Latest KFF Health News Stories
ACA Enrollment Up 17% Over Last Year And Could Break Records, HHS Reports
Almost 3.4 million Americans have signed up so far for a 2023 healthcare.gov marketplace plan. And with new enrollees up 40% from this time last year, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra told Axios that he anticipates a record-breaking year.
Health Misinformation Worries Ramp Up Amid Social Media Chaos
White House covid czar Ashish Jha says social media owners should take responsibility for fighting false information on their platforms, and he urged the public to check sources. Separately, Missouri’s attorney general will depose Dr. Anthony Fauci on Biden administration work with social media companies to suppress misinformation.
‘I Gave It All I Got,’ Fauci Says At Last Briefing Of 54-Year Service
Dr. Anthony Fauci is set to step down after 38 years as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. During his final White House briefing appearance he lamented that politics have divided people on covid vaccines and said he would testify at hearings planned by House Republicans when they take control next term.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: KHN’s First Edition is off for the rest of the week. Check for it next in your inbox on Nov. 28. Happy Thanksgiving!
Viewpoints: How To Tackle Physician Burnout; Why Aren’t We Taking Steps To Control The Tripledemic?
Editorial writers tackle physician burnout, the tripledemic, maternal health and more.
Needle-Vending Machine Launched In Southern Nevada
The goal of the free kits, the Las Vegas Review-Journal says, is to reduce the risk of HIV and hepatitis C. The Wall Street Journal also reports on efforts to dispense Narcan via vending machines to help combat the opioid overdose crisis.
LGBTQ+ Advocates Hail Colorado Police For Using Shooting Victims’ Pronouns
In other news on the shooting, The 19th reports on the impact of the event on the LGBTQ+ community. The Wall Street Journal notes the suspect had previously made violent threats. Also, House Democrats have called on the DOJ to act on anti-trans violent threats against children’s hospitals.
Climate Change Means Fungal Infections Will Be More Common
Areas where fungal infections typically occur are expanding as the climate changes. Also in the news, screening women for heart disease, updated lung cancer screening deadlines, seasonal depression, children’s anxiety, and more.
Doubt Cast On Northwest Bio’s Brain Cancer Vaccine Trial
Stat raises questions about the results of a clinical trial of Northwest Biotherapeutics’ brain cancer vaccine. Also, Merck’s purchase of Imago; how Hall-of-Famer Brett Favre helped an experimental drugmaker get funds; and more.
Health Systems, Patient Care Impacted By Rising Claim Denial Rates
Modern Healthcare draws attention to a “significant” rise in denied insurance claims over the past year, which has increased administrative work, reduced hospital cash flow, and delayed patient care. Separately, Axios reports on how medical inflation is affecting big employers.
‘Good Cholesterol’ May Have Less Health Benefit Than Believed: Study
A study finds that too little high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, cholesterol raises the risk of heart disease for white adults, but not for Black adults.
First Long Covid Clinical Trial Tests Paxlovid As Possible Treatment
Researchers at Stanford University are testing if the antiviral can help alleviate symptoms of long covid. A separate study finds changes in the brain of patients 6 months after recovery from a covid infection.
Doctor Testifies In Ind. AG’s Push To Get Abortion Patient Records
Dr. Caitlin Bernard is seeking an emergency injunction against Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, who wants medical records for her patients who received abortions, fueled by the high profile case of a 10-year-old Ohio girl who was raped. Bernard testified that publicity resulted in death threats against her.
How To Avoid 3 Unwelcome Guests And Stay Healthy On Thanksgiving
News outlets cover diverse advice to reduce the risk of catching covid, flu, or RSV during this socially busy week. Plus, guidelines for avoiding food-borne illness and why washing a turkey is not a good idea.
RSV, Flu Surges Swamp Hospitals And Schools; Why Are So Many Kids Sick?
News outlets explore the confluence of conditions — and, no, “immunity debt” is not one — that have created an unusually severe season of respiratory illnesses that are overwhelming hospitals and creating tensions in schools over kids showing up sick.
The infectious-disease expert who guided America through the pandemic is set to give what will likely be his final briefing from the White House.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Why Can’t We Pinpoint The Cause Of Obesity? Rural Health Care Is Struggling
Editorial writers discuss obesity, rural hospitals, and children’s health care.
Anti-Trans Rhetoric Preceded Shooting At Colorado LGBTQ+ Club
Media outlets report on a surge in anti-trans and other anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and laws over recent years, including in Colorado Springs — the site of a deadly shooting over the weekend. Lead poisoning in kids, mental health in Missouri, racial bias in hospital algorithms and more are in the news.
Listeria Outbreak Hits 2 States, Linked To Enoki Mushrooms
Two people were hospitalized in Michigan and Nevada. CIDRAP says sequencing shows that the patients’ samples are closely related and that they probably got sick from the same food. Separately, AP says schools are struggling to staff up to combat the youth mental health crisis.
