Latest KFF Health News Stories
Warnings Raised For Children’s Pandemic Mental Health Struggles
In other health news about children, Axios reports on a poll that shows nearly 70% of LGBTQ youth surveyed found more acceptance when online than in person at home or school.
Covid Inflammatory Syndrome Linked To Higher Risks For Poor, Minority Kids
Separately, a study shows that long-haul covid may be more common than thought, even in those who had mild symptoms. In other news, US cervical cancers fall but other sex-related cancers rise, and actress Salma Hayek speaks about her near-fatal covid infection.
Study: Medicare Can Be A More Expensive Option
Lowering the age for Medicare may not be the panacea some see because it could cost more than current health insurance, a study found.
Bipartisan ‘Havana Syndrome’ Bill Introduced
U.S. officials abroad who have contracted mysterious symptoms while working abroad — that some believe could be caused by a foreign weapon — may get financial support from the legislation. Patent protections is also in the news from Capitol Hill.
New Cancer Treatments Shows Promise
A new Bristol Myers Squibb drug used in combination with its big-selling cancer medicine Opdivo extended the time it took for advanced melanoma to worsen. Other promising cancer drug news from J&J, Allogene and Merus.
Texas Passes One Of Nation’s Strictest Anti-Abortion Laws
The bill signed by Governor Abbott would restrict most abortions from six weeks, has no exceptions for circumstances of rape or incest, and allows anyone to sue a person they thought aided an abortion. Separately, Iowa approved an anti-abortion constitutional amendment.
Expansion Of Medicaid In Three States Struggles
Updates from Missouri, Texas and Mississippi on Medicaid expansion efforts.
Investigation Into Cuomo Expands To Covid Testing Access
Federal prosecutors are looking into the allegations of favoritism for rapid covid tests in the early days of the pandemic granted by the Cuomo administration. Also news on wastewater testing for covid.
Mask Wars Even Extend To Schools Though Most Kids Still Unvaccinated
Iowa’s governor signs and Utah’s legislature passes a ban on local mandates for face coverings for school districts. Meanwhile, Michigan is taking another approach, urging teachers and students to keep wearing masks.
CDC Mask Rule Changes Branded A Public Health ‘Failure’, A ‘Gamble’
And Dr. Anthony Fauci said that many Americans are “misinterpreting” the new mask guides, thinking they give the OK for unmasking. The New York Times reports on Dr. Wu Lien-Teh who’s credited with helping promote mask wearing as a public health tool in the 20th Century.
Execs At Spoiled Vaccine Company Knew Of Quality Issues In Advance
Stat reports that Emergent BioSolutions “already knew” of manufacturing quality issues even as it earned $27 million monthly for covid vaccines. Executives defended the company before a congressional panel, and said they could resume making J&J doses within days.
Covid Cases Falling Across the United States
Particularly in nursing homes, that were hit so hard during the early days of the pandemic.
Uneven Covid Vaccine Adoption Revealed
Data from the CDC, that it didn’t want to release, shows that vaccination rates lag for Black Americans and Hispanic Americans. Vaccines for children are doing better.
Had Your Covid Shots? You May Need A Booster In The Fall
Pfizer and Moderna’s CEOs say a third “booster” shot may be needed as early as September for people who’ve had their initial two doses. The third dose may be needed to maintain the vaccine’s efficacy against covid. The U.K. has just begun a trial of such boosters.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Are Bribes For Vaccines Effective? More Work Needed On Covid Therapy Drugs
Opinion writers tackle Covid, monoclonal antibody therapies, vaccines and pandemic issues.
Uber, Amazon Pharmacy Kick Their Prescription Services Into Gear
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Perspectives: Exposing The Secrets Of The Pharmaceutical Industry
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Viewpoints: Changing Health Care Approach; HB 290 Will Fix Medicaid For Eligible Texas Kids
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Gaza War Casualties Displace Covid Patients
Among the war damage was Gaza’s one covid testing lab. In other world news, Japan is still committed to holding the Summer Olympics despite pleas from its doctors to cancel.