Sanofi Expands mRNA Vaccine Efforts By Buying Translate Bio For $3.2B
August 3, 2021
Morning Briefing
Translate Bio was already Sanofi’s partner in an effort to try to build an mRNA covid vaccine. Separately, reports say the Federal Trade Commission has reluctantly withdrawn a remaining claim in a lawsuit over a so-called pay-to-delay deal with Abbvie.
Just 10 Days: That’s How Long It Takes Cases Of UK Strain To Double In The US
February 8, 2021
Morning Briefing
Researchers predict the B.1.1.7 variant likely will become the predominant strain in the United States in just a month. Public health measures that work on other strains may not be enough to stop B.1.1.7, experts say.
Clots, Strokes and Rashes: Is COVID a Disease of the Blood Vessels?
By Will Stone
November 13, 2020
KFF Health News Original
COVID-19 can cause symptoms that go well beyond the lungs, from strokes to organ failure. To explain these widespread injuries, researchers are studying how the virus affects the vascular system.
Maine Voters Consider U-Turn On Vaccine Exemptions
By Patty Wight, Maine Public Radio
March 3, 2020
KFF Health News Original
States tried to tighten vaccine requirements last year in the midst of measles outbreaks, but a backlash against a tougher law in Maine put a referendum on the ballot there. Voters weigh in on Super Tuesday.
‘We’re In A Race Against Time’ As Mutations On The Rise
January 19, 2021
Morning Briefing
B.1.1.7; B.1.351; P.1: While viruses commonly mutate, worried scientists rush to keep up with all of the emerging coronavirus variants — fearing one that could prove to be even deadlier.
KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: SCOTUS, Trump Collide Over Transgender Rights
June 18, 2020
KFF Health News Original
The Trump administration rolled back protections for transgender patients just days before the Supreme Court cemented LGBTQ rights under the Civil Rights Act. So, what now? Meanwhile, coronavirus politics reaches beyond health care settings. Anna Edney of Bloomberg News, Tami Luhby of CNN and Shefali Luthra of KHN join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss this and more. Also, for extra credit, the panelists recommend their favorite health stories of the week they think you should read, too.
House Passes $715B Bill Laying Out Opening Position On Infrastructure Talks
July 2, 2021
Morning Briefing
The public works legislation, passed in a mostly party-line vote, focuses on transportation and water safety initiatives.
Trump Again Claims He’s Bringing Down Drug Prices, But Details of How Are Skimpy
By Victoria Knight
August 26, 2020
KFF Health News Original
During his Monday speech at the Republican National Convention, President Donald Trump pointed to his two of his recent executive orders as likely to lead to big reductions in prescription drug costs.
KHN’s ‘What The Health?’: Coronavirus Goes Viral
March 12, 2020
KFF Health News Original
The rapidly spreading coronavirus has led to the cancellation of sporting events, conferences and travel, with Congress and President Donald Trump scrambling to catch up to the spiraling public health crisis. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has issued long-awaited rules aimed at making it easier for patients to carry copies of their medical records. Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post and Kimberly Leonard of Business Insider join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss this and more. Also, for extra credit, the panelists suggest their favorite health policy stories of the week they think you should read, too.
Trump-Biden Race Could Hinge on How Florida’s Pinellas County Swings
By Phil Galewitz Margo Snipe, Tampa Bay Times
September 21, 2020
KFF Health News Original
Few places loom as large in the race for the White House as here in Pinellas County, the largest swing county in the ultimate swing state. And polls show that many people will have the pandemic and its public health and economic consequences on their minds when they cast their votes.
California’s Deadliest Spring in 20 Years Suggests COVID Undercount
By Phillip Reese
September 21, 2020
KFF Health News Original
California’s death count for the first five months of the pandemic was 13% higher than average for the same period during the prior three years. Subtract the deaths officially attributed to COVID-19 and experts say that still leaves scores of “excess” deaths among people of color that likely were mistakenly excluded from the coronavirus death tally.
As Coronavirus Spreads, Workers Could Lean On ACA Coverage Protection
April 3, 2020
KFF Health News Original
KHN’s Julie Rovner discusses the role of the Affordable Care Act in helping to provide coverage to people affected by the virus’ economic repercussions.
‘An Arm And A Leg’: What A Fleet Of Firetrucks Can Teach About Public Health
By Dan Weissmann
April 27, 2020
KFF Health News Original
This week on “An Arm and a Leg,” a front-line physician wonders if the health care industry’s drive for “efficiency” has robbed the system of surge capacity, leaving the nation underprepared to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another Problem on the Health Horizon: Medicare Is Running Out of Money
By Julie Rovner
July 22, 2020
KFF Health News Original
With millions out of work because of the coronavirus pandemic, fewer payroll taxes are coming in to help keep Medicare’s trust fund intact.
Swab, Spit, Stay Home? College Coronavirus Testing Plans Are All Over the Map
By Michael McAuliff Sebastián Martínez Valdivia, KBIA Christine Herman, Side Effects Public Media Stephanie O'Neill
August 21, 2020
KFF Health News Original
2020 will be a year like no other on college campuses, as every institution makes its own rules. Some have no plans to routinely test students for the coronavirus; others aim to test every student and staff member twice a week.
One Defensive Strategy Against Surprise Medical Bills: Set Your Own Terms
By Julie Appleby
February 11, 2020
KFF Health News Original
By writing in payment limits when signing hospital forms, patients might have leverage in negotiations over disputes that arise from surprise medical bills.
En 2020, California planea a lo grande en atención médica
By Ana B. Ibarra
January 21, 2020
KFF Health News Original
Los proyectos de ley de atención médica y las iniciativas presupuestarias de los políticos están llenas de ideas y dólares, y se oponen a industrias poderosas.
For 2020, California Goes Big On Health Care
By Ana B. Ibarra
January 21, 2020
KFF Health News Original
California lawmakers are proposing ambitious health care ideas, from creating a state generic drug label to banning the sale of flavored e-cigarette products. Even though Democrats control state government, they’re likely to face pushback from powerful health care industry groups like hospitals.
Fauci Unfazed as Scientists Rely on Unproven Methods to Create COVID Vaccines
By Liz Szabo
August 3, 2020
KFF Health News Original
Teams are starting to test vaccines using messenger RNA or chimpanzee cold viruses to inoculate humans. Will their benefits last?
KHN’s ‘What The Health?’: Remaking Medicaid — Maybe
January 30, 2020
KFF Health News Original
The Trump administration is proposing to let states have more control of their Medicaid programs in exchange for potentially less money from the federal government. Meanwhile, the dangerous respiratory virus spreading from China is starting to affect trade and transportation along with public health. Kimberly Leonard of the Washington Examiner, Erin Mershon of Stat and Joanne Kenen of Politico join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss this and more.
