Latest KFF Health News Stories
Senate Votes To Gut Biden’s Workplace Vaccine Mandate
The Senate also reportedly issued a rebuke over President Joe Biden’s covid shot mandate, amid controversies over federal overreach. Vaccine mandates and some associated legal matters are also reported from New York City, Los Angeles, Oklahoma and Louisiana.
Two Weeks After Thanksgiving, Covid Cases Are Surging Across The US
In better news, the U.S. reached a milestone Wednesday: 200 million Americans are now fully vaxxed.
Scientists Discover Why Covid Is Worse For Those Who Are Overweight, Obese
Researchers have found that the coronavirus infects both fat cells and certain immune cells within body fat, prompting a damaging defensive response in the body, The New York Times writes. The findings could lead to new covid treatments that target body fat.
Maine, New Hampshire Call National Guard To Covid-Strained Hospitals
The Boston Globe says the National Guard is being called in to help at hospitals and long-term care facilities facing high volumes of covid cases. In Maine, care may have to be rationed for the first time, and Wisconsin’s top health official calls for federal help in the face of staffing shortages.
Pfizer CEO Raises Possibility Of Fourth Shot To Combat Omicron
“When we see real-world data, will determine if the omicron is well covered by the third dose and for how long. And the second point, I think we will need a fourth dose,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla told CNBC. Pfizer is researching the efficacy of its booster and original vaccine course against the omicron covid variant.
So Far, ‘The Disease Is Mild’ In Most US Omicron Cases: CDC Chief
In an interview with the AP, Dr. Rochelle Walensky provided details on the more than 40 known omicron cases in the U.S. Most were in vaccinated patients who only showed mild symptoms like cough, congestion and fatigue. Only one person has been hospitalized.
FDA Approves AstraZeneca’s Covid Antibody Drug For Vulnerable Patients
The two-dose antibody drugs are the first intended for long-term prevention against covid infection, rather than a short-term treatment for people with compromised immune systems.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Outdated Rules Hamper Telehealth Progress; New Plan In Minnesota To Broaden Nursing Pool
Editorial pages delve into these public health topics.
Insulin And Aduhelm: Are Ultrahigh Prices Really Necessary?
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Perspectives: Insulin Is The ‘Poster Child For Illogical Drug Pricing’
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Opinion writers examine these covid related issues.
Shkreli’s Former Company To Pay $40M Over Alleged Drug Price Gouging
The Federal Trade Commission’s investigation centered on alleged 4,000% boosts in the price of toxoplasmosis treatment Daraprim. Meanwhile, news outlets cover the testimony from ex-Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes over the failure of the blood-testing company.
Study: Medicaid Expansion Hasn’t Boosted Critical Hospital Operations
A new study found hospitals that were covered by the expansion of Medicaid haven’t seen an improvement in quality scores or better staffing levels. Water quality issues, HIV/AIDS matters, toxic gas, legal marijuana and more are also in the news.
Young People Face ‘Devastating’ Mental Health Crisis: Surgeon General
Surgeon General Vivek Murthy says there was a mental health crisis among younger Americans even before the pandemic struck, with one in three high school students reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness. News outlets cover other mental health issues.
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Plans To Add $3.4B For Health Care Research
The Facebook founder and his wife are adding the money to their charitable foundation over 15 years. In other health industry news, United Healthcare loses a $60 million lawsuit, and Centene settles with the state of Kansas with a $28 million payment.
Vice President Harris Aims To Reduce High US Maternal Death Rate
A report in Bloomberg detailing the plan calls the U.S. maternal mortality rate “alarmingly high.” The strategy calls for extending postpartum coverage under Medicaid to 12 months. Meanwhile, USA Today details where to find the best hospitals in which to have a baby.
House Passes Bill To Ease Debt Ceiling Crisis And Avert Medicare Cuts
The legislation would halt planned reductions in Medicare reimbursements. Senate Republican leaders say they will support the measure.
Biden Panel Disagrees On Adding More Justices
A plan to shift the political leanings of the Supreme Court did not get support from a bipartisan presidential panel on judicial reform.
Taking Viagra Linked To Huge Reduction In Risk Of Alzheimer’s
A study of health insurance data for more than 7.2 million people showed a nearly 70% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s in the next six years among those who took sildenafil (originally designed as a heart drug) versus those who didn’t. News outlets note, however, that correlation isn’t causation.