Latest KFF Health News Stories
Obama Chides Trump For Mishandling Pandemic
Former president Barack Obama said in a speech Wednesday that, “This idea that somehow this White House has done anything but completely screw this up is just not true.”
Supreme Court Bans Curbside Voting In Alabama Planned For People With Disabilities
In a 5-3 vote, the Supreme Court justices sided with Alabama’s secretary effort to block counties from offering curbside in-person voting during the pandemic.
Purdue Pharma Pleads Guilty, Will Pay $8.3B To Settle Criminal Charges Over Opioid Sales
The massive settlement deal also covers civil cases against the maker of the painkiller OxyContin.
What Does ‘Close Contact’ Mean? CDC Redefines COVID Exposure Time To Qualify
The CDC previously defined the time and distance during which COVID-19 could be transmitted as 15 continuous minutes within six feet of an infectious person. Now they say that time window could be cumulative over a 24-hour period.
Online Child Abuse, Exploitation Has Spiked During Pandemic, Officials Say
In other news related to children’s health: A New Orleans archbishop has asked all diocesan priests on his list of religious men credibly accused of molesting children to leave the Catholic clergy entirely; and youth advocates in Texas say the state is not doing enough to protect detainees in juvenile prisons from physical and sexual abuse.
Republicans On Senate Panel Approve Barrett; Democrats Boycott Vote
With Democrats refusing to show up, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed along Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court nomination. A full Senate vote is expected next Monday.
‘Distressing’ Third COVID Surge Leaves Hospitals, States Scrambling
At least 75 percent of the U.S. is experiencing a spike in new COVID-19 infections, the CDC warns. Things are particularly worrisome in the Midwest. And the worst could still be yet to come, as the winter holidays could increase transmissions.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Pros, Cons Of Opening The Schools, Protecting The Elderly; Lessons On Fauci’s Strength
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic issues and others.
Perspectives: Drugs From Canada; ‘Trump Card’
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
University Of Michigan Students Told To Stay Home As Virus Spikes
Education news on the pandemic also focuses on the political impact of empty campuses; school closures in Georgia; and a fine for a California private school that refused to close.
Reports are from Louisiana, North and South Carolina, Maryland, California, Massachusetts, and Georgia.
How The Next President Will Try To Lower Drug Prices
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Prepare Anyway: Be Wary Of Low Flu Rates In Locked Down Countries
Public health experts look to the Southern Hemisphere when making flu season projections, but this year they’re urging Americans to prepare for the worst even though fewer cases emerged in Australia and New Zealand. News is on Alzheimer’s disease, Ebola, breast cancer, and lung cancer, as well.
Amid COVID Surge, States Make Vaccine Plans
COVID cases are again sharply on the rise across the country, straining hospitals. States are also trying to prepare plans for the distribution of a vaccine.
What If The Doctor Is The One Who Refuses To Wear A Mask?
Some states can hold those doctors accountable, but Georgia isn’t one of them. Also, the pandemic’s emotional toll on health care workers and the impacts of unconscious bias in health care.
Calif. Hospitals Reportedly Refused To Accept Some COVID Patients
The Wall Street Journal reports that hospital systems in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange and San Bernardino counties rejected or delayed transfers because the patients were uninsured, on Medicaid or had other insurance problems, according to documents and emails from California’s Emergency Medical Services Authority. Also in the news, hospitals are setting up programs to treat long-term COVID patients.
COVID Patients Suffer Long-Term Effects
The consequences of COVID-19 are becoming better understood.
Study: Early Treatment With Arthritis Drug Tocilizumab Reduces COVID Deaths
The reduced death rate was greatest in patients admitted to the ICU within three days of developing symptoms. Two other smaller studies showed no benefits. News is on expected shortages of antibody treatments, as well.
Nebraska’s Medicaid Waiver With Work Requirements Approved By CMS
Meanwhile, the agency wants to approve its operations to more nimbly handle emergency waiver requests.
