Latest KFF Health News Stories
Shortages For Pneumonia Vaccine Begin As Demand Rises Due To COVID
After a resurgence of COVID In Europe, doctors are giving more pneumonia shots to people to help prevent lung complications. News is on Big Pharma’s expanding use of the cloud, more young patients in breast cancer trials, and more.
Study: Adults With Down Syndrome At 10 Times The Risk Of COVID-19 Death
Additionally, the research, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found the group to be at almost five times the risk for hospitalization for the virus. Researchers are also finding that we don’t need to be wiping down our groceries and that blood plasma treatment for those with COVID may have no benefit.
Many Uninsured COVID Patients Remain Unaware Their Hospital Bills Are Covered
There’s no requirement for hospitals to let uninsured patients with COVID-19 know that their bills are covered through a program of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services set up by the CARES Act.
Financial Troubles, COVID Force Closure Of Rural Georgia Hospital
Southwest Georgia Regional Medical Center becomes the 133rd rural hospital to cease operations in the U.S., and the eighth in Georgia, since 2010. Extra expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic are also challenging Georgia’s University Hospital. News is from Texas, Michigan and elsewhere.
Moderna Recruits 30,000 Volunteers To Max Out Final-Stage Vaccine Trial
More than a third of the participants enrolled are minorities. Racial representation in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials is an area of development concern. Meanwhile, Pfizer adds minors to its vaccine testing.
Vaccine Safety Is Focus Of FDA Expert Panel’s Debate At Public Meeting
The daylong meeting was livestreamed on multiple outlets for public viewing as the FDA works to increase public confidence in the vaccine approval process.
US, Other Nations Sign Anti-Abortion Pact; Poland Effectively Bans Procedure
In the U.S., Mississippi petitions the Supreme Court to review a case seen as a challenge to Roe v. Wade.
Final Vote On Barrett Likely To Come Monday
In what would be one of the quickest confirmations ever, the full Senate is expected to vote Monday on whether to approve Amy Coney Barrett as the next U.S. Supreme Court justice. Her addition to the court could change the future of health care for generations.
‘I Hope That They End It’: Trump Wants Supreme Court To Topple ACA
In video of a contentious CBS ’60 Minutes’ interview the White House released early, President Donald Trump insists he has a replacement plan if the Supreme Court invalidates the Affordable Care Act in an upcoming case. He offered no details when pressed.
Trying To Defend Border Separations, Trump Criticizes Immigrants’ IQs
The exchange was the first – and only – mention of immigration in the two debates and town hall meetings that have taken place. The candidates also sparred over racism in America, with Joe Biden calling Donald Trump “one of the most racist presidents we’ve had in modern history.” Trump said he was the “least racist person in this room.”
In Final Debate, Biden Revs Up Talk Of ‘Bidencare,’ Trump Glosses Over COVID
President Donald Trump reiterated that he wants to dismantle Obamacare but still couldn’t explain how he would replace it. Former vice president Joe Biden plugged his replacement plan, which he called “Bidencare” several times, a sign that he is growing more confident in the popularity of the proposal.
COVID Surge Hits Record Levels; Task Force Alarmed By ‘Deterioration’
On Thursday the U.S. hit an all-time daily high with over 77,000 new confirmed coronavirus cases, according to NBC News’ tally. And CNN obtained reports from the White House coronavirus task force that warn about the surge of cases and hospitalizations occurring in the Sun Belt and Midwest.
Remdesivir Becomes First Drug Approved By FDA To Treat Coronavirus
Gilead’s antiviral drug has been given to some people with COVID-19, including President Donald Trump, under emergency use authorization until now. It has been shown to help shorten recovery times of some hospitalized patients.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Lessons On Missteps, Mental Health During The Pandemic
Editorial pages focus on how policies are impacting the health of the country.
Opinion writers weigh in on these public health issues and others.
Research Roundup: COVID; Engineered T Cells
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Brazil’s President Rejects Rival’s Decision To Purchase China’s Vaccine
News reports are from Brazil, China, South Korea, France, Spain, Italy, and Czech Republic.
2 Died After Weeklong Event At N.C. Church That Drew At Least 1,000
In news from other states: New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy goes into self-quarantine; as many as 3,073 people in Kentucky may have died from COVID so far; New York braces for second wave; and more.
School Reopening Chaos Continues
Boston cancels in-person instruction for high-needs students. Also, California tallies 269,000 homeless K-12 students and how a Wisconsin COVID surge is tied to partying college students.
