Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Covid Has Negatively Affected Measles Vaccinations and HIV/AIDS Elimination
Editorial writers discuss these various public health topics.
Research Roundup: Schizophrenia; Parkinson’s; Zika; ADHD; More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Wastewater In Michigan, Pennsylvania To Be Tested For Polio: CDC
The Washington Post says expansion of wastewater testing for polio comes amid pressure to increase efforts to fight the disease after a surprising case was found in July in New York. Meanwhile, a measles outbreak in Columbus, Ohio, has expanded to 46 cases — nearly doubling over the past two weeks.
In Lawsuit, Yale Students Accuse University Of Violating ADA
The lawsuit alleges that Yale has unequally treated or failed to accommodate students with mental health disabilities for “decades.” Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Eric Adams is reportedly facing a backlash over a move to involuntarily hospitalize more mentally ill New Yorkers.
Experts: Substance Abuse Medicare Coverage Gaps Hit Older Adults
A report in Roll Call says that older adults can face difficulties when seeking care for substance abuse under Medicare. Meanwhile, in Ohio, the House passed a bill to decriminalize fentanyl test strips in an effort to tackle the overdose crisis.
Venture That Used To Share Drug Price Data Will Stop, To Please Pharma
Stat reports on a move by Merative, formed from what was IBM Watson’s Health division, to stop sharing drug pricing data for specific medicines with the media over “pharma’s concerns.” In other news, the use of weight loss drugs like Wegovy is causing a supply chain crunch.
Hospital Sector Forecasted To End The Year In The Red
Data collected from 900 U.S. hospitals indicates that profit margins have declined from the same time last year, while costs and labor expenses rose.
Indiana AG Presses Discipline For Doctor In Ohio Minor’s Abortion Case
The state’s attorney general asked Indiana’s medical board to discipline Dr. Caitlin Bernard — a doctor who treated a 10 year-old rape victim from Ohio who was unable to get an abortion there due to a ban. Bernard’s lawyer called the move a “a last-ditch effort to intimidate Dr. Bernard and other providers of abortion care.” Separate news says Ohio isn’t likely to ban abortion from conception.
Once A Covid ‘Miracle,’ Monoclonal Antibodies Are No Longer Available
The FDA says Eli Lilly’s bebtelovimab is no longer authorized for emergency use because it is ineffective against the current omicron strains. The news means there are no longer any authorized antibody treatments. Former President Donald Trump received monoclonal antibodies in 2020, later calling the treatment a “miracle.” In other presidential news, former President Bill Clinton has covid.
Blood Donation Eligibility Likely To Be Expanded For Gay, Bisexual Men
The FDA is drafting plans to update its current guidelines in order to allow blood donations from gay or bisexual men in monogamous relationships without donors having to remain abstinent for three months.
FDA Authorizes A Fecal Microbiome Drug For First Time
In a first that opens the doors for future approvals of such drugs, the Food and Drug Administration approved Ferring Pharmaceutical’s therapy that uses bacteria from stool samples to treat a bowel disorder.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: With Alzheimer’s Drug, Let’s Look Closer At Brain Shrinkage
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Viewpoints: A Surprising Reason US Health Care Is So Pricey; The Pandemic Fund Has Some Flaws
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
New Yorkers Who Are Mentally Ill And Homeless Will Be Involuntarily Hospitalized
Mayor Eric Adams said it was a “moral obligation” to care for people. Separately, AP reports “Big Tobacco” is attempting to block California’s flavored tobacco ban.
Plant-Based Diet Linked To Lower Bowel Cancer Risk For Men
A new study involving around 173,000 U.S. people shows eating plant-based foods could cut the risk of bowel cancer by up to 22%, for men only. In other news, the world’s first early screening test for pancreatic cancer could come to the U.S. by 2023.
Humana To Shut Most Of Its SeniorBridge Home Care Facilities
In other news, the CEO of North Star Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska, has stepped down; a large nursing home in Concord, California, has agreed to pay $2.3 million to settle claims over abuse and neglect of patients; a new medical facility will open in Ohio on Dec. 6; and more.
Covid Mortality Rates For Young People Worse In 2021 Than 2020: Study
Research reported in CIDRAP may suggest that younger people had lower vaccination rates and were worse at sticking with covid rules than older adults in the U.S. In other news, toxic chemicals in the blood may be linked to myocarditis risks after covid vaccines.
CDC To Award Over $3B To Reinforce Public Health System
The money is aimed at strengthening the public health work force and infrastructure after the stresses of the pandemic, Reuters reports. In other news, a study found that covid screenings at hospital entries weren’t very helpful despite the considerable cost.
Fetal Remains Must Be Again Cremated Or Buried In Indiana: Court
An earlier ruling blocked a 2016 law requiring providers bury or cremate fetal remains, including from abortions, but a federal appeals court has now overturned that. Meanwhile, in North Dakota, a state attorney has asked the state Supreme Court to strike down a block of an abortion ban.
