Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Parsing Policy: De-Escalation Training; Gender-Affirming Care; ACA’s Impact
Opinion writers express views about the recent killing of a Black man struggling with mental illness; laws that could prevent mental health care for minors; contraception and the ACA; and more.
Black Man Shot, Killed In Philadelphia Needed Mental Health Help, Family Says
The mayor of Philadelphia imposed a citywide curfew Wednesday in response to waves of protests and unrest this week after Walter Wallace Jr., 27, was shot and killed Monday by police. Protesters say the shooting is making them rethink how they will vote in the presidential election.
Trump Administration Buys 300,000 Doses Of Eli Lilly’s COVID Treatment
The drug, a type of monoclonal antibody, is given by intravenous infusion and costs $1,250 per dose.
In Upcoming Memoir, Obama Retells Battle For ACA, His Plan To Fight H1N1
“Legislation of this scope was guaranteed to involve hundreds of pages of endlessly fussed-over amendments and regulations,” the former president says in an excerpt released this week. The book, “A Promised Land,” comes out next month.
Biden Touts His COVID Plan: ‘We’ll Let Science Drive Our Decisions’
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is closing his campaign with an emphasis on how he will handle the coronavirus crisis. NPR reports on details of that plan.
Trump Sticks With Pandemic-Is-Ending Message In Final Days Of Campaign
President Donald Trump continues in-person rallies in swing states and downplaying the state of the COVID crisis to voters. Meanwhile, the White House walks back a press release that falsely claimed Trump has ended the pandemic.
Women In Poland Join In Sixth Day Of Protests Over Abortion Ruling
Poland’s ban on abortion due to congenital abnormalities is not subject to appeal. Also, doctors can now refuse to prescribe contraception based on religious grounds. News on the pandemic is from the Czech Republic and Australia, as well.
‘Not In A Good Place’: 41 States Report 10% More Cases
The rising records of cases and hospitalizations make up “a bad recipe for a tough time ahead,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said. News is from Wisconsin, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and California.
MLB Takes Issue With Dodgers’ Infected Player Joining World Series Celebration
Third baseman Justin Turner chose to ignore the COVID protocols, a Major League Baseball statement said, putting everyone at risk. News is also on troubling STD rates, snacking and more.
Google Health, Mayo Clinic Target Radiation Therapy In First Joint Project
Their artificial intelligence tool aims to improve radiation therapy targeting in cancer patients by drawing contours around a head or neck tumor, dividing it from healthy tissue, and helping to determine dosage and treatment plans.
Hospitals, Insurer Take Steps Against Racism
Mass General Brigham has unveiled a project called “United Against Racism,” and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois has piloted new programs to improve health equity.
Warp Speed? Race For Vaccine Starts To Look Much Slower
Stat reports it’s entirely possible that a company will find early success, but none of the vaccines being developed for the U.S. market has been proven to be effective in preventing COVID-19 disease. Dr. Anthony Fauci told JAMA that a vaccine might come later than January.
Medicare, Medicaid Will Pay COVID Vaccine Costs, CMS Announces
Beneficiaries of the two federal insurance programs will not have to pay out-of-pocket expenses for a vaccine authorized for emergency use, under a rule change by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
More Mask Mandates Coming If We Don’t Cover Up, Testing Czar Warns
Federal health officials weigh in on the importance of masks in controlling the latest COVID surge, while some state and local lawmakers take steps to require face coverings and add other new restrictions.
White House Questions Swirl: Why Wasn’t Outbreak Traced? Is ‘Herd Immunity’ Plan Now Policy?
The Washington Post reports that White House officials ended early attempts to investigate the spread of coronavirus within the Trump administration. And sources tell Daily Beast that advisers pushing the controversial “herd immunity” strategy have prevailed with President Donald Trump.
Supreme Court Lets N.C., Pennsylvania Extend Post-Election Vote Counting
The two cases are the latest decided by the high court that could greatly impact the outcome of next week’s elections, as many Americans struggle to vote safely during a pandemic.
FBI Alerts Hospitals To ‘Imminent’ Threat Of Crippling Ransomware Attacks
Since Monday, at least six U.S. hospitals have already been hit by cyberattacks believed to be executed by a Russian-speaking criminal gang using the Ryuk ransomware. The FBI, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Health and Human Services warn health care providers to prepare for more hacks.
Viewpoints: Policy Can’t Stop This Virus; Delusions Don’t Concern Trump’s Supporters
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and others.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
