Latest KFF Health News Stories
Editorial writers delve into abortion rights.
Research Roundup: Covid; Cancer; Sepsis
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Over 150 Rafters, Campers Caught Norovirus In Grand Canyon
The infections happened in April and May, according to the National Park Service, with the size of the caseload described as “rare.” A universal flu vaccine trial by the NIH, the aging and increasing diversity of the U.S. population, sleep duration links to heart health and more are also in the news.
Syphilis In St. Louis Is Surging To Record Levels
The sharp rise in case numbers over levels seen in recent years has prompted St. Louis health officials to push for tests during pregnancy to prevent congenital cases. In other news, California has a law stopping high schools from opening earlier than 8:30 a.m., and middle schools no earlier than 8 a.m.
US Buys 105 Million More Doses Of Pfizer’s Covid Shot For Fall
Meanwhile, at a congressional subcommittee, Florida’s surgeon general said blocking Florida health providers from placing orders for shots for young kids could have led to delays in vaccine access. And Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican, expressed anger over Sesame Street’s Elmo getting a shot.
Starting July 1, Insurers, Employers Must Show What They Pay For Care
Stat covers the latest push for transparency on health care pricing. Meanwhile, a study reported in USA Today reveals more than half of U.S. hospitals are failing to meet either of the two main requirements of the Hospital Price Transparency law aimed at consumer-friendly pricing.
FDA Says Abortion Pill Use Limited To 10 Weeks. Others Say Longer
The World Health Organization now says self-managed medication abortions can happen up to 12 weeks, and The Atlantic reports activists around the world say it can be used much later than that. Mobile abortion clinics, access to medication abortion in Florida, and more is also in the news.
Bipartisan Resistance Kills VA Reform Plan
The Washington Post and the AP note that a “sweeping” update to the largest health care system has been long-sought, but bipartisan efforts will now lead to a dismantling of the commission appointed to carry out downsizing. Mental health care access and substance abuse in the military are also reported.
Pandemic Pushed Maternal Deaths Up 33%: End Of Roe May Make It Worse
Some states banning abortion already have high mortality rates. Vox notes Black women are expected to be hit worse.
White House Releases New Patient Privacy Guidelines For Post-Roe World
The Biden administration is responding to fears that patient data and tech tools could be used against women seeking reproductive care in states where abortion is banned. The Department of Health and Human Services is emphasizing federal limits on the disclosure of medical records. And the White House will ask the FTC to shield period app data.
More Prosecutors Say They Won’t Enforce State Abortion Bans
The looming national patchwork of abortion laws and restrictions could get even more complicated at the state-level, with some liberal district attorneys saying they will not prosecute abortion providers or patients. Also in the news: President Joe Biden is expected to nominate an anti-abortion lawyer as a federal judge.
Future Of Decades-Old Abortion Trigger Laws Plays Out In Courts
Abortion-rights groups are challenging laws that ban abortion in states like Ohio, West Virginia, Utah, Kentucky, Louisiana and Idaho. Judges have already put some of them on hold while other cases are pending.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Mark Cuban Is Shaking Up The Drug Industry; CRISPR Still Has Some Bugs To Work Out
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Lawmakers Make Plea For Federal Help Against High Drug Prices
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Perspectives: FDA Should Examine Accelerated Approval Process; Medicare Must Approve Aduhelm
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Opinion writers discuss covid vaccines and abortion rights topics.
Inflation To Impact Negotiations Between Health Providers, Insurers
Modern Healthcare warns negotiations between health providers and insurers may be “bloody” thanks to the impact of inflation, which rose for general goods more than health care in May. Separately, Medicare Advantage is chastised by government watchdogs for denying care and overcharging.
Court Tosses Flint Water Charges Against Former Governor, Others
A Michigan Supreme Court ruling threw out charges that had been laid against officials involved in the Flint water lead contamination scandal. Meanwhile, scientists examining gas supplies in Boston homes found harmful compounds in natural gas leaking from stovetops.
Next Round Of Covid Shots Should Be Omicron-Fighters: FDA
A Food and Drug Administration vaccine advisory panel voted to recommend modified vaccines for the next expected battle against covid in the fall, to specifically combat the infectious omicron variant. Meanwhile, reports say “millions” of Americans have yet to get their booster doses.