Latest KFF Health News Stories
Stanford Magnetic Therapy To Treat Depression Has Significant Trials Success
The SAINT method uses targeted magnetic stimulation of the brain, and reports say almost 80% of the study’s participants saw their severe depression go into remission. Generic drug prices, strep vaccines for pregnant women, a boom in stem cell clinics and more are also in the news.
Bill Presses For Huge Increase In Residency Slots Paid For By Medicare
Modern Healthcare reports on a provision for residency slots in the House version of the president’s domestic policy package. Meanwhile, reports say health care employment has topped 16 million, the highest number since early in the pandemic.
Providers Say More People Seek Birth Control In Texas After Abortion Law
The near-total abortion ban in Texas drove attention to birth control providers, as people seek emergency contraception and other pregnancy-preventing solutions. Meanwhile, a kayaker contracted flesh eating bacteria in Tampa, and schools in Tennessee get a mental health boost.
As Pandemic’s Impact Shifts, Experts Warn About Breakthrough Cases
These infections among vaccinated people may hinder the fight against the virus. Experts suggest many are the result of children passing along the virus. Other news outlets also look at the changing demographics that are the hallmark of the delta variant.
Discrimination Against Young Adults Linked To Higher Risk Of Mental Issues
A new study has shown a link between people experiencing discrimination about their bodies, race, age or sex and later risks for developing mental health problems. Separately, a study from the U.S. Census Bureau has shown LGBTQ people were more likely to lose income during the pandemic.
Researchers Look At Link Between Covid Vaccine Injections, Heart Problems
Some theories are emerging about the link between receiving a covid shot and the risks for myocarditis, including the chance that vaccines were injected into veins, directly affecting the heart. Pfizer’s covid pill, antibody drugs, pregnant women’s risks and pets with covid are also in the news.
Schools Take Central Role As Covid Vaccine Push Shifts To Youngsters
News outlets report on covid vaccine drives across the U.S. education system. First lady Jill Biden is also playing a role promoting shots for school children alongside Surgeon General Vivek Murthy.
Vaccine Hesitancy ‘Entrenched’: Study Finds Half Unvaxxed Won’t Get Shots
A detailed nationwide U.S. survey found around half of the people currently resisting taking covid shots are unlikely to change their minds. Meanwhile, NBC News reports on efforts to close the vaccination gap between California’s Latino population and other demographic groups.
With Infrastructure Win, Democrats Eye Bumpy Road On Spending Bill
Late Friday night, the House approved the $1 trillion infrastructure bill and sent it to President Joe Biden to sign. Its companion — the social spending package that could shake up health care programs — still faces big hurdles in both chambers as Democrats try to navigate fractious factions and a slim majority.
‘I Cannot Wait’: Vaccinated Foreign Travelers Finally Able To Enter US
American borders have been closed to most international travelers for 20 months. Starting today, those restrictions are lifted for people from Brazil, China, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom and much of Europe — as long as they have been fully vaccinated with a U.S.-approved shot.
HHS Enforcement Of 340B Program Up In Air With Conflicting Court Rulings
As hospitals and pharmaceutical companies fight in court over the prescription drug discount program, the oversight power of the Health Resources and Services Administration is also at issue.
Appeals Court Grants Stay On Biden’s Vaccine Mandate For Private Businesses
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily halted the federal vaccine rules, pending legal review of the case. Biden administration officials expressed confidence that the orders will prevail as they wind their way through the judicial challenges.
First Edition: November 8, 2021
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages tackle these public health issues.
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 covid vaccines, chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, daylight-saving time and more.
Viewpoints: Molnupiravir Will Be A Huge Help For UK; Does It Matter Anymore How Covid Started?
Opinion writers delve into these covid topics.
Home Health Workers Both Happy, Upset At CMS’ Payment Changes
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the 2022 home health payment rule yesterday, revealing both good and bad news for providers of home health services. Separately, Axios reports that health insurers still don’t seem “that worried” about the covid pandemic, having side-stepped many large costs this year.
To Defeat Baby Powder Lawsuits, J&J Tries Bankruptcy Tactic Again
Johnson & Johnson is trying a “Texas two-step” maneuver to resolve a billion-dollar case over the alleged health effects of baby powder. News from the trial of Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes, Anthem’s investment in kidney care and Abbott’s inclusive clinical trials push is also reported.
Planned Nov. 15 Strike Will Involve Nearly 32,000 Kaiser Permanente Staff
Health care workers in California, Oregon and Washington are involved. Separately, maintenance workers strike at a West Virginia Hospital, and reports say Kansas hospitals are at “crisis level” for staffing and capacity. Media outlets also cover other health industry news.
With Votes Planned, House Democrats Try To Whip Up Spending Bills Support
A key step forward on the intertwined social spending and infrastructure packages may come Friday as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi aims to bring both to floor votes.