Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study: Youngsters More Susceptible To Omicron Via The Nose
A small study shows that omicron is more efficient at infecting younger children through the nose than earlier versions. It also suggests symptoms of anosmia are a good predictor of long-term cognitive impact of covid. Separately, data show subvariant BA.5 is increasingly dominant in the U.S.
Industry Presses Congress To Fix Doctor Shortage With Foreign Staff
Medical groups are asking for Congress to pass the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act, incentivizing foreign physicians. Meanwhile, high levels of nursing staff burnout in the Twin Cities area raise an alarm.
Newly Passed Bill Recognizes Impact Of Officer PTSD, Suicides
The Public Safety Officer Support Act creates a route for families of officers who die by suicide to access benefits. Also: a strike among Kaiser Permanente mental health workers in California, concerns over public awareness of a new mental health law in Georgia, and more.
Senate Passes Bill To Expand Care For Vets Exposed To Burn Pits, Toxins
After 3 amendments introduced by Republicans were voted down, the Senate approved long-sought legislation expanding health and disability benefits for an additional 3.5 million former U.S. military members exposed to toxic substances during their service. President Joe Biden is expected to sign soon.
Medicare Ditches Plan To Bury Hospital Safety Data Next Year
Officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had said months ago that due to covid, hospital safety data would be distorted and therefore less useful to the public. In its reversal Monday, however, Stat reports that CMS officials recognized “the importance of this measure for patients and providers.” Separately, news outlets cover rising maternal mortality rates among women on Medicaid, and Medicaid coverage loss.
Justice Dept. Targets Idaho’s Ban In First State Abortion Access Lawsuit
The Department of Justice is suing Idaho over its six-week abortion ban, arguing that the state measure violates federal law requiring doctors and hospitals to provide emergency medical services, including abortion. It’s the first such action taken by the Biden administration since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
Montana 1999 Court Decision Muddies Legislative Action On Abortion
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, a Republican, asked Montana Supreme Court justices to reverse a 1999 decision that upholds abortion access, in favor of allowing state legislators to set new laws. Legal battles on the issue are also reported out of Kentucky, Indiana, California, and elsewhere.
Second Biden Executive Order On Abortion Access Expected Today
Media outlets report that the president will sign another executive order to protect abortion access, even if abortion is illegal in states where women seek this care. Separately, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, said she’ll vote against a new bipartisan bill on federal abortion protection.
Number Of Americans Without Health Insurance Dips To Record Low
In the first quarter of this year, the U.S. uninsured rate declined to 8%, the Biden administration announced. That number could go back up again though if Congress does not extend Affordable Care Act premium subsidies.
In ‘Landslide’ Vote, Kansas Preserves Right To Abortion
Voters turned out in droves — turnout was nearly 250% higher than the last primary midterm election — and the latest tally showed a decisive win for abortion-rights supporters, 59% to 41%. President Biden and prominent pollsters said the victory in a “red” state underscores the importance of this fall’s midterm elections.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Study Links Processed Food Diet With Quicker Cognitive Decline
New research has found links between eating a diet with over 20% highly processed foods with a quicker rate of cognitive decline over six to 10 years. In other news, a study found that elementary school-age kids who sleep less than nine hours a night may see detrimental impacts to memory and other abilities.
Different Takes: Monkeypox Inaction Feels Familiar; We Can And Should Contain Monkeypox Quickly
Opinion writers weigh in on monkeypox and covid.
Viewpoints: Many Hospitals Not Being Transparent; Abortion Rights Advocates Must Revamp Approach
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
NorthShore University Pays $10M To Settle Covid Shot Exemption Case
The Illinois health service had been sued by care workers who said they’d been denied religious exemptions when refusing to align with covid vaccine mandates. Separately, President Joe Biden’s covid case is highlighting confusion over the guidelines about isolation nowadays.
Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Spreading Far Beyond Hospitals, Study Finds
A study reported in CIDRAP shows how far superbugs are spreading outside of health care, with many infections traced to community sources with no health care setting connections. Separately, researchers find an algorithm can cut sepsis deaths by nearly 20%.
Illinoisans Who Buy ACA Insurance To Pay More, Maybe Much More, Next Year
Ten Illinois insurance companies that sell plans on the exchange are suggesting rate hikes between 3% to 16%. Meanwhile, in West Virginia some cities and counties reached a $400 million settlement with key opioid drug distributors. Separately, Iowa’s set to receive part of a $6.6 billion payout.
GOP Sharpens Its Claws In Fight Over Massive Health Spending Bill
Republicans plan to challenge most of its provisions using an obscure procedure called the Byrd Rule, which limits the ability to pass legislation with a simple majority.
White House Selects A FEMA Official To Lead Monkeypox Effort
The Washington Post reports Robert J. Fenton Jr., a regional administrator and long-term FEMA employee, will coordinate the monkeypox response. Separately, The Hill reports on pressure from Democrats for the Government Accountability Office to review the federal monkeypox response.
CMS Hikes Inpatient Medicare Reimbursements By 4.3%
The change, which is higher than an earlier proposed raise, is expected to increase hospital payments by $2.6 billion.