Latest KFF Health News Stories
Eli Lilly To Seek Accelerated Approval Of Its New Alzheimer’s Drug
Following the “unprecedented” FDA approval of Biogen’s controversial Alzheimer’s drug, Eli Lilly is reportedly seeking speedy approval for its drug donanemab. Stat reports on how the drug’s potential approval may play a part in the debate over Biogen’s pricing.
World Drug Report Says 275 Million People Used Drugs In 2020
Over a quarter of a billion people worldwide used controlled substances in a “non-medical use” way last year according to a United Nations study. Separately, AP reports that drug overdose deaths during the pandemic rose dramatically among Black Americans.
Expanded Medicaid Access To Home Care Pushed In Proposed Bill
Congressional Democrats introduced new legislation that would increase access to home- and community-based health care as the needs for such services can not be currently met by state Medicaid programs.
Number Of Uninsured Latino Kids Grew Disproportionately During Trump Years
More than 1.8 million Latino children lacked health coverage as of 2019, a rate of 9.3%, a new study shows. In 2016, the uninsured rate of Latino children was at 7.7%. In comparison, the uninsured rate of non-Latino children grew from 3.7% in 2016 to 4.4% in 2019.
CDC Announces Final Extension For Federal Eviction Ban
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pushed the expiration of the national moratorium on evictions to July 31. The Biden administration is urging state and local officials to take steps to avoid a massive loss in housing.
Elective Surgery Deemed Risky Within 7 Weeks Of Covid Infections
NBC News reports on how doctors are struggling to understand the lingering impact of a covid infection and how it can negatively impact outcomes of elective surgery. Separately, research says SARS-CoV-2 can directly attack cells lining the GI tract of patients.
Book Reveals FDA’s Emergency Approval For Trump’s Covid Drugs
News outlets cover revelations from a new book detailing the Trump administration’s covid efforts, including “extraordinary” efforts to get President Donald Trump covid treatments, his suggestion to send infected people to Guantanamo Bay, and his “jokes” about covid and people who were infected.
Nearly Every One Of The Recent Covid Dead Were Unvaccinated
An AP analysis of CDC data for covid deaths in May shows that vaccinated victims of the virus only accounted for 0.8% of the total. Separately, a report says covid is “deadlier this year” than 2020, and cover infection upticks in several states as well as the rise of the delta variant.
CDC Probes Covid-Vaccinated Teen’s Death In Michigan
A 13-year-old in Saginaw County received a second dose of covid vaccine three days before he died, prompting a federal investigation. Separately, the National Institutes of Health launched a new study into effects of covid vaccines during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Biden Warns Of Delta Danger During Road Trip To Urge Vaccinations
“Six hundred thousand-plus Americans have died, and with this delta variant you know there’s going to be others as well. You know it’s going to happen. We’ve got to get young people vaccinated,” President Joe Biden said during a visit to a community center in Raleigh, North Carolina. The White House is deploying other top officials to other parts of the country to encourage Americans to get the covid shot.
‘Entering The Death Drawing’: W.Va. Governor’s Dire Alert For Unvaccinated
Republican Gov. Jim Justice pleaded with his constituents to get the covid shot with some real talk about the continuing health risks. Other vaccination news comes from Hawaii, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Texas, Massachusetts and California.
Fate Of Infrastructure Deal Intertwined With Reconciliation Bill Featuring Health Care Funding
President Joe Biden joined a group of 10 senators at the White House Thursday to announce that a bipartisan agreement on a $1.2 trillion infrastructure package — that includes water safety projects. But Biden said he would not sign any such legislation until Congress also passes a larger bill that allocates additional spending on “human infrastructure,” such as education and health care.
White House Planning To Lift Public Health Rule Blocking Migrants At Border
A Trump-era rule put in place during the pandemic allows border agents to turn away adult migrants at the southern border. The New York Times reports that the Biden administration is in the late stages of planning to phase out the measure. Other health and safety issues facing migrants to the U.S. is also in the news.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Mississippi Case Could Overturn Roe V. Wade; Why Aduhelm Gained FDA Approval
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Research Roundup: Heart Health; Teen Substance Abuse; Fertility Drugs; More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Perspectives: Delta Variant Spreading Rapidly Among Unvaccinated; Steps To Avoid Another Pandemic
Opinion writers weigh in on these Covid and vaccine topics.
Florida Bill Protects Students With Disabilities From Dangerous Restraints
The new bill, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis requires schools to follow stricter punishment guidelines, and prohibits using “seclusion” punishments and face-down restraints. Hospice programs, dentistry, medical pot and counseling for AIDS patients are also in the news.
White House To Send 3 Million J&J Covid Shots To Brazil
Brazil on Wednesday reported a single-day record of 115,228 new covid cases, as the virus outbreak accelerates there. Separately, Reuters reports on how the Covax program to help poorer nations fight covid is falling short of its goal to deliver vaccines.
Japan’s Emperor Signals Concern The Olympics Will Worsen Covid Outbreak
In a rare statement, Emperor Naruhito says he is worried about current rates of covid in Japan and is concerned the upcoming Olympics will cause a rise in covid infections. Separately, a medical staff shortage is reportedly to blame, in part, for Japan’s slow vaccine rollout.