Latest KFF Health News Stories
Drug-Resistant Pathogens Are Growing Problem; Covid Linked To Antibiotic Overuse
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
In Washington, DC, Pandemic Drove Up HIV Diagnoses
The Washington Post reports that new HIV cases remain well below historic highs, but in 2021 the District of Columbia saw an uptick in diagnoses. Separately, the D.C. Council passed emergency legislation to spend $850,000 to design suicide barriers for the William Howard Taft Bridge.
Study Claims Baby Formula Companies Prey On Parents’ Fears To Boost Sales
News outlets report on an analysis from Professor Nigel Rollins of the World Health Organization alleging that formula makers exploit parents’ emotions and manipulate scientific data to boost sales. Aggressive lobbying tactics used by the industry are also called out.
Federal Judge Rules Cheaper Drugs Can Be Imported From Canada
A lawsuit had tried to prevent state governments from importing meds from Canada in an effort to lower drug prices for consumers, but U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly said drugmakers failed to prove “concrete” harm. Also, curbing pharma pollution is needed to battle superbugs.
Centene Likely To Lose 2.2 Million Medicaid Members Over 18 Months
The redetermination process will significantly impact the insurer’s pandemic-era growth, Modern Healthcare reports. Meanwhile, a federal judge’s ruling issued another win to providers against surprise billing regulation, related to the arbitration process.
Before Covid Shots Arrived, Over 600 US Doctors Died Early
Stanford University researchers found that early in the pandemic, 622 more U.S. physicians died than expected, but no excess deaths happened after April 2021 after vaccines became broadly available. Meanwhile, in the Bay Area, sewage data show a new covid wave is underway.
Texas Files Suit To Prevent HHS Pharmacy Guidance On Abortion Medications
Texas is challenging guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services that asserts that federal law requires pharmacies dispense reproductive health prescriptions, including those that could end pregnancies.
President Renews Push To End Cancer And To Help People Stop Smoking
Current funding for the “cancer moonshot” will expire in September. President Joe Biden has also talked about goals to reduce smoking in the U.S. as another route to tackle cancer.
On Gun, Police Violence, ‘We Have To Do Better,’ Biden Says
Family members of Tyre Nichols were watching as President Joe Biden spoke passionately on the issues of gun violence and police killings. “Let’s come together and finish the job on police reform,” Biden argued. He also called for a new assault weapons ban.
‘Let’s Finish The Job’: Biden Wants To Extend Insulin Price Cap To All
Now that Medicare beneficiaries are paying a maximum of $35 a month on life-saving insulin, President Joe Biden urged Congress to pass the same benefit for privately insured Americans, too. He also criticized talk of repealing Medicare’s new power to negotiate some drug prices, while also touching on other health issues like abortion, veterans’ health, and more.
Republicans Dispute Biden’s Claim That Some Pushed To ‘Sunset’ Medicare
After that assertion was met in the House chamber by outrage and jeers from Republican lawmakers, President Joe Biden said: “So folks, as we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare off the books now, right?”
Biden Urges Congress To Pass Health Measures That Have Bipartisan Support
Drug prices, mental health funding, addiction treatment, and combating cancer were among the health issues President Joe Biden addressed in his State of the Union speech Tuesday night as ones that lawmakers should be able to unite behind. He also briefly touched on more divisive ones like abortion access and Medicare.
Toxic Clouds Cover Evacuated Ohio Town; When Will It Be Safe To Return?
Officials say that more air and water quality data is needed before residents can return to their homes, even though the fires related to the accident are now out. Bird flu is also in the news, along with air pollution risks for toddlers, and the threat to human health from fungi.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: US Health Care Is Great, If You’re Rich; Where Are All The Nursing School Teachers?
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
‘Controlled Release’ Of Toxic Chemical Fumes Used On Derailed Ohio Train
News outlets report on cleanup efforts after the derailment of a train in East Palestine, Ohio, including a controlled burn of some of the chemicals of concern that were in the cars, releasing toxic fumes. The end of pandemic Medicaid cover in Texas and Pennsylvania is also in the news.
More Doctors Asking About Patient Marijuana Use Pre-Anesthesia
Patients who use marijuana can require higher doses of anesthesia during surgery, and the Wall Street Journal writes that increasing legal use is leading to more conversations about pot with patients. Politico reports that as evidence emerges of some of weed’s health harms, lawmakers must play “catch-up.”
Race Found To Play Role In Risk For Dialysis-Linked Infections
Stat covers a study saying Hispanic, Latino, and non-Hispanic Black Americans on dialysis for end-stage kidney disease are most at risk for dangerous blood infections. Use of a central venous catheter into major veins was also found more risky. Meanwhile, Eisai’s Alzheimer’s drug has its first U.S. sales.
Private Equity Had Strong Year In Health Care Despite 2022 ‘Headwinds’
Modern Healthcare reports that there was a roughly 15% bump in private equity health care services deals in 2022 over 2021. Separately, CVS is said to be near a $10.5 billion deal to acquire Oak Street Health Inc. Staff shortages, data breaches, and quality of care matters are among other news.
Cancer Screenings Lag After Taking Big Hit During Pandemic
Researchers found that “interference with cancer screening by periodic surges in covid-19 infections is a continuing problem,” CIDRAP reports. Meanwhile, some oncologists argue that cancer screenings can negatively affect a person’s mental health.
