Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Are Colonoscopies Effective?; Pandemic Had Negative Consequences For Girls
Editorial writers delve into these various public health topics.
Combination Antibiotic For Treating cUTIs May Soon Be Available; New Compound Could Defeat Superbugs
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
New Orleans Nonprofit Buys Three Hospitals From HCA Healthcare
The AP says the $150 million hospital merger between LCMC Health and three Tulane hospitals is going to mean “big changes” in the area, leaving just two big players on the hospital care scene. Also: worries over outsourcing of care; congenital syphilis; Medicaid changes in California; and more.
Perspectives: WHO Recommends New Malaria Vaccine, So Why The Hesitancy?
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Bright Health Pulls Insurance, Medicare Advantage Plans From 9 States
The insurtech company says it will only operate in Florida and California in order to reduce costs and settle medical liabilities.
Taking Older Diabetes Drugs Linked To Lower Dementia Risks
Researchers found that people who took an older class of diabetes drugs known as glitazones, or TZDs, had a 22% lower risk of developing dementia. A surprise $50,000 medical bill for asthma meds, Walmart entering the clinical trial recruitment market, and more are also in the news.
Kids Ages 8 And Up Should Get Screened For Anxiety: Experts
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force also said children 12 and older should be screened for depression. Recently, the task force also said adults under 65 should be screened.
Doctors, Cancer Experts Warn Against Canceling Colonoscopies
The CEO of the American Cancer Society says a recent study that suggested colonoscopies were less helpful than believed was “wildly misinterpreted.” USA Today reported that gastroenterologists haven’t changed their minds on the benefits of colonoscopies.
Rule Fixes ACA’s ‘Family Glitch,’ Making More Eligible For Subsidies
Regulations released by the Treasury Department close a loophole that blocked family members from receiving Affordable Care Act tax credits if someone in their household had access to an economical employer-sponsored health plan. The change covers 2023 enrollments that start Nov. 1.
Fetal Personhood Appeal Case Won’t Be Heard By Supreme Court
The legal case in question hinged on a dispute over whether fetuses are people and therefore entitled to constitutional protections. The Supreme Court’s decision not to hear the case sidesteps an issue for now that may be the “center” of the next abortion battle.
Experts Blast Florida’s Warning Over Covid Shots: ‘Politics Driving Science’
Florida’s surgeon general stirred up controversy by warning of cardiac risks for men who get covid shots, and has now faced what Politico calls “major blowback” from medical experts. Meanwhile, the White House is urging Americans to get updated boosters by Halloween.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle covid, mental health, the nursing shortage and more.
Editorial writers examine pregnancy privacy, preeclampsia and period poverty.
Twice Since Spring, University of Texas Has Run Out Of Free Narcan
It’s not clear how many students may have used the opioid overdose reversal medication, which is handed out at some of the school’s libraries. Other Texas colleges say they want to be able to provide the same service. In other health and wellness news: Amazon is accused of selling so-called suicide kits; a warning over wild mushrooms is issued; and more.
Patients Seeking Care After Hurricane Ian Strain Hospital Systems
WUSF Public Media covers efforts of Florida’s strained care system to deal with an ongoing influx of patients long after the storm. Meanwhile, a story from AP explains how one water department official slowly lowered fluoride levels in drinking water in a Vermont town.
FDA Allows GSK’S Whooping Cough Vaccine In 3rd Trimester Of Pregnancy
GlaxoSmithKline’s booster shot for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis is now allowed to be used later in pregnancy than before to help prevent whooping cough in young infants. Separately, as monkeypox persists, albeit at a slowing rate, scientists try to understand the role of sexual transmission.
Gaps In Maternity Care Are Widening Across The US: Report
Stat covers an upcoming March of Dimes report that says 2% more American counties are categorized as maternity care “deserts” since the 2020 report. Problems for Centene’s expansion of Medicare Advantage, details on the CommonSpirit Health hack, and more are in the news.
Cost Of Care Hits Many Americans, Even As Insured Rates Hit Highs
A Stateline report notes that many citizens have policies that only provide limited financial protection, such that many patients forgo necessary care to avoid difficult out-of-pocket costs. Meanwhile, the New York Times investigates how insurers “exploited” Medicare for billions in profits.
AstraZeneca’s Nasal Spray Version Of Covid Vaccine Fails Initial Human Trial
Antibody responses in respiratory mucous membranes were seen only in a minority of trial participants, in a blow to efforts to produce an easier-to-administer covid vaccine. Meanwhile, the White House says the current covid booster program is going well and is likely to garner more takers.