Latest KFF Health News Stories
Research Roundup: Alzheimer’s; Cancer; Covid; Weight-Loss Pill
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Amid Extreme Heat, Many Low-Income Americans Miss Out On Money To Pay Cooling Costs
Politico reports that over 30 million low-income households eligible for federal funding to help pay for cooling during dangerous hot weather have yet to receive any aid. The news comes as the UN’s first global chief heat officer sounded warnings over the dangers posed by warming cities.
California Assembly Passes Bill To Decriminalize Personal Psychedelic Use
The measure cleared the state’s lower house Wednesday. If California’s effort succeeds, it would be the third state to take such a step. Separately, NPR reports that the share of U.S. drug overdose deaths caused by counterfeit pills is rising.
HHS Inspector General Says Nursing Homes Aren’t Ready For Disasters
The Office of the Inspector General surveyed 168 nursing homes last year to examine their readiness to respond to public health emergencies or natural disasters. Most of them were not prepared. Separately, Axios reports potential problems from a nursing home inspector shortage.
After Covid, Medicare Advances Are Now Worsening Hospital Debt
Roll Call reports that one of the pandemic “lifelines” Medicare threw to the health industry is now becoming another “stone around their necks” for a few hospitals. And Axios covers a Medicare experiment to push states to control and lower their health care spending.
FDA May Approve Updated Covid Boosters As Early As Friday: Report
NBC News reports that the FDA plans to greenlight new versions of the covid booster updated to target the XBB.1.5 omicron subvariant, and that the shots could be available to the public by next week. In other covid news: global case trends, masks, and long covid.
Abortion Rose So Far This Year In Most States Where It’s Still Legal: Study
New research from the Guttmacher Institute determines that abortions rose in nearly every state where the procedure remains legal. The largest increase is seen in states that border ones with total abortion bans, showing that people are “highly motivated” to travel, the researchers say.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
McConnell Shows No Sign Of Stroke, Seizure: Capitol Doctor
Politico and NPR cover reassurances from Capitol physician Brian Monahan over the health of Mitch McConnell: the Senate Minority Leader is, reportedly, fine despite appearing to freeze mid-conversation last week. Also in the news: 1 in 3 HHS appointees leave for industry jobs.
Spending Goes Up When PCPs Affiliate With Health Systems: Study
A new study, reported by Axios, is said to “challenge claims by the hospital industry” that consolidation results in less spending: Instead, it shows primary care physicians affiliated with health systems drive up spending on patient care. Also in the news: physicians’ pay.
Study: People With ADHD Are More Likely To Attempt Suicide
Researchers also found that ADHD was associated with an 18% higher chance of developing PTSD after a trauma, CNN reported. If the person had both ADHD and depression, the risk of PTSD rose by 67%. Other news is on autism, cardiac arrest, eating disorders, and more.
California Pharmacies Make Millions Of Mistakes Every Year, Data Show
A story in the Los Angeles Times covers the millions of errors discovered by the regulatory board and argues that the pharmacies are also “fighting to keep that secret.” Among other news: a ban on HRT for young trans people in Georgia, maternity care suffering in anti-abortion states, and more.
Different Takes: New Moms Need More Than A Pill; Where Are All The Primary Care Physicians?
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Perspectives: ADHD Med Shortage Shows No Sign Of Easing; Why Are Pro-Life Groups Targeting PEPFAR?
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Mpox Vaccine Proves Highly Successful; Resistance To Cefiderocol Is Increasing
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Medicare’s Per-Person Spending Slows Down, And No One Can Explain Why
The New York Times explores the mystery behind why Medicare’s spending per beneficiary has yet to spike to expected levels — a saving grace for the federal budget but not one that experts don’t understand.
Biden Inconsistent On Covid Masking During Ceremony
The AP notes while President Joe Biden turned up to a ceremony for an elderly Vietnam veteran wearing a mask a day after Jill Biden tested positive for covid, he ditched it and then the two shared a “hearty handshake.” Meanwhile, Newsweek reports that Republicans are declaring “war” on mask rules.
As Variants Fuel Covid Uptick, New Vaccine Shows Promising Effectiveness
What’s known is that covid cases and hospitalizations are on the rise. What’s not known is how bad this latest surge might prove to be. News outlets round up the latest study data on the new variants of concern. Meanwhile, Moderna released lab results that shows its new vaccine offers a strong immune response to BA.2.86.
CDC Concerned Over Rise In RSV Cases Among Very Young
The CDC is concerned about a rise in severe RSV cases in young children in Florida and Georgia, and alerted doctors that a national RSV surge usually follows such regional ones. This fall’s potential triple threat of covid, flu, and RSV is also in the news.
Overdose-Reverser Narcan Goes On Sale Over-The-Counter
News outlets cover what to know about the opioid overdose-reverser drug naloxone, available for the first time as an over-the-counter medication with a suggested retail price for a two-spray kit of $44.99. Meanwhile, in California lawmakers consider plans to cap naloxone prices at $10 or less.