Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study: COVID More Contagious Than Thought
A number of studies reveal it’s twice as contagious as thought, that young people are driving the spread of the virus and obesity’s role is made clearer.
Tricky Question: Should Kids Go Out On Halloween?
“It’s really knowing about your own environment and what’s going on in your neighborhood in your area to really make decisions whether or not to trick-or-treat,” advised Jared Muenzer, pediatric emergency room doctor and physician-in-chief at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. News is on a novel way to feed the homeless, dangers of stability balls and updates on the NFL and NHL.
Job Losses Create ‘Stress, Turmoil’ In Households With Children
The impact is disproportionately high for Hispanic and Black households, a new poll finds.
COVID Cases Rising Among Schoolchildren
And a very healthy college student died of COVID complications. Other news about the pandemic and schools is from Iowa, Mississippi and Maryland.
15% Of Adults Were Uninsured In 2019, New CDC Report Finds
Lack of affordable coverage was the top reason given for being uninsured. Other marketplace and health industry news is from United HealthCare, St. Luke’s Health System, Children’s Mercy, Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, Molina Healthcare, Affinity Health Plan, Baptist Hospitals and more.
UHS Computer Systems, Employees Left In The Lurch After Cyberattack
The health giant’s network remained shut down as of Tuesday. Health workers say the outage has made communicating difficult and that they are using paper records and hand-labeling medications. The Wall Street Journal said some ambulances have been re-routed and elective surgeries canceled.
UnitedHealth Faces Off Against Amazon
United Health buys DivvyDose for just over $300 million in order to compete against Amazon’s PillPack. Other industry news makes headlines as well.
Regeneron Says Experimental Therapy Shows Benefits For People With Moderate COVID Symptoms
The drugmaker says that its two-antibody cocktail, dubbed REGN-COV, lowered viral loads and improved symptoms for non-hospitalized patients in a small clinical trial. The therapy is also being tested in hospitalized patients with more severe symptoms. Regeneron says it is in early discussions with the FDA about possibly applying for emergency use authorization.
CMS Alters Guidelines For COVID-19 Testing At Nursing Homes
The agency tweaked its color-coded system to account for community spread of the virus. Other nursing home news is on rapid-result testing, nursing home volumes and COVID training.
FDA’s Approval Process of Opioids Faulted
Clinical trials were too short, patient groups too narrow and safety was rarely assessed, says a new study of the agency’s opioid approval process.
Operation Warp Speed Contracts Shielded From Public View, Oversight
NPR reports on the secretive deals the government’s vaccine development program struck with pharmaceutical companies, details of which may not be available to the public for years. Other Trump administration news reports on an internal dispute over passenger cruises and a controversial HHS public relations campaign.
Debate Reinforces That Trump’s Eye Is On Preelection Vaccine Prize
News outlets analyze the bits of information that could be gleaned from the first Trump-Biden showdown, which touched on drug prices and future health care reforms in addition to the ever-dominant pandemic issues.
Key Day In Stimulus Talks As Democrats Await GOP Proposal
Today’s negotiations and actions could determine if there is any hope of a coronavirus relief bill passing before Election Day. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer makes a rare move to pressure Republicans on preexisting conditions protections and pharmaceutical executives are scheduled to testify before a House panel.
Health Issues Slip Into Chaotic First Debate Between Trump, Biden
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden blasted while President Donald Trump defended the administration’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak. The health law and coverage of preexisting conditions also got air time. And news outlets attempt to fact check a debate littered with false claims.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and others.
Opinion writers express views about politicization of federal health agencies and other issues.
Germany’s Fauci Praises His Country For Masking, Social Distancing
As a second wave rolls through parts of Europe, Christian Drosten releases a prevention plan for the coming months with the backing of Chancellor Angela Merkel. Global news is from WHO, the Clinton Health Access Initiative and looks at Belgium’s ban on prostitution, and more.
Army Leaders Focus On New Factors Behind 30% Spike In Suicides
Forced isolation during the pandemic could be one of the problems adding additional stress to troops. Mental health news is on telemedicine, loneliness and aging, care for transgender children, and more.
Conservatives Ask Judge To Overturn Wis. Governor’s Mask Mandate
The case argues that Gov. Tony Evers doesn’t have the authority to issue such an order. New outlets look at a variety of coronavirus news across the country, including increasing case counts in several states.
