Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid issues.
Different Takes: How To Improve US Maternal Health Outcomes; Rethinking Labels For Disabilities
Editorial pages tackle these public health issues.
Navy To Address Honolulu Drinking Water Fuel Contamination Issue
The Hawaii Department of Health ordered the Navy to sort out drinking water contamination problems, linked to a fuel storage complex, which had led to worries over public health. In other news, a new study has highlighted the high costs of extreme heat in Phoenix.
Prescription Drug Cost Managing Company To Pay Kansas $27.6M
The legal settlement comes after an investigation over whether the company, hired for the Medicaid program, overcharged the state. The trial of Theranos’ founder Elizabeth Holmes, financial dealings at J&J, neurodegeneration treatments from Flagship Pioneering and more are also in the news.
Self-Check For Dementia Test Works Faster Than Old System: Study
The “self-administered gerocognitive examination” test detected cognitive decline six months earlier than standard testing. Separately, product recalls were issued for adult portable bed rails and some meat products, plus news on pregnant homicide rates, and marijuana and sleep.
Instagram Reveals Controls To Keep Teens Safer
The social media company, part of Facebook owner Meta’s brand, unveiled plans for parental safety controls ahead of the scheduled testimony before Congress on the platform’s potential risks. Separately, the New York Post reports that eating disorder posts still “thrive” on Instagram.
Being A Female Doctor Instead Of Male Costs $2 Million In Career Wages
A large new study reported by Stat and The New York Times details the gender pay gap between men and women doctors. The Washington Post, meanwhile, reports nurses are leaving staff jobs and taking up traveling work during the pandemic because they can triple their wages.
Wisconsin Hospitals Revved Up Debt Collection, Especially Against Blacks
Researchers from Yale and Stanford reported in the journal Health Affairs that the rate of medical debt collection lawsuits in the state increased by more than a third from 2001 to 2018, Bloomberg and other news outlets reported. The targets were disproportionately Black patients, data show.
Biden Focuses On Drug Pricing Measures In Push For Spending Bill Vote
Arguing that the legislation will lower the costs of key prescription drugs like insulin, President Joe Biden urged senators to pass the Build Back America bill. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has targeted a Christmas vote, but thorny negotiations with holdout Democrats casts doubt on that timeline.
Last Day To Enroll In Medicare: Watch Out For Drug Coverage
Dec. 7 is the deadline for Medicare beneficiaries to enroll or make changes to their plans. Other reports on Medicare news cover high prices of accelerated-approval drugs, at-home care, telehealth and more.
NYC Announces Sweeping Vaccine Mandate For Private Businesses
All in-person employees working in the city must have at least one shot of the covid vaccine by Dec. 27, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced. The mandate is expected to be challenged in court. Meanwhile, the impact of surging covid cases and omicron is felt in other localities around the U.S.
Gen Z Is More Stressed-Out By Covid Than Other Age Groups
News outlets cover the results of a new U.S. study that says a higher proportion of people in Gen Z than other generations say the pandemic has made their lives difficult. Also, you’re not alone if your blood pressure is up during the covid era — a study shows it’s quite widespread.
Young Adult Myocarditis After Covid Shots Found Mild, Temporary
In other news, a major British study into mixing covid vaccines found that people showed a better immune response after a Pfizer or AstraZeneca shot followed by a Moderna one nine weeks later. The Wall Street Journal reports on the rise in post-booster breakthrough cases, which are still rare.
Glaxo Reports Its Antibody Treatment Is Effective Against Omicron Variant
GlaxoSmithKline says tests show its antibody treatment protects against the mutations from the omicron covid variant. News outlets look at other treatments, as well.
WHO Finds ‘No Clear Benefit’ To Treating Covid With Convalescent Plasma
The World Health Organization strongly advises against its use. Meanwhile, total confirmed U.S. covid cases approach 50 million. Other pandemic news stories report on hospitalizations, treatments, testing, racial disparities and more.
There Were Over 4,000 Covid Cases In Indiana School Kids This Week
The 4,321 new weekly covid cases among K-12 students is the highest number since mid-September. Other news outlets report on covid in education, child mental health matters in Louisiana and Miami, and how student health worries caused dorm-cleaning at the University of Georgia.
Early Findings: Omicron May Be Milder Than Delta, Might Even Help Defeat It
The omicron variant is proving very contagious but so far seems to cause less-severe illness. That’s good news, some infectious-disease experts say, because it will crowd out the delta variant. Experts say we’ll know in about two weeks whether that’s true.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers consider these covid issues.
Different Takes: Disability Services Are In Crisis; Examining The Opioid Epidemic
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues.