Latest KFF Health News Stories
Alabama Could Prosecute Patients For Taking Abortion Pills, Attorney General Says
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall says that a state chemical endangerment law could be used to charge people who have a medication abortion. Other state abortion news comes from Nebraska, Montana, New Hampshire, Florida, and elsewhere.
House Passes First Anti-Abortion Bills Of New Term
The two measures, approved largely along party lines, lay out new penalties for doctors that don’t provide medical care for an infant born alive after an abortion attempt and condemn violence against anti-abortion groups. Neither measure is expected to pass the Senate, but illustrate House Republicans’ roadmap for the new term.
First Edition: January 12, 2023
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Changes Needed In Drug Production; OTC Mifeprex Still Has Too Many Regulations
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Illinois Lawmakers Ban Manufacture, Sale Of Assault Weapons
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill targeting the sale and manufacture of high-power assault weapons, .50 caliber rifles and ammunition, plus large-capacity magazines. Also: health care layoffs in California, a farmers’ mental health helpline in Texas, and more.
Viewpoints: Advocates Make Doctor Visits Less Stressful For Patients; It’s Time To Revamp The FDA
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Tamiflu Shortage Due To Inadequate Ordering; Antibiotic Use Linked To IBD
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Big Health Insurers Plan Legal Battle Over Biden Medicare Advantage Audits
Stat reports that at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, Humana, Centene, and CVS Health-Aetna executives explained concerns over upcoming final rules on audits, also known as risk adjustment data validation. Meanwhile, the New York nurses strike entered a second day, among other news.
Building On Covid Tracking Successes, UK Turns Viral Surveillance To Flu, RSV
Reuters and Stat report on a five-year gene sequencing initiative aimed at seasonal viruses that British scientists will begin this year. Among the goals are tracking variants and transmission routes, and designing techniques and tools ahead of the next pandemic. Other research news is on antibiotics, air pollution, and covid vaccines.
After More Infant Deaths, Fisher-Price Recalls Rock ‘n Play Sleepers, Again
Since the original recall in April 2019, about 70 additional deaths have been reported, bringing the total to 100. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, eight of those fatalities happened after the first recall. Additional public health news covers opioid overdoses, gas stoves, social media’s impact on teen mental health, and more.
White House Shines Spotlight On GOP Plans Against Medicare, Social Security
The Biden administration is using a political strategy it previously employed during the midterms, The Hill reports, by drawing attention to words from Republican lawmakers about their plans under the new House majority and framing them as efforts that “threaten social welfare programs.”
Judge Hands Decisions On Disputed 340B Payments To HHS
A federal judge ruled that the Department of Health and Human Services will put a plan in place to address more than $1 billion in underpayments to hospitals under the federal drug discount program. Obamacare enrollment stats and Medicaid expansion benefits are also in the news.
Anti-Abortion Activists To Target Retail Pharmacies Selling Abortion Pills
Politico covers news from anti-abortion activists who plan to target retail pharmacies that will sell abortion pills where they’re permitted to by state law, under the new FDA rules. WUSF Public Media reports that Florida laws mandating multiple physician visits will rule out such sales in the state.
NY Governor Pledges $1 Billion To Filling Gaps In Mental Health System
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul outlined during her State of the State address her plan to address untreated mental health issues in the state, saying the money will go toward more psychiatric beds, increased outpatient services, and hospital reforms.
Defense Department Ends Covid Vaccine Mandate For Service Members
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says the Pentagon urges military members to get covid shots and is giving commanders discretion in how to deploy unvaccinated troops. Other covid news reports on Moderna’s proposed vaccine price hike and on the spread of XBB.1.5.
First Edition: January 11, 2023
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Study: Clinicians Take On Heftier Role When Private Equity Buys A Practice
A study examining the impact of private equity acquisitions of physician practices finds that nurse practitioners and physicians assistants are relied on more heavily and that patient churn is higher. Researchers found no difference in physician counts though. Other health personnel news reports on hospital volunteers, OB-GYN standards, and striking nurses.
Viewpoints: Hospitals Must Provide Patients Price Transparency; Some Medical Staff No Longer Masking
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Connecticut Expands Medicaid To Children Of All Immigrants
Meanwhile, in New York City, officials defended legislation designed to charge municipal retirees who don’t opt into the Medicare Advantage plan for coverage. Other news from across the country covers covid deaths in Orange County, rural Latinx violence survivors, marijuana sales in Connecticut, and more.
Too Many And Too Explicit: Most People Want Drug Ads Off The Airways
A survey dives into objections that people cite to prolific drug advertising, including overall volume, repetitive airings, and the narrations of “heinous” side effects or age-inappropriate health matters. Also in industry news is the cost of the newly approved Alzheimer’s drug.
