Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health And Climate Bill Clears Big Hurdle With Sinema’s Backing Secured
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, a Democrat from Arizona, announced her support for the spending package after some tax-related and drought funding measures were added. The final bill will be introduced Saturday. News outlets also explore the impact the legislation could have on drug pricing.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Screen Time; Parechovirus; Covid; Pig Organs; More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Different Takes: Did Anti-Abortion Lawmakers Forget Women Can Vote?
Opinion writers weigh in on the results of the abortion vote in Kansas.
Weaker Pandemic Liquor Laws May Have Boosted Problem Drinking
A Stateline report warns that looser pandemic laws designed to boost restaurants may have contributed to binge drinking and higher overall consumption. Harm reduction related to fentanyl, mental health pushes in Wisconsin and Ohio, and more are also in the news.
Civica Rx Will Sell A Cheap Generic Version Of Expensive Cancer Drug
The nonprofit will sell the prostate drug abiraterone via pharmacies for about $160, in contrast to the roughly $3,000 price tag for existing generics under Medicare Part D. Also: online sales of weight loss drugs, an uptick in CVS’ earnings, Tennessee suing Walgreens over opioids, and more.
Australia’s Tough Flu Season Could Herald The Same For US
Experts interviewed by NBC News say the U.S. may be expecting a severe flu season this year. Separately, an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in California has killed one person and sickened 12. A swine flu outbreak in West Virginia is also in the news.
Sinema, Holding Up Health Care Bill, Draws Democrat Focus
The Washington Post and The New York Times say some Senate Democrats are considering dialing back some tax proposals contained in the bill to appeal to Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. Politico highlights five potential “huge” changes lawmakers may be looking at to get the bill passed.
‘Black-Serving’ Hospitals Get Less In Reimbursements, Medicare Data Show
Modern Healthcare reported that total reimbursements were an average of 21.6% lower at Black-serving hospitals, researchers found. In other news, West Virginia’s Medicaid program has been ordered to provide coverage for gender-confirming care for transgender patients.
Michigan Judge Maintains Legality Of Abortion In The State — For Now
As reported by AP, the judge extended a restraining order that temporarily keeps at bay the state’s 1931 ban on abortion. Other abortion news from across the country comes out of Texas, North Carolina, Iowa, and Indiana.
Blood Donors Will Be Screened For Monkeypox At Red Cross
Tests for lesions on donors’ arms will come in addition to standard health screens like temperature checks. Meanwhile, five children in the U.S. have now tested positive for the virus, and the World Health Organization says the U.S. is showing the biggest spike in case growth around the world.
Eli Lilly To Shift To Commercial Sales Of Its Covid Antibody Drug
As government orders dry up, the sales of bebtelovimab, which is currently authorized for emergency use, will target states, hospitals, and other health care providers. CNN notes other shifts in government covid policy are happening, with the CDC expected to ease covid guidelines, including for schools.
‘Roe Got It Right’: Biden Protects Abortion Travel With Executive Order
Media outlets cover fresh efforts by President Joe Biden to protect abortion access, including directing HHS to look into providing technical assistance and guidance reminding health care providers of nondiscrimination laws. Bloomberg says some Democrats want more from the president.
Lessons From Kansas: How Its Abortion Vote Could Rock The Nation
The results from Kansas suggest that threats to reproductive rights may energize Democrats in a way few political leaders can, and that voters will support freedom of choice when they are given the opportunity. Still, some Democrats are leery of getting their hopes too high.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Indiana Must Reduce Its Maternal, Infant Mortality Rates
Opinion writers weigh in on reproductive rights and veterans’ health care.
Perspectives: Collapse In Antibiotic Development Will Hurt Future Crises
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Lyme Disease Diagnoses Soared Over 15 Years
The rise, reported by FAIR Health, was more pronounced in rural areas, where diagnoses were up 357%. Meanwhile, in Long Beach, California, a case of pediatric monkeypox is reported. A beverage recall over bacterial contamination, the baby formula shortage and more are also in the news.
The Healthiest State? Massachusetts, For The Second Year
Boston University’s School of Public Health and the digital health company Sharecare run an annual survey and for 2021, Massachusetts ranked at the top. Mississippi came in last place — for the third year running. Also: polio in New York wastewater, a second case of dengue in Florida, and more.
Drug Cost Bill Faces Unpredictable Ride; Long Covid Drug Shows Promise
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.