Latest KFF Health News Stories
Perspectives: Texas Judge’s Upcoming Ruling On Mifepristone Not As Dire As It May Seem
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Viewpoints: Our Organ Donation System Is Broken; To Mask Or Not To Mask?
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Mississippi, Oklahoma Move Against Transgender Care For Minors
Mississippi banned gender-affirming care for transgender youth, the third state to do so this year. Meanwhile, a Republican-led House bill was approved Tuesday that would ban insurance coverage for young people’s gender care.
Want To Lower Your Disease Risks? Try 11 Minutes Of Daily Aerobics: Study
A large, new study has found that just 11 minutes of aerobic exercise daily, at moderate to vigorous energy levels, can lower cancer, cardiovascular disease, and premature death risks. The Washington Post says merely walking for 11 minutes can do the job, lowering premature death risk by 25%.
FBI Finds That Ransomware Hackers Hit Health Sector Most In 2022
Bank Info Security reports “the brunt” of ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure sectors in 2022 was borne by health care and public health entities — schools came second. Also in the news, a fall in Mayo Clinic’s profits, a tumble in GoodRx’s revenues, an affordable housing project by CVS and more.
Coronavirus ‘Lab Leak’ Theory Supported By FBI Director
FBI Director Christopher Wray said the source of covid was likely a laboratory leak in China, The Wall Street Journal reports. China’s government maintains it has been “open and transparent” on its own efforts to trace covid’s origin. Other news includes efforts to prevent the next pandemic.
Approval Of Drug For Friedreich’s Ataxia Could Open Door For Other Researchers Of Rare Illnesses
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Lilly Slashing Price Of Insulin By 70%, Will Cap Monthly Costs At $35
The company said the changes take effect immediately and include two of its most popular drugs, Humalog and Humulin. The move comes on the heels of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union speech last month that pressed for the $35 monthly cap to be expanded beyond Medicare to include every diabetes patient.
Missouri, Mississippi Advance Bills To Expand Postpartum Medicaid Benefits
House committees in both states moved bills forward that would provide additional Medicaid coverage to qualifying people for 12 months after giving birth. The Hill reports on efforts in 28 states to offer additional postpartum benefits.
Covid Vaccine Maker Novavax Warns It May Go Out Of Business
The covid vaccine maker “raised doubts” about its business future, Reuters reports, even as it works toward a fall vaccination campaign. Meanwhile, news outlets report on the increasing spread of omicron covid, how structural brain changes link to long covid symptoms like fatigue, and more.
Pfizer’s RSV Vaccine Becomes First To Gain FDA Panel’s Recommendation
News outlets report on the vote by an FDA panel, which assessed Pfizer’s data on the safety and effectiveness of Pfizer’s vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus. The panel concluded it was safe for adults 60 and over. The FDA is set to make a formal decision on the drug soon.
FDA Cracking Down On Illegal Import Of Xylazine Amid Spike In Overdoses
The action allows for the detainment of shipments of the veterinary tranquilizer and the ingredients used to make it, CBS News reported. Xylazine, also known as “tranq” or “zombie drug” because it causes “patches of dead and rotting tissue,” has exacerbated the nation’s opioid crisis and has been found in samples from 32 states, The Washington Post says.
Biden Says ‘Health Care Hangs In The Balance’ Of GOP’s Budget Cut Plans
In a speech Tuesday, President Joe Biden pressured Republicans to release their plans to cut government spending, which are expected to target Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. And in another preview of the 2024 presidential race, Donald Trump is warning his party against touching Medicare.
Millions Face ‘Hunger Cliff’ As Pandemic Food Stamp Program Expires
It’s estimated that tens of millions of low-income Americans on SNAP will lose about $95 a month for groceries, at a time when food prices are already high. States, food banks, and assistance groups have been scrambling to prepare for the onslaught of people who could struggle with hunger, especially kids, older Americans, and those with chronic illnesses.
States May See Your Reproductive Data Through FBI Sharing Hubs, Dems Warn
Axios reports that Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) expressed concern in a letter Monday evening that FBI and Department of Homeland Security resources could be used to help undermine access to reproductive care.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: We’ve Been Thinking About Weight All Wrong; We Could See Another Baby Formula Shortage
Opinion writers delve into these public health topics.
Different Takes: The Latest On How Covid May Have Originated; Why Are Covid Booster Rates So Low?
Editorial writers discuss the latest on covid’s origin, covid boosters and masking.
FDA: Pfizer RSV Vaccine Could, Very Rarely, Cause Guillain-Barre Syndrome
The Food and Drug Administration has reportedly linked the rare neurological condition to Pfizer’s respiratory syncytial virus vaccine — in the Phase 3 trial, two people in their 60s, out of roughly 20,000 total recipients, were diagnosed, though both are recovering. Also: risks of fitness trackers, stem cell treatments, and more.
Health Provider Offers Free Care To People Affected By Ohio Train Incident
Fox News says Florida-based The Wellness Company, a virtual provider of “health care, supplements and wellness services” will offer free medical care for those affected by the toxic train derailment. A House committee will probe the EPA’s response to the incident, Reuters says.
