Latest KFF Health News Stories
Overstressed Hospitals Face Shortages Of Workers, Beds And Treatments
The latest COVID spike is flooding hospitals and medical offices, straining the U.S. health care system. Doctors fear that the crisis is approaching a point where they will have to make dreaded choices about which patients gets beds, ventilators or medications and who will be sent home.
Deaths Climb After Ninth Straight Day Above 100,000 COVID Cases In US
The death toll stands at over 241,000. The alarming trend of breaking daily records for new infections continued as well, with the U.S. reporting over 144,000 cases on Wednesday.
AstraZeneca Study: Blood Cancer Drug Fails To Reduce Deaths From COVID
AstraZeneca’s work is among many trying to evaluate known treatments. Other disappointments include Sanofi’s rheumatoid arthritis medicine Kevzara.
NEJM: Symptom-Based Screening Misses Many Cases In Military
Temperature checks and questions about health rarely detect asymptomatic people. Testing detects more cases.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Pros, Cons Of Supreme Court’s Health Law Arguments
Editorial writers express views about the Supreme Court’s response to a case challenging the Affordable Care Act.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others.
Perspectives: Biden Hasn’t Taken Office Yet, But Some Of His Ideas Are Already In Trouble
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
U.S. Official Complains About WHO’s Investigation Plans In China
The World Health Organization is also waiting to see if President-elect Joe Biden reverses the decision to exit the agency. News reports are on Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Brazil, China, and Lebanon, as well.
How President-Elect Biden Aims To Cut Prescription Drug Prices
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Cities, States Weigh New Restrictions As COVID Scales Tip
But pushback continues: In Utah — where the governor recently enacted an emergency order calling for everyone to wear masks — the Iron County sheriff said he won’t enforce the order. The sheriff says pandemic restrictions are causing adverse effects on county residents’ well-being.
Russia Claims Sputnik Vaccine Shows More Than 90% Efficacy
The country’s announcement follows Pfizer’s reporting of a similar breakthrough. Late-stage trials have not yet finished.
Vermont Ups Hazard Pay Fund For Essential Workers By $8 Million
News is from Vermont, Alaska, New Mexico, Montana, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada and Illinois.
CDC: Thanksgiving Gatherings Need To Be Small And Outside
Even with friends and family, take precautions or consider having virtual celebrations. News is on plans for the National Christmas Tree Lighting, superspreader events, honoring nurses and more.
Mental Illness Appears To Be Yet Another COVID Side Effect
A new study out from The Lancet found that 20 percent of COVID-19 patients are diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder within 90 days after the COVID diagnosis. New research on the virus also covers hospital readmissions, melatonin, testing and more.
As If COVID Pandemic Isn’t Hard Enough, Scammers Make Things Worse
The IRS is warning people about scammers who reach out about stimulus payments via text and email. Other coronavirus scam-related news is on fake clinical trials, fake COVID tests, fake cures and more.
Senators Want To Increase HHS Budget By $2 Billion Next Fiscal Year
The draft bill includes $300 million for the HHS Hospital Preparedness Program, which provides grants to states to prepare hospitals for public health emergencies, an increase of $24 million from last year.
Skewing The Data?: South Dakota Including NICU Beds In Hospital Count
Hospital bed availability a key metric that Gov. Kristi Noam, a Republican, has used to defend her handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Also in the news: El Paso’s University Medical Center, Detroit Medical Center, Tower Health and more.
More Poll Workers Test Positive For COVID Following Elections
At least 28 employees of the Jackson County Election Board in Missouri were infected, though it’s not clear if it was due to exposure from voters. Election workers in California, Pennsylvania and Minnesota also test positive.
Military’s Planning For Vaccine Distribution Concern Biden Adviser
As the Biden transition moves forward, without concession or cooperation from the Trump administration, COVID-19 vaccine distribution emerges as a key discussion point. And speculation continues about who will be nominated to the next cabinet.
