Latest KFF Health News Stories
A Pig’s Genes Were Tweaked So A Maryland Man Could Get Its Heart
Reporting on the remarkable news, USA Today notes the 57-year-old recipient of the donor pig’s heart has lived for three days now. The transplant is the first successful one achieved, and the patient had no other options. Stat reports that inevitably ethical questions have been raised.
Parents Claim Medical Malpractice In Suit Over ‘Jeopardy!’ Winner’s Death
Brayden Smith’s family claims his death was related to recent colorectal surgery. Meanwhile, J&J is partnering with Microsoft for advanced digital surgery; Medtronic is buying med tech firm Affera; and medical records/AI firm Cloudmed is being bought by R1 RCM.
California Wants Medicaid Coverage Regardless Of Immigration Status
The plan is part of Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $286.4 billion budget. The governor also plans to use some of California’s multibillion-dollar surplus to address homelessness and affordable housing problems, as well as housing for mentally ill people.
Workers’ Vax-Or-Test Mandate Begins, Covering Nearly 1 In 4 People
The Hill reminds us that the Biden administration rule, which covers businesses with 100 or more employees, could ultimately be doomed as part of an ongoing Supreme Court battle. Other news outlets cover different vaccine and booster mandates, including efforts to limit them in some places.
Becerra Tells Medicare To Review Premiums After Aduhelm Price Drop
The demand from Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is “highly unusual,” Stat reports. Becerra’s actions could lead to lower Medicare Part B costs — after standard premiums jumped 15% for 2022.
Vaccines Tailored For Omicron Coming Soon; Who Will Need One?
Pfizer announced that by March it may have a new covid vaccine ready that is modified specifically to protect against the omicron variant. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson also said their variation is in development. Some health experts say it’s unclear if one will even be needed by that timeframe though.
As Hospitalizations Soar, Ask Yourself: What Else Can I Do To Prevent Covid?
“It’s time for everyone to pitch in and do what works. Wear your mask indoors. Avoid gatherings. … Get your vaccine and, if eligible, get boosted. That’s how we’ll get through this surge” said Democratic Gov. John Carney of Delaware, where hospitals are coping with “over 100% inpatient bed capacity.”
Short-Staffed And Short On Solutions: Your Doctor, Nurse Might Have Covid
In California, two powerful labor unions decried the state’s move to temporarily allow health workers who test positive to continue working. Other states across the U.S. are allowing the same as hospitalizations skyrocket. About 24% of nearly 5,000 hospitals are experiencing staff shortages.
White House Directs Private Insurers To Cover Most At-Home Covid Test Costs
Under guidance issued by the Biden administration yesterday, providers must shoulder the costs for up to 8 rapid antigen tests per month starting Jan. 15. Insurers can work with preferred pharmacies or retailers to directly cover over-the-counter test kits or reimburse beneficiaries after purchase.
One Day, 1.35 Million Covid Infections: US Reports Shocking Record Cases
It’s a dreadful world record: On Monday, the number of confirmed covid cases in the U.S. blew through the previous daily high of 1.03 million. That number is triple the count from just a week ago. In a glimmer of good news, parts of the country may be close to or past the omicron peak.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers delve into these covid topics.
South Dakota Makes It Even Harder To Get A Medication Abortion
Women seeking medication-based abortions must now receive drugs at a licensed abortion facility, instead of just meeting with a physician in person once. Grants for West Virginia health centers, fentanyl seizures on Texas’ Mexican border and more are also in the news.
US Troops Restricted To Base After Spreading Omicron In Japan
Bloomberg reports on an omicron outbreak in Japan which local officials blame on U.S. troops spreading covid into the community. More developments in the Novak Djokovic case in Australia, China’s reaction to omicron, pushback against 4th doses in the U.K. are also reported.
Viewpoints: Violence Against Nurses Is On The Rise; Changes Needed To Prevent Physician Burnout
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues.
Maryland’s Digital Health System Remains Broken After Cyberattack
“Unusual behavior” was detected on Maryland’s Health Department network on Dec. 4 and subsequently was found to be a cyberattack. The Washington Post says many systems are still unusable more than a month later, affecting the pandemic response as well as routine care.
Medicare Decision On Aduhelm Looms, Triggering Worries Over Funding
Stat reports on worries over Medicare’s upcoming ruling over cover for controversial Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm, and if it will impact state Medicaid funding. The Biden administration’s plan to empower pharmacies by cutting middlemen fees is also in the news, along with its impact on Medicare costs.
Cataract Removal Linked To 30% Lower Risk For Dementia
New research suggests that cataract removal to improve vision may also be linked to lower risk for older patients developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s. In other fascinating news, a study finds exercise boosts production of a protein that may also delay potential dementia.
States Receiving Antibody Treatments That Might Be Useless Against Omicron
Patients have been clamoring for monoclonal antibodies, but the Biden administration says two of the three treatments available don’t work against omicron. To make matters worse, there’s a severe shortage of the one that does work: sotrovimab.
People Are Desperate For Covid Tests — But Florida Throws Away 1M Of Them
After a state official said Thursday that the tests had expired, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday tried to explain why the state didn’t distribute them.