Latest KFF Health News Stories
Omicron Variant Less Likely To Lead To Long Covid
Research out of Switzerland suggests that the omicron variant is less likely to lead to long covid. In other news, more research on metformin’s effect on long covid.
FDA Says Breast Density Must Be Discussed At Mammogram Procedure
The Food and Drug Administration presented new guidelines on the impact tissue density has on breast cancer: All mammogram centers must tell women if their high breast density puts them at risk. Axios notes the move could protect more people but also drive up test and screening rates.
Biden Budget Also Takes On Hep C And Cancer Moonshot
Among the proposals submitted to Congress is a request for $20 billion over five years for public health and pandemic preparedness.
Biden’s Budget Proposal Focuses On Health Care
President Biden’s budget proposal sent to Congress attempts to lower drug prices, particularly insulin, and increase the number of drugs for which government will negotiate the price.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Azithromycin; Covid; Inflammatory Disease; Mpox
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Arkansas Makes It Easier To Sue Doctors Providing Minors’ Trans Care
The Arkansas House sent the bill Wednesday to the Republican governor. AP says the effort will “effectively reinstate the state’s blocked ban.” But in Minnesota, the Democratic governor moved to protect those seeking gender care.
Biotech Startup Is Testing New Drugs To Tackle ALS
The Boston Globe says QurAlis’ work is based on Harvard research and the company has raised $88 million for early-stage clinical trials. QurAlis may also test the drugs against frontotemporal dementia — which actor Bruce Willis is suffering from. Also: asthma meds, weight loss drugs, more.
Michigan Lawmakers Vote To Repeal Abortion Ban From 1931
Michigan’s Democratic-majority state Senate voted to repeal a ban and sentencing guidelines dating back to 1931. In Alabama, meanwhile, Democrats in the Legislature are seeking to add exemptions to that state’s strict ban. Other news is from Florida, Mississippi, Utah, and elsewhere.
Study: Opioids Leading Cause Of Poisoning Deaths In Under 5s
New research shows opioids accounted for over 47% of child poisoning deaths reported to the National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention between 2005 and 2018 for the under-5 age group. A separate study shows people recently released from prison are more at risk of opioid overdoses.
Eating A Mediterranean Diet Reduces Signs Of Alzheimer’s In Brain: Study
A new study says that eating the Mediterranean and brain-focused MIND diets correlates with fewer signs of Alzheimer’s found in people’s brains at autopsy, and that even swapping in one food from the diets can have an impact. Separately, the WHO worries about salt intake reduction efforts.
988 Pilot Program For LGBTQ+ Mental Health Support Expands To 24/7
USA Today says the national lifeline’s pilot program, which previously operated only during select hours, is now offering text and online chat services 24/7, supporting LGBTQ+ people in need of mental health support. Also: alleged kickbacks, medical malpractice lawsuits, and more in the news.
US Public Health Officials Have Hands Tied For Next Pandemic, Experts Warn
As the anniversary of the global pandemic declaration nears, health experts warn that restrictions passed in the wake of covid-19 will only make it tougher for the public health system to respond when the next virus attacks: “One day we’re going to have a … pandemic far worse than covid, and we’ll look to the government to protect us, but it’ll have its hands behind its back and a blindfold on.”
California Governor Ends Walgreens Contract Over Abortion Pill Dispute
Gov. Gavin Newsom, who promised to cease doing business with Walgreens over its decision to restrict distribution of abortion pills, followed through by canceling the state’s $54 million contract with the pharmacy giant. Separately, Alaska legislators are critical of the state Attorney General’s letter pressuring Walgreens.
Health Insurance Data Breach Hits Congress And Its Families, Staff
A broker on an online crime forum claimed to have records on 170,000 DC Health Link customers and was offering them for sale for an unspecified amount, AP reported. In other news: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was hospitalized after a fall.
Pathogen Research Limits Raised On Day 1 Of House Covid Origins Hearings
The curtain raised Wednesday on the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic’s hearings into the covid origins, with theories about a possible lab leak discussed. Dr. Robert Redfield, who was the director of the CDC during the Trump administration, suggested lawmakers should limit or ban scientific research that alters pathogens.
Biden’s Budget Blueprint To Seek Drug Savings, Taxes To Bolster Medicare
President Joe Biden will unveil his proposed budget for fiscal 2024 Thursday during a visit to Pennsylvania. It is viewed largely as a marker ahead of the 2024 presidential campaign. News outlets report on outlines of his plans for Medicare and drug prices that have been sketched out in the lead up. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers propose Medicaid cuts in ongoing spending negotiations.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Walgreens Caved Too Easily To Abortion Pill Demands
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
