Latest KFF Health News Stories
Research Roundup: Childhood Vaccinations; Pregnancy; Covid
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Opinion writers examine abortion rights, polio, and Medicare.
Different Takes: Long Covid Has Gone On Long Enough; The CDC Needs Updating
Editorial writers weigh in on long covid, the CDC, and Dr. Fauci.
Employer Health Care Costs Driven Mainly By Cancer Diagnoses
A survey from the Business Group on Health shows that the top driver of employers’ care costs are from increasing diagnoses in late-stage cancer. Other health industry news includes data breaches, racism, and more.
Amid Money Headaches, Americans Are Skipping Therapy
A report in the Wall Street Journal covers how medical expenses for therapy are impacting the U.S. during this time of inflation. Also: sugar substitutes’ impact on blood glucose, a link between spirituality and heart health for Black Americans, tattoo ink worries, and more.
Cases Of West Nile Virus Climb In Louisiana; Precautions Advised
The state is experiencing a very challenging West Nile season, according to a regional medical director quoted by AP. Among other news, reports say the wife of a Northern California congressman died after taking an herbal remedy.
During The Pandemic, Type 2 Diabetes In Youngsters Rose Dramatically
A study shows that new diagnoses rose 77% during the first year of covid for patients ages 8 to 21, with the average age being 14.4 years. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization reports that covid deaths are falling, down 15% globally in the last week.
Senate To Convene Hearing On White House’s Monkeypox Response
The Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing will happen mid-September and is designed to dig into the Biden administration’s health officials’ response to the monkeypox issue. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, there’s quiet confidence the outbreak is slowing.
Psilocybin, With Therapy, Helps Curb Alcohol Use Disorder: Study
Nearly half of the study participants who got psilocybin stopped drinking entirely, compared with 24% of the control group. The treatment is promising for people who don’t respond to conventional approaches, said the director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Amazon To Shutter Telehealth ‘Care’ Business In Surprise Move
Stat reminds us it’s less than a month since Amazon acquired One Medical, a “blockbuster” deal, but the retail giant will still shut down Amazon Care at the end of the year. The senior vice president of Amazon Health Services said it wasn’t “the right long-term solution” for enterprise customers.
Reports Reveal Trump-Era Pressure On FDA Over Hydroxychloroquine
Media outlets cover details revealed by a House Oversight subcommittee. Even though hydroxychloroquine was already shown to be ineffective against covid, and possibly dangerous, Trump White House officials pressured the FDA to authorize it. TV personalities also had a role.
Paxlovid Has Little To No Benefit For Younger Adults With Covid: Study
The Israeli study looked at data from 109,000 people, though it confirmed the drug reduced the risk of hospitalization and death for high-risk seniors ages 65 and older. Meanwhile, first lady Jill Biden tested positive for a rebound case of covid after taking Paxlovid.
In Win For White House, Judge Blocks Part Of Strict Idaho Abortion Ban
The case centered around the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, known as EMTALA. Idaho’s abortion law is still scheduled to take effect Thursday, minus the provision that the federal judge said the state cannot enforce for now.
A Felony With Up To Life In Prison: Texas Abortion Law Takes Effect Today
On Tuesday night, a federal judge blocked Biden administration guidance that requires doctors to provide abortions in emergency medical situations — the same guidance that was upheld by a different judge in Idaho.
Ballot Box Abortion Debate Could Knock Manchin, Sinema Off Pedestals
The two Democratic senators have repeatedly stood in the way of President Joe Biden’s domestic agenda. But their influence could wane in the next Congress if Democrats perform as strongly in the November elections as they have in recent primaries and special elections.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss covid and Dr. Fauci.
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Future Of AstraZeneca Not In Vaccines, CEO Says
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Perspectives: The Inflation Reduction Act Promotes Pharmacoequity; PBMs Create Unnecessary Burden
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.