Latest KFF Health News Stories
Effects Of Redistricting Could Have Big Impact On Abortion Vote In Virginia
Candidates across the state are running in new legislative districts that resulted from the redistricting process, Insider reports. Republicans hope it will strengthen their chances to impose a 15-week abortion ban. Meanwhile, ahead of Ohio’s abortion vote, misinformation is flowing.
Insurers Push Back On White House Proposal For Mental Health Coverage
Requirements proposed by the Biden administration aim to reduce out-of-pocket costs for mental health treatment. But insurers say that they would drive up prices instead and that the standards are unrealistic amid a shortage of providers.
Biden Admin Proposes Changes To Dispute Resolution In No Surprises Act
The dispute resolution process has been controversial and has been heavily litigated. The new proposal is supposed to increase communication between insurers and providers, and streamline the dispute process. Also in the news: the start of ACA sign-up season; Prospect Medical; and more.
All Schools Should Carry Naloxone, Train Staff On Its Use: White House
The Biden administration is asking all schools to stock opioid overdose reversal drugs and train staff members and students on how to use them. Other news on the opioid crisis is from Kentucky, San Francisco, and elsewhere. The tragic death of actor Matthew Perry, who was candid about his addictions, is also in the news.
A Month Ago, Maine Police Tried To Do Mental Health Check On Gunman
Law enforcement allegedly visited the home of Robert Card in September, but they gave up looking for him after he didn’t turn up. A month before that, Card tried to buy a gun silencer but was refused after disclosing on a form that he had mental health issues.
Walgreens Staff Plan ‘Pharmageddon’ Walkout To Protest Unsafe Conditions
A nationwide work stoppage is planned Monday through Wednesday by some pharmacy workers from Walgreens and other drugstore chains, CNBC reports.
Editorial writers weigh in on birth inequity, Ozempic, mental health, and more.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on organ donation, hospice, therapy, abortion, and more.
Viewpoints: Is Your Online Pharmacy Illegal?; Ohio Governor Misleads On Abortion Amendment
Editorial writers tackle illegal pharmacies, abortion, racism in health care, and more.
Shuttered Wastewater Tracking Sites Are Hindering Covid Surge Detection
Wastewater tracking is an effective way to identify new covid outbreaks, but a quarter of the U.S.’s test sites are indefinitely closed over a contract dispute between a testing company and the CDC. Separately, data show that just 2% of children have received updated covid shots.
Military Suicides Dipped In 2022, Bucking A Worrying Upward Trend
The pattern, reported by the AP, isn’t particularly simple, however: While overall suicide deaths in the U.S. military are slightly down, reversing a decade-long rise, deaths from suicide were up among active-duty troops. Meanwhile, the Europe-wide salmonella outbreak is linked to chicken and chicken kebab products.
New York Bans Corporal Punishment In Private Schools
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the law on Wednesday after it was unanimously approved by the state legislature earlier. Meanwhile, in Florida, a decision over cheap drug imports from Canada is delayed, and in Montana, rural volunteers are trying to make up gaps in the EMT service.
CDC Data Shine Spotlight On Health Care Worker Mental Health, Burnout
Against a backdrop of data showing nearly half of health care workers often felt burned out in 2022, lawmakers introduced a bill to support additional funding for nursing programs in community colleges. Modern Healthcare reports on the impacts of California’s new health care minimum wage bill.
Don’t Give Probiotics To Preterm Babies, FDA Warns After A Death
The risk comes from potentially invasive and fatal infections or disease carried by live organisms in the probiotics. Among other news, the FDA gave approval for a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy; the agency also approved an ulcerative colitis treatment from Eli Lilly.
Maine’s ‘Yellow Flag’ Gun Law Scrutinized After Mass Shooting
State law does restrict the possession of guns by people suffering mental challenges who are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others, AP reported. The “yellow flag” law requires a medical professional’s opinion. Other states, however, go further with “red flag” laws that allow the temporary confiscation of a person’s firearms.
Democratic Lawmakers Aim For Paid Time Off Following A Pregnancy Loss
Miscarriages are common, affecting an estimated 10% to 20% of known pregnancies. While some employers support staff after a miscarriage, there’s no national program. The bill would also push the NIH to educate the public about miscarriages.
HRSA Policy Change Could Mean Some Outpatient Clinics Lose 340B Discounts
The Health Resources and Services Administration reversed a policy change which could hit some hospital outpatient clinics’ eligibility for the 340B drug discount program. The change was made in 2020 to expedite the certification process, and hospitals had expected it to remain permanent.
Over $1 Billion In AIDS Relief Funding Held Up By Abortion Politics
Republican congressional lawmakers are holding up President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief funds — a global program that has been reauthorized with bipartisan support since its 2003 inception — after a conservative group said it indirectly funded overseas abortions. The Biden administration and other groups dispute the claim.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.