Latest KFF Health News Stories
From 2011 To 2019, Prescription Opioid Shipments Fell As Fatal Overdoses Rose
Covering new federal data on opioid use, the Washington Post notes that the numbers explain the opioid crisis: A flood of pain pills got people hooked, then cheap, illegal drug use soared. Meanwhile, a federal appeals court is hearing an appeal of the $650 million opioid judgment against leading pharmacies.
Child Poverty Soared, Incomes Declined When US Covid Supports Ended
The dreadful economic math of the end of the pandemic is revealed in new data from the U.S. Census Bureau: As covid benefits wrapped up in 2022, child poverty more than doubled and median household income fell. But income inequality declined for the first time since 2007.
CDC Backs New Covid Vaccines For Nearly All Ages; Shots Available This Week
Everyone over the age of 6 months should get an updated Pfizer or Moderna covid booster, the FDA recommended Tuesday. Shots are expected to be available within 48 hours. Data considered indicates that universal vaccination could prevent 100,000 more hospitalizations each year than if only the elderly were vaccinated.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Being Anti-Sunscreen Is A Risky Conspiracy; Why Is Childbirth So Dangerous In US?
Editorial writers delve into the anti-sunscreen movement, American childbirth risks, electric shock therapy and more.
Worries Over Licensed Practical Nurses Omission From CMS Staffing Rules
Data shows that LPNs make up as much as 75% of clinical staff at some nursing homes, which explains why some are concerned that LPNs weren’t included in the staffing mandate from CMS recently. In other industry news, nursing homes continue to experience ongoing challenges, post-covid.
American Red Cross: Donor Blood Supply At ‘Critically Low Levels’
Amid a national blood shortage, the organization is calling on more people to donate blood and platelets. Among other news, Stat reports on efforts by the food industry to get “friendly” researchers on to a nutrition panel chosen by the USDA and HHS that influences food policy.
Abortion Rights Groups Say Missouri Ballot Measures Are Misleading
AP reports on a push for a rewrite of what abortion-rights advocates say are misleading descriptions on of several constitutional amendments on abortion that may be on Missouri’s 2024 ballot. Among other news: gender care medications, the 988 crisis lifeline, and more.
Some Generic Drugs Cost Thousands More Than They Should, Analysis Finds
When examining a selection of so-called specialty generic drugs, the Wall Street Journal found that Cigna and CVS were charging at least 24 times higher on average than what the manufacturers charge. Also: medical debt, private equity deals, and more.
Your OTC Decongestant Meds May Not Work: FDA Is Investigating
Beginning Monday an advisory committee is discussing oral formulations of nasal decongestant phenylephrine, which trials say may not work at over-the-counter dosages. The same issue arose in 2007, but the FDA decided in favor of the medication.
Protesters Arrested After Demanding HIV Prevention Program At Capitol
Seven people occupied the office of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican, demanding Congress reauthorize the PEPFAR global program, and were subsequently arrested. Meanwhile, reports say Medicare Part D patients with HIV may see lower drug costs under the Inflation Reduction Act.
FDA Greenlights Updated Shots To Spur Protection Against Covid
The FDA authorized on Monday new mRNA covid vaccine boosters from Pfizer and Moderna that are updated to target the XBB.1.5 omicron variant. If the CDC signs off today, as expected, the shots should be available to all Americans 6 months or older as early as next week.
As Covid Cases Rise, So, Inevitably Do Conspiracy Theories
In what might be described as a logic see-saw, as covid cases rise, rational discussion about the virus falls and a wave of new conspiracy theories about mass lockdowns and world events is hitting, the New York Times reports. As this happens, Threads blocks searches for “covid” and “long covid.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss extreme heats health effects, 9/11, world-wide medication supplies and more.
As Heart Disease Kills Fewer, Obesity-Linked Heart Deaths Rise: Study
In fact, a new study shows cardiovascular deaths with obesity as a key contributing factor have tripled between 1999 and 2020, Stat reports. Also in the news: how to acquire a more accurate blood pressure reading; the link between people being born as big babies and then later having big babies themselves; and more.
Over 500 California Schools Face State Audit Over Low Vaccination Rates
The schools in question, EdSource explains, reported over 10% of kindergarten or seventh-grade students weren’t fully vaccinated — schools that allow not-fully-vaxxed students to attend can have their state funding cut. Other news is on norovirus in Washington state, benzene emissions in Texas, and more.
Biden Administration Presses For Wider Naloxone Availability, Training
Roll Call and Axios report on calls from HHS officials for greater availability of the opioid overdose-reversal medication, even as it went on sale over the counter. There’s a push for more training on how to use it, also. Meanwhile, Kroger has agreed to pay up to $1.4 billion in opioid settlements.
Kaiser Permanente To Pay $49M In Medical Waste Disposal Settlement
The settlement comes after a California investigation found illegal dumping of medical waste and protected patient information. (Note: KFF Health News is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.) Also in industry news: Meta will face a medical privacy class action.
Tweaked House Transparency, PBM Legislation Wins Backing Of Key Dem
After some modest changes, a health legislative package aimed at increasing transparency and making modest PBM reforms has gained some bipartisan support from House Energy and Commerce Committee ranking member Frank Pallone, a Democrat from New Jersey.