Latest KFF Health News Stories
New Jerseyans Will Be Able To Buy Recreational Pot From April 21
Meanwhile, the timeline for a U.S. weed legalization bill slipped but is said to be on track for introduction before the August Senate recess. In other news, Connecticut doctors call for Medicaid expansion for undocumented kids; Massachusetts issues policies for telehealth visits; and more.
Deal Reached In Lawsuit Demanding Access To Lower-Cost HIV Drugs
The complaint alleged that a “no-generic” scheme kept prices for HIV drugs at “sky-high” levels. The settlement would effectively open the door to generic combination for one specific HIV medicine called Evotaz. The drug combines atazanavir, which is made by Bristol Myers, and cobicstat, which is made by Gilead Sciences.
More Meningitis Vaccines Ordered For Florida Outbreak
An ongoing meningitis outbreak in Florida has so far only been affecting men who have sex with men. Separately, three new papers have shown that meningitis vaccines have effectiveness against gonorrhea, an illness against which there’s no current vaccine available.
Florida Governor Signs Bill Banning Abortions After 15 Weeks
Until this law was enacted, Florida allowed abortion until the third trimester, which is 24 weeks of pregnancy. The Supreme Court is considering a similar Mississippi law that bans abortions after 15 weeks. A decision is expected later this year.
Surprise Billing Dispute Resolution Process Gets More Complex
Modern Healthcare reports on the ongoing and convoluted process of providers filing dispute resolutions under the new surprise billing rule, which has been in place since January.
Most Health Professionals Who Got Covid Caught It At Work, Early
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its first look into covid exposures among U.S. health workers, revealing that most positive cases happened early in the pandemic, and at work. Other reports cover a PTSD bill, the impact of covid on health worker’s kids, and more.
Pfizer Booster Tailored To Omicron Variants Could Be Available This Fall
Separately, an Israeli study finds that a second booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech covid vaccine lowers the worst risks of covid by as much as 76% over just a single booster.
With BA.4, BA.5 Threat Rising, White House Says Keep Calm
Media outlets report on the White House’s outwardly-calm public stance on the pandemic, thanks to covid vaccines, tests and treatments. But Biden administration organizations and health bodies around the world are carefully monitoring the emerging threat of the two new omicron subvariants.
FDA Authorizes First Covid Breathalyzer Test
The FDA granted emergency-use authorization for a Texas company’s diagnostic test that delivers results in three minutes. It could be used by hospitals, doctors or at mobile test sites. Positive results should be followed up by a PCR test.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: HPV; Covid; C. Diff; Lymphoma; Psilocybin; More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Congress, White House Plans To Boost Mental Health Gain Traction
AP reports on a bipartisan push to improve mental health in the U.S., which was worsened by the pandemic. And Axios notes that children’s mental health risks becoming the next U.S. culture war. But other news outlets report on the rise of potentially helpful mental health apps and chatbots.
Opioid Deaths Rise Devastatingly Among Black St. Louisans
Reports say there’s been a 560% rise of overdose deaths of Black people in St. Louis since 2015. Meanwhile, in Colorado a bill would make it a felony to possess more than 1 gram of fentanyl. In Boston, efforts to reduce alcoholism include an app that “rewards” abstention with a daily $5 bonus.
UT Southwestern Leaders Maneuver To Accept Blame For Trans Care Cuts
Meanwhile in Kentucky, the Republican-controlled legislature swiftly overrode Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of an anti-transgender sports bill, meaning the ban is now in place for kids from the sixth grade up. Beshear had warned the bill could be unconstitutional.
Opinion writers examine the covid related issues.
Viewpoints: ACA Has Been A Success; TennCare Changes Are A Win For Pregnant and Postpartum Women
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Grassley Asserts That GOP Won’t Repeal ACA If Back In Power
During a town hall in his home state of Iowa, Sen. Charles Grassley told a voter that his fellow Republicans have no plans to again target the Affordable Care Act if they win back House and Senate majorities this fall.
McKinsey Reported To Double-Deal With FDA, Drugmakers On Opioids
A congressional report alleges that consulting firm McKinsey advised the federal government on issues related to the opioid epidemic while at the same time working for opioid manufacturers, including OxyContin-maker Purdue Pharma. “Who we know and what we know” was part of their sales pitch.
US Life Expectancy Fell In 2020; Healthy Lifestyle Linked To Longer Life
News outlets cover a sharp drop in U.S. life expectancy during 2020, with a near two-year fall to around 77 years — and the pandemic is blamed. Meanwhile, a separate study links longer lifespans without experiencing Alzheimer’s for both men and women to living a healthier life.
HHS Renews Covid Public Health Emergency For Another 3 Months
While it could be the last time, the extension allows federal policies like free covid testing and vaccinations — and expanded Medicaid coverage — to stay in place until at least the summer. HHS has told states it would provide a 60-day notice before ending the pandemic emergency declaration.