Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study Says Earlier Approval Of Covid Boosters Would’ve Saved Many Lives
Researchers from Northwestern University, using Israel as a model, found that through June 2022 some 29,000 people would have been saved if the U.S. had moved faster to approve covid boosters. Separately, worries rise that vulnerable Americans are going unprotected against covid.
Second Death Now Blamed On Panera Bread’s ‘Charged Lemonade’
A Florida man who had an unspecified chromosomal deficiency disorder died of a fatal cardiac arrest after drinking three of the caffeinated drinks, a new lawsuit says. In other public health news, reports say brain implants have helped five people with moderate to severe brain injuries recover.
Philadelphia Nonprofit Uses Religious Rights Argument For Safe Drug Sites
Safehouse, with area faith leaders on its board, argues the federal government is infringing their rights by blocking their effort to open a safe drug-taking site. Meanwhile, in New Jersey the knock-on effects of a cyberattack are easing; lawmakers focus on legal marijuana in Ohio; and more.
CVS To Shift To Simpler Model For Pricing Prescription Drugs
The Wall Street Journal reports that CVS will move away from complex formulas and instead set prices based on the amount it pays for drugs, plus a small markup and flat fee. A change by the nation’s largest drugstore chain to a “cost-plus” pricing model would likely shake up the pharmacy industry.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Nurses In New Jersey Reach A Deal With Hospital To End 4-Month Strike
The strike, which NJ.com calls “bitter,” began on Aug. 4 over pay, benefits, and enforceable nurse-to-patient ratios similar to those mandated in California. Personnel news is also reported for Kapiolani Medical Center, HCA in West Florida, Northwestern University, and more.
Connecticut Agrees Labor, Delivery Services At Windham Hospital Will End
Meanwhile, in Florida, Community Health Systems sold three hospitals to Tampa General Hospital, and HCA Healthcare in Houston acquired 11 area emergency departments Friday. Also in the news: new CDC data show health care-associated infections at U.S. hospitals fell in 2022.
Wegovy Maker Paid $25.8M To US Doctors, Experts Over Past Decade
A Reuters analysis finds that Novo Nordisk spent at least $25.8 million over the past decade on U.S. medical professionals to promote its two anti-obesity drugs. They money was party of the drugmaker’s campaign to convince U.S. doctors to prescribe Wegovy and persuade insurers to pay for it.
Analysis: Few States Stop Gun-Buying After Mental Health Hospitalizations
An investigation by The Trace found that only 5 states have some form of gun ban after emergency mental health hospitalizations that are not followed by court-ordered commitments. Separately, RemArms will close a historic gun manufacturing plant in New York.
$1 Million In Tax Dollars Will Support West Virginia Anti-Abortion Centers
The West Virginia Pregnancy Center Coalition was chosen to run the new West Virginia Mothers and Babies Support Program to encourage people not to end their pregnancies. Also in the news, Tennessee’s penalties for HIV-positive people, infant suffocation deaths in Missouri, and more.
Editorial writers examine autoimmune disorders, pediatric cancer, senior care and more.
Supreme Court To Review Legal Shield In Purdue’s Bankruptcy Deal
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments Monday about a controversial aspect of the bankruptcy plan that shields the Sackler family — the owners of Purdue Pharma which makes OxyContin — from future opioid-related lawsuits. The measure has been challenged by the Biden administration, and divides some of the families who will get a settlement from the deal.
DeSantis Pledges Health Plan That Would ‘Supersede’ Obamacare
Outside of maintaining coverage for preexisting conditions and publishing health care costs, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis did not offer specific policies of his health plan when interviewed by NBC News. The presidential candidate’s comments come on the heels of his 2024 rival, former President Donald Trump, also promising to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
Menthol Cigarette Ban May Be Delayed Into Next Year
NBC News reports that officials from national public health groups say that a ban on the flavored cigarettes may not be announced by the end of this year. Meanwhile, chemical additives are being used to replace menthol in new “fresh” alternative-flavored cigarettes.
Covid, Flu Are On The Rise, But The Worst Of RSV Might Be Passing
New data say that U.S. flu season is intensifying over time, but RSV may be peaking. Also: the pneumonia rate is apparently no worse than usual, but covid is picking up. Meanwhile, a study shows that your mood when receiving a flu shot may impact how your body creates antibodies.
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 marijuana, octopus, nutrition, aging, hepatitis C, and more.
Different Takes: Congress Must Act Now To Reauthorize PEPFAR
Opinion writers discuss PEPFAR on World AIDS Day.
Editorial writers discuss flu shot rates, China’s respiratory illnesses, affirmative action in health care, and more.
Covid Policies, Housing Among Issues Argued In DeSantis-Newsom Debate
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican and presidential candidate, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, engaged in a spirited debate on Fox News Thursday. Both took aim at the other’s covid policies over the course of the pandemic. And in other health-related issue, DeSantis targeted the public health impact of homelessness on cities like San Francisco.