Latest KFF Health News Stories
Protections At Stake In Medicaid Case To Be Decided By Supreme Court
Stateline explores what’s at stake in the case heard earlier this month by the Supreme Court that could curtail or narrow legal protections for Medicaid beneficiaries. Other Medicaid news is reported out of New Mexico, Michigan, Florida, and Georgia.
To Protect Substance Abuse Patients, HHS Looks At Records Privacy
Axios reports on how efforts to marry HIPAA with CARES Act standards could prevent providers unknowingly prescribe opioids for those with a history of addiction. Plans for old opioid disposal, plus stemming the flow of chemicals from India for making fentanyl, and more, are also in the news.
Trans Care Lawsuit In Illinois Could Impact Insurer-Employer Relationship
Modern Healthcare reports on a legal battle between a patient and Blue Cross and Blue Shield which could affect third-party administrators’ potential liability under the ACA’s anti-discrimination provisions. Other transgender care legal matters, veteran suicides, and more are in the news.
Study: 70% Want To Age At Home, But Only 10% Have Long-Term Insurance
A study from HCG Secure/Arctos Foundation shows a disconnect between people’s plans for funding “aging in place” and the mechanisms to ensure care. Separately, Children’s Wisconsin’s is working to place a therapist in all pediatrician’s offices in Wisconsin.
Second Recipient Of Eisai/Biogen Alzheimer’s Trial Treatment Dies
Media outlets report on mounting concerns over the safety of Eisai and Biogen’s Alzheimer’s disease treatment lecanemab. Separately, Axsome Therapeutics says its drug reduces agitation in Alzheimer’s patients. Nestle and PhRMA are also in the news.
Covid Deaths Skewing Older: Nearly 90% Among Over-65s
The Washington Post reminds us that covid is still killing many more people than the flu does, with over 300 people dying every day. But data show that those deaths are increasingly among older generations. Separately, a study found lower sperm counts are found after covid infections.
Corticosteroid Shots For Arthritis May Be Making It Worse, Studies Find
The two small, unpublished studies will be presented Tuesday at the Radiological Society of North America’s annual meeting, NBC News reported. The researchers found that on average, knee arthritis progressed more quickly among people who got the injections than those who didn’t. Other news is on Lyme disease, organ donation, and colon cancer.
‘Nothing To Suggest’ Alito Violated Ethics Standards: Supreme Court Letter
In a letter to Congress, the Supreme Court’s lawyer defended Justice Samuel Alito following a New York Times report related to a 2014 decision Alito wrote that was leaked in advance of its public announcement. Alito had already denied that he or his wife were involved.
Flu Hospitalizations Up 30% In 1 Week; Vaccines Still A Good Match, CDC Says
NBC News reported that of the samples reported to the CDC, about 76% are the H3N2 strain, and the rest are H1N1. Meanwhile, in North Texas, there are more people hospitalized for flu than for covid — a first since the pandemic began.
Clock Ticks On Plans To Pass Bill To Protect Pregnant Workers
With the Democrats’ majority in both legislative chambers expiring at end of term, Senate Democrats are being urged to move on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. But the measure’s future is tied up with other spending negotiations.
Phasing In Mpox, WHO Renames Monkeypox To Lessen Stigma
“Both names will be used simultaneously for one year while ‘monkeypox’ is phased out,” the World Health Organization announced.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: ‘Tripledemic’ Is Cause To Mask Up Again; Why Are Viruses So Bad This Year?
Editorial writers discuss the confluence of covid, RSV and flu, reproductive health, and health care administration.
Despite Protests, China’s Strict Covid Policy Unlikely To End
Media outlets report on widespread protests against China’s strict Covid Zero pandemic policy, noting that they may be unlikely to change the government’s stance. Axios reports that in addition to the local human impact of rising covid, effects will continue to hit prices and supply chains globally.
Millions In Texas’ Largest City Under Boil Water Notice
Houston is not just Texas’ most populous city, it’s amongst the largest in the country — making the boil water notice particularly impactful. It was caused over the weekend due to a power outage at a water purification plant. Also in the news: drug addition research, transgender medical care, and more.
Long Overlooked, ‘Brain Fog’ Now Being Recognized As Real
Awareness of the condition has been heightened by long covid, but can be caused by multiple illnesses. Meanwhile, a recall of around 10,000 Green Sprouts sippy cups was triggered by a risk of lead poisoning.
Next-Gen Gene Editing Tool ‘PASTE’ Could Replace Broken Genes
A new gene editing technology reported on by the Boston Globe could, it’s said, allow fixing of broken genes or “drag-and-drop” editing of large sequences to tackle diseases like cystic fibrosis or cancer. Meanwhile, a study shows eating more flavonols may reduce the risk of memory loss.
Wing Of Abandoned South Carolina Hospital Fortified For Inmates
AP covers the $3.3 million transformation of a wing of the former Chester County Hospital into a secure unit for inmates. Meanwhile in California, the Los Angeles County General Hospital, which saw its last patient 14 years ago, may become a homeless housing hub.
Blood Bag Shortage Hinders Donations
Becker’s Hospital Review notes collection of universal type O-negative blood has been particularly impacted by recent problems with supply of collection bags — including “double dose” versions. Also in the news: Mark Cuban’s efforts to solve drug shortages, amoxicillin alternatives, and more.
‘Legal Pingpong’ Wreaks Havoc In Ga. After Abortion Ban Takes Effect Again
Abortions in the state immediately ceased after last week’s Georgia Supreme Court ruling that reinstated the state’s approximate six-week ban. Other abortion news is from Oklahoma, Illinois, and more.
