Latest KFF Health News Stories
‘Let’s End Cancer’: Biden Calls For New NIH Agency To Advance Disease Cures
Comparing a new agency’s mission after that of DARPA, President Joe Biden says that the nation must invest in advanced research into conditions like cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
President Backs Medicare Drug Pricing Measure: ‘Let’s Get It Done This Year’
“Let’s give Medicare the power to save hundreds of billions of dollars by negotiating lower prices for prescription drugs,” President Joe Biden urged lawmakers. “The money we save can go to strengthen the Affordable Care Act — expand Medicare coverage and benefits — without costing taxpayers one additional penny.”
Biden Offers His Vision Of A Stronger American ‘Rising’ From Pandemic
“I can report to the nation: America is on the move again,” President Joe said during his first congressional address, largely influenced by the coronavirus crisis. “Turning peril into possibility. Crisis into opportunity. Setback into strength.” To get there, he touted his plans for health care and infrastructure.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Covid In The NBA; Diabetes; Malaria; C-Sections; Sepsis
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: Targeted Vaccine Messaging Needed To Sway Gen Z; India Suffering Brutal Second Wave
Opinion writers tackle these covid and vaccine topics.
Different Takes: Outside Perspectives On US Health Care; Nurses Handle Much More Than We Realize
Editorial pages dive into these public health topics.
Clamping Down On Drug Prices Stifles Innovation, Influential Analyst Says
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Perspectives: Coloradans Weigh Pros, Cons Of Prescription-Drug Oversight
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Brazil Says No To Russia’s Sputnik V; Russians Say No To Vaccines
Regulators in Brazil officially rejected Russia’s Sputnik V covid vaccine over concerns about its development and production, which may impact uptake elsewhere. Meanwhile, reports say vaccine hesitancy is hampering Russia’s own vaccination program.
Arizona Bans Abortions Decided On Fetal Abnormalities; Florida May, Too
In other news, West Virginia gets federal funding to fight the spread of hepatitis, 1 in 4 Wyomingites are hit by a data breach at the Department of Health and Florida includes $1,000 bonuses for first responders in its budget.
Biden Promises Vaccine Shipments As India Breaks Global Covid Case Record
President Joe Biden promised vaccine supplies to India, as Dr. Anthony Fauci urged greater global efforts to help the country battle a disastrous covid surge that topped 300,000 new daily cases for the sixth day in a row on Tuesday.
No Pipette? No Science! Global Shortage Threatens Research
Scientists who use pipettes in a wide array of disciplines, including for medicine research and blood testing, are facing a global shortage. The pipette supply chain failure is partly blamed on the pandemic.
Soft Bedding Still Leading Factor In Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths
Data from nearly 5,000 unexpected infant deaths connects fatalities to “unsafe” soft bedding, despite increased messaging and guidelines since the 1990s. Burning Man’s cancellation, office air filtration, and athletes with long covid are among other reports.
Biden Expected To Leave Out Drug Pricing From First Speech To Congress
In his address, President Joe Biden is expected to tackle a host of pandemic-related issues as well as a call to invest in so-called human infrastructure that carry a host of health policy implications.
Community Health Centers Can Now Apply For Construction Grants
The Biden administration has released $1 billion in new funding for major construction projects at the nation’s nearly 1,400 federally funded health centers, USA Today reported. Other news is on St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cyber attack and more.
For Insurance Industry, A Time Of Upheaval
Some universities that took a financial hit after being forced to shut down during the pandemic are suing FM Global, saying their insurance policies included coverage for losses due to “communicable diseases.” Also in the news: Humana, Medicare Advantage, price transparency rules and more.
HHS Loosens Regulations To Make Prescribing Addiction Treatment Easier
The Biden administration announced changes aimed at expanding access to buprenorphine — a drug proven to reduce opioid relapses and overdose deaths.
Mobile Vaccine Centers, Walk-In Clinics Among Efforts To Curb Hesitancy
As reports discuss efforts in Baltimore, Ohio, Philadelphia and New York to reach neighborhoods and groups with low vaccination rates, over 140,000 Nevadans are behind or are skipping getting their second covid shot.
Pfizer CEO Says Anti-Covid Pill May Be Available By End Of 2021
The oral antiviral therapeutic is in early trials, but Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla expressed confidence in the treatment, pending study results and regulator approval. Other covid research news covers IBS drugs, organ transplants and vaccines for the very young.