livestreamed on multiple outlets for public viewing as the FDA works to increase public confidence in the vaccine approval process.
US, Other Nations Sign Anti-Abortion Pact; Poland Effectively Bans Procedure
In the U.S., Mississippi petitions the Supreme Court to review a case seen as a challenge to Roe v. Wade.
