Latest KFF Health News Stories
UK To Boost Taxes To Highest-Ever Levels To Fund Health, Social Care
Meanwhile, India says it is better prepared against future covid waves; covid hits nearly 100 children in an orphanage in the Philippines; the McDonald’s Happy Meal inventor has died; and France will offer free contraception to all women up to 25.
Democrats’ Health Care Divide Cracks Open Again During Spending Bill Talks
A faction of House Democrats are pushing to allocate funds from the $350 trillion spending package to shore up the Affordable Care Act, rather than other major health initiatives like expanding Medicare. Those negotiations are also linked to a new child care proposal, the looming debt ceiling and other financial pressures.
Day One Of Theranos CEO’s Trial Sees Her Characterized As A Liar
The trial of biotech chief Elizabeth Holmes began with prosecutors framing her as a fraudster who knowingly exaggerated claims for the medical company. Scrutiny of health care VC firms, patient administrative hassles, LGBTQ+ startups, the covid relief fund and more are also in the news.
Health Systems Buy Stake In Key Drugmaker Exela; Sanofi Buys Kadmon
11 health systems and group purchaser Premier acquired a stake in Exela Pharma Sciences, a maker of proprietary and generic sterile injectables. Meanwhile, France’s Sanofi paid $1.9 billion to buy Kadmon to boost its transplant business. Eliquis drug makers and drug naming are also in the news.
Justice Department Prepares To Take Texas To Court Over Abortion Law
Politico reports that the Justice Department could file a lawsuit as soon as next week. But federal efforts to fight the restrictive measure in court will not be easy, AP writes. Meanwhile, White House officials blast Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s pledge to eliminate rapists. And other news outlets look ahead to the way the law will play out for patients.
News Report Prompts Air Force Investigation Into Domestic Violence
CBS News notes that Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall called for an investigation into allegations of domestic violence, after a CBS report on the matter alleged inappropriate handling by the military. Meanwhile, reports say the Supreme Court is ready to return to limited in-person arguments.
Maryland Widens Booster Shot Program To Nursing Home Elderly
Axios notes that Maryland’s move making elderly in nursing homes eligible for covid booster shots makes it the first state to offer boosters to a cohort outside the immunocompromised. Meanwhile, the director of the World Health Organization called for countries to halt boosters until 2022.
Indoor Mask Rules Grow in Nevada, Ohio, New York
Meanwhile, Kentucky goes the opposite direction. In other news, football fans wonder how — or if — it’s possible to stay safe from covid while cheering on their favorite teams.
United Airlines To Put Vaccine-Exempt Workers On Leave Of Absence
Company officials at United Airlines said they could “no longer allow unvaccinated people back into the workplace.” Separately, Qantas confirmed unvaccinated travelers will be banned from flying internationally. Vaccine mandates, digital records, religious exemptions and more are also reported.
Biden To Lay Out New Covid Measures To Combat Delta Surge
President Joe Biden will announce his administration’s new 6-step strategy centering around vaccination outreach, boosters, masks and testing.
Covid Outlook Getting Worse For Kids
Children now account for more than one-quarter of new weekly US covid cases, CIDRAP reports. It’s the first time that has happened during the pandemic. And a new Yale University study found that severe breakthrough infections mostly affect older people with underlying health conditions.
Los Angeles Schools Voting Today On Vaccine Requirement For Students
The nation’s second-largest school system would become the first in the nation with a vaccine mandate for students 12 and older. And in Florida, a judge has ruled that schools can start legally requiring masks.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers delve into these covid and vaccine issues.
Editorial writers weigh in on adolescent stress management, cybersecurity in healthcare and Texas women’s health care issues.
FDA Tries To Fill The Gap For Smoking-Cessation Drug Chantix
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Perspectives: Mail-Order Prescriptions Unfairly Ensnared In War On Opioids
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Global Progress Against HIV, TB, Malaria Faltered During Pandemic
The impact of covid extended even into the battle against other diseases, according to a new report. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added Sri Lanka, Jamaica and Brunei to its covid travel alert list, France’s doctors ask for protection against death threats, and more.
Covid The Worst Public Health Threat? No: Climate Change, Med Journals Say
More than 200 medical journals from around the world have collaborated to issue a joint statement warning of “catastrophic harm” to health from climate change caused by emissions. Meanwhile, researchers say hiding indoors from wildfire smoke is ineffective for protecting health.
Louisiana Nursing Homes Lose Licenses After Hurricane Evacuations, Deaths
Four people died after more than 800 residents were moved to a warehouse, where conditions became hellish. Other news is from California, Wisconsin, New York, Mississippi and Colorado.