Latest KFF Health News Stories
Judge Says Georgia Can Impose Work Requirements For Medicaid
U.S. District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood said the Biden administration’s revocation of a Trump-era rule limiting Medicaid access shouldn’t stand. Also: Stat reports on how North Carolina hospitals justify “thwarting” Medicaid expansion, amid other news.
Calls To Missouri Mental Health Centers Rise 30% After 988 Hotline Launch
State officials say more than 4,000 people called the state’s mental health crisis centers in the month after the national mental health line launched. Separately, North Carolina Health News reports “unsustainable” burdens on emergency rooms by people needing mental health support.
Kids Ages 12-17 Can Now Receive The Novavax Covid Vaccine
The two-dose series uses protein-based technology, not mRNA. Meanwhile, new omicron-specific mRNA booster shots will likely be available within the next three weeks, CNBC reports. In order to get them, you’ll have to have already received a primary series of shots.
Even Your Pets Can Get Covid Tests From LA Health Department
The Los Angeles county’s Department of Public Health is now offering free testing to pets who may have been exposed to covid. Other pandemic news includes the publishing of a new plan to protect students based on equity, first lady Jill Biden testing negative for covid, and more.
As Monkeypox Cases Double In LA, California Releases Isolation Guide
The rapid growth in Los Angeles county monkeypox cases happened over the last two weeks. California health officials are responding to the crisis by issuing guidance on isolation, including waiting 48 hours at home after symptoms fade. Other reports show the virus can linger on household surfaces.
Judge: Michigan’s 1931 Abortion Ban Can’t Be Enforced For Now
In a legal seesaw, county prosecutors in Michigan cannot currently file criminal charges against abortion providers while the preliminary injunction is in place. Abortion news is also reported from Idaho, Arizona, and other states.
Recount Affirms Kansas Abortion Vote As Campaign Donors Are Revealed
Fewer than 60 votes were changed in the recount of Kansas’ ballot initiative that would have removed abortion rights from the state’s constitution. Meanwhile, finance reports show that $22 million was donated to support or oppose the measure.
To Raise A Child In 2022, It Costs A Hair-Raising $310,605
That’s $80,000 more than the estimate released five years ago. The Brookings Institution analysis is based on a middle-income, two-parent, married family with two kids, and it doesn’t include the cost of college.
Final Rule Issued On How Surprise Bill Disputes Should Be Settled
The Biden administration regulation continues to largely rely on median in-network rates in such dispute settlements, which providers have objected to. But one modification from an earlier plan says other information can shape arbiters’ determinations of an out-of-network rate.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
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 simulated surgery, covid, body image issues, radon, and more.
Coloradans May Soon Get Prescription Drugs That Came From Canada
The state is making efforts to lower prescription drug prices by sourcing them from Canada, and has signed contracts with two wholesalers. AP reports on extraordinary damages in Oklahoma “wrongful life” cases, and a Kentucky effort for lower care prices for older adults.
Different Takes: Doctors Have Power In Abortion Fight; Is Miscarriage Now A Crime?
Opinion writers weigh in on abortion rights, monkeypox and pandemic readiness.
FDA Warns Nicotine Gummy Maker About Illegal Products
The fruit-flavored candies could cause nicotine poisoning if ingested by kids. “Nicotine gummies are a public health crisis just waiting to happen among our nation’s youth, particularly as we head into a new school year,” FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said in a statement.
Small Pharmacies Had Restocking Issues Amid High Adderall Demand
Nearly two thirds of community pharmacies said they had trouble ordering the drug at the end of July and the start of August, at a time when Bloomberg notes demand is at “all-time highs.” Also: more opioid settlements, the revival of an old hair loss medicine, custom gene therapy, and more.
Late-Stage Cervical Cancer Up; 1 In 2 Cancer Deaths Preventable, Study Says
Stat says while overall cervical cancer is declining, one exception is late-stage disease. CNN covers a study that says nearly half of all deaths from cancer around the world are linked to preventable risk factors. Meningococcal disease in Florida, polio in NYC, and more are also in the news.
Biden Administration To Stop Paying For Covid Drugs, Will Shift Costs To Insurers
A report in the Wall Street Journal covers an important evolution in the pandemic: The Biden administration will soon shift the cost of vaccines and treatments to the health care industry. Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Fauci is urging Black Americans to get their covid booster shots.
CMS Says States May Have To Report On Medicaid, CHIP Quality Metrics
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is proposing mandatory reporting for the first time, to boost use of standardized quality measures and identify disparities among enrollees. A budding legal fight over CMS’ proposed cuts for home health reimbursements is also reported.
Kaiser Permanente Staff Strike Spreads To Hawaii
Fifty Kaiser Permanente mental health care workers in Hawaii will join colleagues in Northern California in a strike over patient access to mental care. (Note: KHN is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.) Meanwhile, a delayed licensing issue in Wisconsin is hitting staff.