Latest KFF Health News Stories
HHS Targets Rural Health Care Gaps With $60M Investment
The Department of Health and Human Services will direct $60 million to rural communities with an aim toward increasing the depleted workforce and increasing health care access for people who live far from medical facilities.
Dems Work To Quickly Push Health, Climate, And Tax Bill Through House
With a vote targeted for Friday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would ask members to approve the Inflation Reduction Act as it was passed in the Senate. Congressional Republicans who are physicians voiced concerns over the included drug pricing measures, while the Hill debate quickly bleeds onto the campaign trail. News outlets also examine the bill’s potential impact for many Americans.
Senate Democrats Angle For Another Vote On $35 Insulin Cost Cap
Despite strong public support, as illustrated in a new poll, a measure to cap private insurance costs on insulin at $35 a month was axed from the Inflation Reduction Act. But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says that he will bring the measure up for a separate vote, forcing senators on the record before the midterm elections.
Hospital Execs Look For Tech Shortage Relief As Biden Signs CHIPS Bill
The CHIPS and Science Act provides billions for the semiconductor sector as well as for the National Science Foundation. The new law aims to solve supply chain shortages that have affected the health industry, as well as boost scientific innovation.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers examine monkeypox, abortion and covid.
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Children’s Mental Health Is In Its Own Pandemic: Study
The coronavirus pandemic dramatically increased anxiety and depression in kids ages 3 to 17, according to the recent annual “Kids Count” study from child welfare charity the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Separately, The Washington Post highlights increasing mental health issues in tween girls.
CDC Investigating New York’s Polio Case
As well as looking into the surprising report of a polio case in Rockland County, New York, the federal team will also help with a vaccination program. Bill Gates, long a proponent of strong polio vaccination programs, says the case is an alarm bell in the battle to end polio.
US Trauma Care Access Improves, But Remains Patchy
Though a national system to care for patients with traumatic injuries hasn’t been created, despite expert calls to the White House years ago, a study found access to care has improved since the 2010s. Unevenly, though. Also: medical bill transparency, hospital marketing on social media, and more.
Pfizer Begins Vaccine Trial To Combat Lyme Disease
The in-development drug, called VLA15 and designed in partnership with Valneva, will be tested on about 6,000 people internationally, including in the U.S. Pfizer is also in the news for a new drug warranty on CIPD drug Panzyga, and for buying Global Blood Therapeutics for $5.4 billion.
Climate Issues Found To Worsen A Majority Of Infectious Diseases
News outlets report on a study of infectious human diseases, which found a link between worsening climate issues and worsening infections from 218 of the 375 known varieties. Also: teens turning to tobacco-free nicotine gummies, links to cannabis vaping from tobacco vaping, and more.
No Appointments: 1 In 5 People Unable To Get Help For Illness During Pandemic
A new poll shows a rift between racial groups: Among Black respondents, 15% said they were disrespected, turned away, unfairly treated, or received poor treatment because of their race and ethnicity, compared with only 3% of white respondents who said the same.
Judge Could Pause Georgia’s Abortion Ban On Privacy Violation Grounds
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney is considering arguments that challenge the new anti-abortion law on the grounds it violates the state constitution. He may choose to suspend the law while the case makes its way through court.
White House To Move On Plan To Split Monkeypox Vaccine Doses
In order to increase the limited U.S. supply, the FDA is backing a plan to allow smaller doses of the Jynneos monkeypox vaccine to be delivered by intradermal injection.
Doctors Sound Alarm Over Lawsuit Challenging ACA’s Preventive Screenings
A decision is expected in the coming weeks in a Texas lawsuit that could upend or overturn the popular Affordable Care Act measure that mandates free preventive health checkups, citing religious arguments. The case is being heard by a judge who previously ruled the ACA to be unconstitutional — a decision overturned by the Supreme Court.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Monkeypox Response Being Bungled Just Like HIV; Covid And Monkeypox Prove US Unprepared
Opinion writers weigh in on monkeypox and more.
Editorial writers delve into abortion rights, vaccine trials, exercise, and more.
Biden Is Out Of Covid Isolation After Second Negative Test
President Joe Biden left his prolonged isolation on Sunday morning. Meanwhile, reports on expectations for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changing covid guidelines are mixed, with some expecting no change, others expecting relaxations when it comes to schools.