Latest KFF Health News Stories
Under a Texas law that went into effect in September all abortions are banned after about six weeks. As legislatures swing into high gear around the country, abortion is also on the top of their agendas.
Biden Makes Pitch For Drug Pricing Provisions As Way To Help Pocketbooks
Framed against a new report showing a sharp spike in inflation, President Joe Biden touted his plans to lower prescription drug costs as a way to lower the financial burden on Americans. He called on the Senate to take action on the pricing provisions, which are part of the stalled Build Back Better package.
Sutter Health Claims It Doesn’t Have Market Power As Antitrust Trial Begins
Because of that, attorney Jeffrey LeVee said, “it cannot violate the antitrust laws.” Modern Healthcare reports that opening statements in the case focused on the dispute over whether not-for-profit Sutter requires health plans to contract with all its hospitals as a condition of contracting with one of them, a practice known as “tying.”
Novavax Says Its Shot Is 80% Effective In Teens
The trial was performed when the delta variant was circulating. The FDA is still reviewing the two-dose vaccine, which is protein-based and made differently than the mRNA Pfizer or Moderna jabs.
Unmasking Decisions ‘Probably Premature,’ Biden Says
The president did concede, during a TV news interview, that it was a tough call to make for the places where mask rules have been dropped. The White House is also reportedly working on its own plan for relaxing restrictions, including tackling how to know if the next phase of the pandemic has arrived.
Thousands Of NYC Workers Could Be Fired Today Over Vaccine Mandate
On Thursday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams was firm in his resolve: “We are not firing them,” he said. “People are quitting. The responsibility is clear.”
Rural Covid Infection Rate Plummets
The Daily Yonder says the 40% decline in last week’s data likely indicates rural counties have passed the peak of the omicron surge. Separately, a new study says that delta covid actually infected twice as many people per capita in rural areas than urban ones, with low vax rates to blame.
US To Spend $720 Million On Covid Treatment From Eli Lilly
The antibody drug in question is bebtelovimab, and though still experimental, it is reported to fight omicron covid. The deal will secure 600,000 doses for the Department of Health and Human Services. Separately, conflicting reports throw some doubt on monoclonal antibody treatment sotrovimab.
Updated CDC Opioids Guidelines Aim To Strike Better Prescribing Balance
As part of evolving efforts to limit opioid abuse while appropriately alleviating patient pain, the CDC released 12 new recommendations that would revise federal guidelines around addictive pain medications. Eliminating controversial dosage thresholds is among the proposed changes.
Covid Can Attack, Destroy Placenta During Pregnancy, Study Finds
A study in the journal Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine details the way that a covid infection can cause harm during pregnancy, in particular the way it can remove vital life support functions from a developing fetus.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: What Have We Learned About Covid?; Is It Time To Stop Masking?
Opinion writers examine these covid topics.
Viewpoints: Making Menopause More Manageable; The Reason Behind Increased Autism Diagnoses
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Research Roundup: Covid; Diabetes; Neonate Thrombosis
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Omicron Covid Spreading Quickly Across Tonga
Tonga had been almost entirely free of covid, but is now seeing community spread driven by omicron and the complexities of recovery after a volcanic eruption. Meanwhile, in the U.K. — despite relatively high infection rates — most remaining covid restrictions will be dropped.
Biden To LGBTQ+ Kids: ‘I Have Your Back’
In the light of a controversial Florida bill limiting discussion of LGBTQ+ topics in schools, President Joe Biden addressed the LGBTQ+ community, and particularly children who may be affected, to stress his support for them. Transgender rights issues are reported by other news outlets.
Cancer-Linked Weedkiller May Be Found In 1 In 3 Americans’ Blood
Young children are at highest risk from exposure to the toxic chemicals, a George Washington University study says. Separate research links preterm births with fertility treatments, and another study says eating more legumes and less red meat is linked to longer lifespans.
Living In The South In 2019 Meant A Shorter Life Expectancy
A CDC report says the majority of states with lowest life expectancies were in the South. Mississippi had the lowest of all: 74.4 years. In other news, Georgia advanced a bill banning mailed abortion pills; UCLA settled a physician sexual abuse lawsuit for $243.6 million; and more.
Crucial Democrats Voice Support For Califf’s FDA Nomination
Senate Finance Committee chair Ron Wyden says he endorses Robert Califf to lead the Food and Drug Administration. His endorsement is the latest in a line of Senate Democrats who say their concerns about his nomination have been allayed. A full Senate vote has not yet been scheduled.
New Combo Drug Could Save Many With Breast Cancer
Keytruda, a.k.a. pembolizumab, is the subject of a Press Association report that highlights how effective it is against certain aggressive breast cancers if given with chemotherapy. Everly Health, Roche in South Africa, an expensive cystic fibrosis drug and more are also in the news.