Latest KFF Health News Stories
Drug Users Now Seeking Out Fentanyl To Smoke
NBC News investigates the way drug users are actively seeking out illicit fentanyl, which is one of the deadliest street drugs. Meanwhile, the Washington Post reports on national efforts to ease access to naloxone, the opioid overdose-reversing medication.
Legal Case Forces Michigan Hospitals To Explain Medical Mistakes
The Detroit Free Press reports on a legal case in Michigan that is forcing some health providers to explain exactly what went wrong in certain admitted medical error situations. Meanwhile, in Florida, the Board of Medicine advances a trans care ban for minors, despite criticism from health professionals.
CDC Advises Moderated Sexual Habits To Avoid Catching Monkeypox
Fresh guidance includes having fewer sexual partners, avoiding situations where anonymous sexual contact is frequent, and using barriers like clothes. Meanwhile in Illinois, a day care worker may have exposed kids to monkeypox.
Health Employers Hired More In July Than June
Data reported by Modern Healthcare show health industry employers had an employment spike in July, with new hires up over the previous month and the largest gains in ambulatory services and hospitals. And earnings reports show how labor costs hit second quarter financials for health companies.
Pharma’s Rare Defeat Delivered On Key Issue It Fought Off For Decades
Health policy experts call the Medicare change a “breakthrough” that will have a big impact on the drug pricing landscape. News outlets explore the wins and losses for the pharmaceutical industry in the Senate bill.
Indiana Passes Near-Total Abortion Ban In Wake Of Roe Decision
News outlets report on the new law in Indiana, passed Friday night. It’s the first state to pass an abortion restriction law since Roe v. Wade was overturned. Some responses have been swift, with Eli Lilly already saying it will reassess its presence in the state where it was founded.
Minnesota Jury Says Pharmacist Had The Right To Refuse Morning-After Pill
A woman tried to buy emergency contraception from Thrifty White pharmacy in January 2019, but the longtime pharmacist there said he wouldn’t fill the prescription based on his beliefs. In other reproductive health news: a new abortion clinic opens in Kansas; doctors are reluctant to work in states that restrict abortion; and more.
House Next To Take Up Senate-Passed Health, Climate And Tax Bill
After a voting marathon on amendments, senators passed the spending package 51-50 on Sunday. Health measures allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription prices on some drugs and extending Affordable Care Act subsidies through 2025 survived, while a cap on private insurance insulin costs did not.
Republicans Block Efforts To Cap Insulin Prices For Most Americans
Republican-driven changes to legislation in the Inflation Reduction Act stripped to a measure to cap insulin costs at $35 monthly for patients with private health insurance. Now only Medicare patients will benefit from the capped prices.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Fragmented Public Health System Hurting Monkeypox Response
Editorial pages focus on monkeypox, abortion, covid, and more.
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 death with dignity, ADHD, the Transplant Games, nicotine addiction, and more.
CMS Rejects Texas’ Application For Postpartum Medicaid Extension
The state applied to extend coverage from two months to six months, but the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services denied it, without an immediate explanation. In news about opioids and psychedelic drugs, an Ohio doctor is sentenced to prison, Florida tries to stem the opioid epidemic, and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers discusses ayahuasca.
External Review Shapes Up For FDA’s Food Safety, Tobacco Divisions
Former FDA Commissioner Jane Henney will conduct the review, requested by current head Robert Califf in response to high-profile health issues like the baby formula shortage and controversies over e-cigarette oversight.
Add Dextrose To The List Of Critical Medical Treatments In Short Supply
EMS teams are scrambling to change their protocol because of a lack of the drug, used to treat conditions such as hypoglycemia, dehydration, and more. Other industry news is on San Francisco’s Laguna Honda Hospital, Paloma Blanca Health and Rehabilitation in New Mexico, Cigna, and more.
‘The Danger Of Polio Is Present’: New York Health Officials Warn Public
Officials are urging those who are not vaccinated to do so, after one polio case has been confirmed and the virus has been found in two counties’ wastewater. In other health and wellness news: the benefits of walking after a meal; eating disorders among younger children; and more.
GOP Abortion Rift Again On Display As Indiana House Votes To Keep Rape Exception
The Republican-dominated House voted 61-39 to defeat an amendment to its abortion bill that would have removed exceptions for rape or incest. This follows a similar outcome last week in the state senate. Meanwhile in Florida, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has launched a fight against a Democratic prosecutor who has said he will refuse to prosecute abortion crimes.
After Biden’s ‘Paxlovid Rebound,’ Questions Over Length Of Treatment
The Hill reports that some experts are calling for more urgent research into whether the course of the covid treatment Paxlovid should be lengthened. Additional news on covid is on boosters, air travel, and more.
World’s Worst Outbreak: Monkeypox Now A Public Health Emergency In US
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky says the emergency declaration will enable it to put more boots on the ground to help with outreach, adding that more than 50 jurisdictions have agreed to provide monkeypox-vaccine data that the CDC lacks.
FDA Weighs ‘Dose Sparing’ To Increase Monkeypox Vaccine Capacity
The technique involves splitting a single vial of the Jynneos monkeypox vaccine into five smaller doses and would slightly change the way it is administered. FDA chief Robert Califf says, “It’s important to note that overall safety and efficacy profile will not be sacrificed with this approach.”