Latest KFF Health News Stories
Harris Warns Of Political Efforts That Will Drag Women’s Health ‘Backwards’
Speaking to the NAACP National Convention, Vice President Kamala Harris said “extremist so-called leaders” are targeting fundamental civil rights by targeting abortion and voting.
Years Of Neglect Hinder Health Clinics On Front Lines Of Monkeypox Battle
Decades of underfunding have left sexual health clinics across the U.S. “stretched to capacity” and ill-equipped to handle yet another epidemic, says David Harvey, executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors.
Overseas Nonprofits Shipping More Abortion Pills To US
While U.S. telehealth clinics also report an uptick in demand, those practices are limited in states with restrictions on medicated abortion. But foreign-based nonprofits are serving some those places amidst a complicated legal landscape, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
‘Marburg Can Easily Get Out Of Hand’: Ebola-Like Virus Spreads In West Africa
Two people in Ghana have died from the hemorrhagic fever. The first case of the virus in the region was detected last year in Guinea, with no further cases identified, Reuters reported. Other news is from the U.K., India, Japan, and the African Union.
Viewpoints: Overturning Roe Puts Doctors In Moral Dilemma; Ending Abortion Is Deadly For Women
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues.
Melanoma Kills Nearly Twice The Number Of Men Than Women: Study
Researchers in London found that male skin cancer deaths increased by 219% since 1973, compared to 76% for women in the same period. Meanwhile, a separate study found that Black and Latino cancer patients experienced more delays in care than white patients. Other research covers covid, menstruation, Alzheimer’s, and more.
Medicare Rule Change Could Lift Outpatient Provider Payments By $6.2B
Modern Healthcare reports on the complexities of a proposed Medicare reimbursements rule change that could take effect next year, increasing payments to outpatient providers. Meanwhile, UnitedHealthcare is set to offer $0 insulin and epipens under certain limited conditions.
Scarcity Of Covid Shots For Young Kids In Florida Blamed On DeSantis
People are complaining it’s hard to find vaccines for children under 5 in Florida, and anecdotally the governor is blamed, the Washington Post says. Meanwhile, although the giant convention Comic-Con is returning to San Diego for the first time since covid began, masks are required.
White House Says Covid Still Evolving, Older People Should Stay Boosted
The Biden administration’s covid coordinator, Ashish Jha, warned that covid is still evolving and that we’re still in the middle of the pandemic. Jha also stressed the importance of everyone — including older people — keeping up to date with booster shots to resist newer, more infectious variants.
Biden Shifts Gears, Pushes Democrats To Pass Smaller Health Care Bill
Sen. Joe Manchin (D.-W.Va.) has torpedoed the president’s once-vast economic package, but President Joe Biden says even a smaller package that focuses on health care costs would provide financial relief to families. Also in the news: the abortion fight on Capitol Hill, the Keep Kids Fed Act, and Anthony Fauci’s looming retirement.
988 Suicide Hotline Rolls Out; Fruity Snacks Could Help Mental Health
Media outlets cover a number of mental health issues, including explaining how the new 988 hotline system works. Separately, experts express different views on whether a ban on Juul nicotine products will actually impact the epidemic of younger people vaping — especially with other products on sale.
House-Passed Abortion Rights Bills Doomed In Senate
For the second time, the House passed a bill that would restore nationwide abortion rights. Another bill protecting women who cross state borders for care was also approved. But neither are expected to progress through a divided Senate.
Doctor Asks Indiana AG To Cease False Statements In Child Abortion Case
In the flashpoint case of a 10-year-old rape victim from Ohio who received an abortion in Indiana: The doctor’s lawyer is asking Indiana Republican Attorney General Todd Rokita to “cease and desist” with false statements alleging wrongdoing.
LGBTQ+ Rights Protections Temporarily Blocked By Federal Judge
News outlets report on the decision by U.S. District Judge Charles Atchley Jr. in a case made by 20 state attorneys general. The AGs argued federal protections for LGBTQ+ rights infringed on their rights to enact laws, including those that target LGBTQ+ rights, and Atchley agreed.
CDC Says Demand For Monkeypox Vaccine Exceeding US Supply
U.S. health officials acknowledge that vaccine supplies are running short in places like California, New York and Washington, D.C. Another 100,000 doses will be delivered to states over the next few days.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss monkeypox, abortion, and covid.
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
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 the Space Force, adults who “fail to thrive,” TikTok doctor Will Flanary, abortion, and more.