Latest KFF Health News Stories
Georgia Can Partially Expand Medicaid With Work Requirements, Premiums
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved a waiver request from Georgia to expand its Medicaid program with restrictions that narrow the number of residents who will be eligible.
Major Players In Vaccine Supply Chain Warn Distribution Will Be Difficult
Whether making it, transporting it or administering it, every step of the COVID vaccination process is rife with complications, Stat reports.
Remdesivir Doesn’t Prevent COVID Deaths, Study Finds
Remdesivir is the only antiviral drug authorized for treatment of COVID in the U.S., and the results are likely a major blow to scientists hunting for a viable medication.
Now It’s Republicans Rejecting A White House-Backed Relief Deal
Up to now, the stimulus stalemate has primarily been between House Democrats and White House negotiators. But the latest $1.8 trillion proposed package, which President Donald Trump says he supports, was nixed Thursday by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
New Supreme Court Alignment Will Shape Health Care For Years To Come
While the confirmation hearings for Amy Coney Barrett focused on the Affordable Care Act and abortion, there are a host of health-policy cases the high court will decide in the near future and far term, Politico reports.
White House’s Pandemic Messaging Hits Resistance
Residents of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, rail against using the town’s name to promote herd immunity; the CDC struggles to contain White House meddling; former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he was “wrong” not to wear a mask at the White House; and more.
Striking Back Against Foes, Trump Withholds Millions In Federal Funds
The Trump administration rejected California’s request for disaster-relief funds to help it recover from some of the worst wildfires in the state’s history. It also recently withheld health care funds from 9/11 first responders and stimulus checks from incarcerated people, and has threatened to withhold COVID grants from “anarchist” cities.
Unlikely Trump Can Deliver Seniors Promised $200 Drug Discounts By Election, If At All
President Donald Trump announced his plan ahead of legal and regulatory reviews, which are now bogged down by questions of whether the White House has the authority to outlay billions in Medicare funds. One anonymous administration official tells AP that the odds are 75-25 it won’t happen.
Biden Campaign’s Approach To Positive COVID Tests Differs To Trump
The Biden team revealed some specifics about the first known positive tests among campaign staffers Thursday and stressed the protective measures they are taking. And Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris halted weekend travel plans “out of an abundance of caution.”
Pandemic Puts Trump On Defense Vs. Biden’s Offensive During Competing Town Halls
COVID-19 played a major role in canceling a second in-person debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, while also dominating the stage of the candidates’ alternative town hall events.
Fall COVID Surge Starting To Overwhelm Hospitals In Some Cities
The U.S. is about to blow by the 8 million mark for confirmed cases of COVID-19 with new infections accelerating quickly. Hospitalizations are also on the rise and some city hospitals report bed shortages.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks, Part 1: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to sit back and enjoy over the weekend. Part 1 is all about COVID.
Harris Off The Trail After Two Staffers Test Positive For COVID
Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris suspends campaign travel and in-person events after her communications director and another staffer contract COVID-19. The campaign says neither team member had contact with Harris since their positive test.
Viewpoints: Lessons On Pauses In Vaccine Trials; Much More Needed To Curb Health Misinformation
Editorial writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others.
Perspectives: Pros, Cons Of Herd Immunity Strategy; Good Genes Or Nonsense Eugenics?
Opinion writers weigh in on these public health topics and others.
Germany Extends $662M To Holocaust Survivors Suffering From COVID
News is from Germany, Israel, Russia, Congo, Burundi, Cameroon, Hong Kong, Singapore, Italy and England.
Research Roundup: COVID-19; Flu-Like Illness; Bariatric Surgery; Zika
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Texas Rule Allows Social Workers To Refuse LGBTQ Clients
The Republican-led legislation has opposed expanding nondiscriminatory protections to LGBTQ residents. News is from Utah, Michigan, Wisconsin, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
Alabama Football Coach’s Positive Test Raises Concerns About Travel
Nick Saban’s COVID infection is the latest twist to a damaged football season in the Southeastern Conference. He suspects his travels to Mississippi last weekend for a game. News is on winter sports and the NFL, as well.
