Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Lung Cancer Combination Drug Trial Reports ‘Encouraging’ Results
Arcus Biosciences’ two-drug combination includes anti-TIGIT antibodies. Separately, what lessons cancer researchers can learn from the pandemic; the role of AI in drug-discovery research; and the quest to develop a blood test for lung cancer.
Psychologists Seeing Mental Health, Behavioral Issues Caused By Pandemic
NBC News reports on how stress and other mental health issues caused by the pandemic and lockdowns are impacting society. USA Today, meanwhile, notes that 4 in 10 Americans are still wearing masks, even though they’re much less anxious about covid now.
Cigna’s Express Scripts Sues To Reclaim $43 Million In Tax Refunds
Cigna alleges the IRS wrongfully denied the insurer use of a particular income tax deduction. Meanwhile, reports say hospitals are “largely” not complying with new federal price transparency regulations, with less than a quarter of hospitals properly reporting all data.
Maryland Hospital Workers Rally, Say They’re Being Denied Covid Pay
In other news, mental health facility shortages can “trap” kids in ER beds for days; increased medical calls in San Francisco are delaying ambulance responses; a Tennessee doctor pleads guilty in an opioid death case; and Princeton Community Hospital has a new CEO.
FDA Faces Criticism Over Lack Of Action On Youth Vaping Epidemic
During a congressional hearing on e-cigarettes, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Janet Woodcock was grilled on the agency’s plans to address the public health crisis.
Senate Finance Committee Pressed To Look At Cost Of New Alzheimer’s Drug
Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bill Cassidy want Congress to look at how pricey Aduhelm will impact the Medicare program. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration, which recently approved the controversial drug, has been without a permanent commissioner for six months.
Judge: Missouri Medicaid Expansion Ballot Initiative Was Unconstitutional
The court ruling essentially upholds Missouri Republican Gov. Mike Parson’s decision last month not to expand Medicaid, despite a voter-approved ballot measure.
Hospitals Appeal Again To HHS For More Time To Spend Covid Relief Funds
Hospitals face a June 30 deadline to give back any unused Provider Relief Fund grants received more than a year prior. In other Biden administration news, next moves are debated on a new health agency and ways to fix the Affordable Care Act.
Smuggled Video Provides Glimpse Of Dangerous And ‘Heartbreaking’ Conditions At El Paso Migrant Camp
A BBC investigation provides fresh details of some of the unsanitary and treacherous conditions — including alleged sexual abuse, covid outbreaks and lice — for over 2,000 unaccompanied minors living at a Fort Bliss military base tent camp run by the Department of Health and Human Services. Separately, CBS News reports on the mental toll for those youngsters, including suicide risks.
Biden Outlines Strategy To Prevent Public Health Menace Of Gun Violence
The White House aims to reduce gun violence through revoking licenses to sell guns through loopholes. The president called gun violence an “epidemic” throughout the country and reiterated the cyclical nature of violence with more crime in the summer annually.
CDC Not Yet Ready To Recommend Covid Booster Shots For All
Scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there is not enough data currently to support a general recommendation for booster shots. Separately, a study notes that a third covid shot may offer “hope” to immunocompromised patients.
Buttigieg Says Companies Should Be Encouraged To Use Vaccine Passports
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg was asked about Texas’ vaccine passport ban, and said the federal government should encourage their use. Separately, San Francisco may be the first U.S. city to mandate covid vaccines for all government employees.
Rare Heart Condition In Young ‘Likely’ Linked To mRNA Vaccines: CDC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 323 cases of myocarditis or pericarditis have been verified in people who received the Pfizer or Moderna covid vaccine. No deaths have been associated. Though it’s an “extremely rare side effect,” the Food and Drug Administration is adding a warning for teens and young adults to vaccine fact sheets.
National Eviction Ban Poised To Get Final 30-Day Extension
The eviction moratorium was set to expire June 30, and though no final decision has been made, federal officials are said to be ready to add another 30 days. Meanwhile, reports say people most at risk of eviction are those least likely to be vaccinated against covid.
Early Covid Gene Samples Were Deleted From Database, Scientist Says
The new analysis, released Tuesday, bolsters claims that a variety of coronaviruses may have been circulating in Wuhan, China, before the initial outbreaks linked to animal and seafood markets in December 2019, The New York Times says.