Latest KFF Health News Stories
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on former NFL player-turned-neurosurgeon Myron Rolle, Parkinson’s, Ebola, sepsis, and misinformation.
Pharmacy Chain Tactics Failed To Stop Opioid Crisis: Documents
A report in Stat looks into tactics deployed by major pharmacy chains Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart during government efforts a decade ago to hold them accountable for the opioid crisis: A Walgreens executive, for example, suggested not tracking the company’s rule-breaking.
Pandemic Side Effects Like Job Loss, Food Insecurity Worsened Teen Mental Health
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show “most” U.S. adolescents experienced “negative events” during the pandemic. The risks grew as the number of negative events increased, the study found. In other news, a study says dementia could be detectable a decade before diagnosis.
CDC Warns Of Bad Flu Season As Cases Already Tick Up
Meanwhile, two high schools in California are already taking a hit, as more than 1,000 students are absent with suspected respiratory illnesses.
Biden To Sign Executive Order Today Meant To Help Lower Rx Costs: Official
Reuters, citing a White House official, said the order requires the Department of Health and Human Services to outline within 90 days how it will use new models of care and payment to cut drug costs.
‘Weirder’ Winter Covid Wave Expected, Driven By Complex Mix Of Variants
A torrent of different omicron subvariants are emerging independently across the world, each with advantageous mutations. Anticipating the wave, the U.S. public health emergency was just extended.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Social Security Benefits Will Rise 8.7% Next Year
The Social Security Administration said Thursday that the average recipient will receive more than $140 extra a month, starting in January.
Viewpoints: How A Brazilian Doc Managed To Vaccinate Her City; 15-Week Abortion Ban Not The Answer
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Research Roundup: Brain Cells; Covid; Drug-Resistant Tumors; Stroke; More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Judge OKs Florida’s Ban On Medicaid Coverage For Gender Care
A preliminary injunction had been sought by transgender people in Florida impacted by the state’s ban on funding for gender-affirming care for all ages. It was denied. Medicaid loophole problems in Texas, approval for Medicaid expansion in South Dakota, and more are also in the news.
Missouri’s Covid Patient Visitation Law May Have Cost Over $20 Million
The Republican-controlled legislature passed a law barring patient visitation bans, a “signature accomplishment,” says the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. But estimates of the cost of the law may have been low by a factor of 10, new analysis suggests. Paying for gowns, gloves, and masks is to blame.
Survey: 9 In 10 Medical Practices Hit By Bigger Regulatory Burdens
Becker’s Hospital Review reports on survey results from over 500 medical groups, which show 89% say the overall regulatory burden on their businesses has gone up over the past year. Other news concerns Crozer Health, Laguna Honda nursing home, a donation to MGH and more.
FDA Acknowledges National Shortage Of Adderall
Reports of supply shortages of Adderall have been circulating for weeks, but the FDA now admits there is a problem and said it would work to keep supply available for patients. Also: a Moderna skin cancer vaccine, racial bias in spirometry tests, and more.
Repurposed Diabetes Drugs In High Demand For Weight Loss
But questions linger about whether the cost is worth it for drugs such as Wegovy and its cousin Ozempic, which has been called a “Hollywood drug.” Plus, other updates on physical fitness, stress eating, and Noom.
Pandemic Conditions May Have Delayed Infants’ Communication Skills
NBC News covers a study that found some babies in covid-related lockdowns took longer to reach certain developmental milestones than babies born pre-pandemic. Bloomberg, meanwhile, notes that the newest covid variants, such as the so-called XBB, may represent a threat.
Indiana Abortion Ban Suspended Until January Court Ruling
Republican Attorney General Todd Rokita had requested the ban be allowed to take effect, but the state Supreme Court issued an order denying that request. Abortions can now take place at least until a court decision over the ban’s constitutionality is made.
Biden Administration Giving $110M To Help 208 Rural Health Care Facilities
The funds come from the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act. In other news, the federal government has reached a deal with victims of a doctor who sexually assaulted Native American boys for decades at federal hospitals in Montana and South Dakota.
Kids Ages 5 And Up Can Get Updated Boosters: FDA
Pfizer’s bivalent booster shot has been authorized for children as young as 5, while Moderna’s was authorized for 6 and up. Meanwhile, Novavax reports that booster doses of its covid vaccine seem to work against omicron BA.1, BA.2, and BA.5.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.