Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers discuss sex education and covid issues.
Editorial writers weigh in on TB, monkeypox, psychedelics and IPF.
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 locked-in syndrome, stillbirths, how covid is outsmarting us, “magic mushrooms,” CTE, and more.
Florida Rules Will Prevent Medicaid Coverage Of Gender-Affirming Care
A new state rule will align Florida with at least 10 other states who similarly block access to care for transgender people. Other reports cover safety rules for “Brazilian butt lifts,” a failed bill targeting social media giants for allegedly harming children, and more.
Lawsuits Push J&J To Switch Baby Powder To Cornstarch Globally
The manufacturer has been facing years of lawsuits alleging it hid cancer risks from the ingredients it used in baby powder. Bloomberg reports that the lawyer who oversaw payments to 9/11 victims has been chosen to estimate how much the claims might cost J&J.
American Medical Association Tries To Boost HIV, STI Screening
The initiative from the AMA is supposed to help catch infectious diseases earlier to reduce transmission, while also cutting health care spending. Meanwhile, in news on baby food, a report shows homemade versions contain as many toxic metals as store-bought ones.
Mistrial Declared In Flint Civil Case Over Lead Water Cleanup
The mistrial was declared after jurors couldn’t reach a verdict in a case where multiple residents of the city sued two companies hired to help fix Flint’s lead water problem. Meanwhile, in Detroit, an investigation into a carcinogen spill into a river, and other news.
In Some States, Monkeypox Is Infecting Many More Black Americans
Stat reports on what it says is “alarming” racial disparity found in monkeypox infections in some states. The Charlotte Observer says 78 of the 111 cases in North Carolina are among Black men. Separately, the Food and Drug Administration defended its modified monkeypox shot plan.
Amazon Adds Behavioral Health To Amazon Care
Amazon Care is the medical care service the retail giant sells to employer health plans, and now it will include behavioral health care from specialists. In other news, the general manager of Amazon Care is reportedly taking an extended break.
CDC Relaxes Covid Guidance For Testing, Distancing, And Quarantine
The loosened public health guidelines for most Americans who get or are exposed to covid are expected to ease burdens on schools and businesses. The CDC urges that cautionary measures remain in place for high-risk populations like shelters or long-term care homes.
Exposed To Covid? FDA Now Advises 3, Not 2, Home Tests
The latest studies of antigen tests have prompted the Food and Drug Administration to revise its recommendations for those exposed to covid, for fear that infections are not being caught. Other pandemic news reports on reinfections, treatments, masks, and more.
Abortion Upheaval In US Clouds International Family Planning Aid
A group of senators are worried about U.S.-funded family planning programs abroad and the potential negative impact of the shifting landscape of America’s abortion laws. Other abortion news is reported out of the states.
Historic Day For Biden, Democrats As Flagship Health, Climate Bill Strides Toward Victory
The massive Inflation Reduction Act, which is estimated to spend about $485 billion over 10 years on health and alternative energy programs, is widely expected to pass the House today and head to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature, despite Republican opposition. The legislation has been called “life-changing” for many Americans.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Research Roundup: Covid Vaccines; Preterm Labor; Anti-Aging; More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Judge OKs Delaware Auditor’s Inquiry Into Medicaid Program Eligibility
In a complicated case, Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services had been trying to quash a state auditor’s record-seeking subpoena. Other news includes the opening of a state-licensed medical pot store in South Dakota, a child psychiatrist shortage in Florida, and more.
Study: Simple Blood Tests Can Predict Brain Trauma Severity
Stat reports on a protein biomarker discovery that can quite reliably predict which patients are likely to die or survive after a traumatic brain injury. In other news, multiracial LGBTQ+ youth are found to have higher suicide risk, criticism of the 988 suicide hotline, and more.
A Blood Or Saliva Test To Predict Your Covid Immunity? Maybe Soon
The Boston Herald reports on two separate efforts by researchers at both MIT and Harvard. Other pandemic news is on long covid, death rates, mask requirements, and more.
Federal Judge Finds Walgreens Likely Worsened San Francisco Opioid Crisis
Hundreds of thousands of “suspicious orders” of prescription drugs were responsible, the judge ruled. Other reports cover the rise of “tranq,” or xylazine, making street drugs more dangerous; an American vitamin D “problem;” liver cancer links to forever chemicals; and more.