Latest KFF Health News Stories
Justice Department Appeals Judge’s Block Of ACA’s Free Preventive Care Measure
The White House said Friday that the Justice Department is appealing a Texas judge’s decision to strike down the Affordable Care Act’s requirements that insurance plans cover preventive care, such as some cancer screenings and drugs like PrEP. Meanwhile, news outlets examine the impact on public health and patients if the ruling stands.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Gunman In 2017 Las Vegas Attack Was Resentful Of How Casino Treated Him
Recently released FBI documents say Stephen Paddock, 64, killed 58 people from a window of the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino because he was “very upset” that high-rolling gamblers were not getting enough perks. Still, behavioral experts have found “no single or clear motivating factor” for his actions, USA Today reported.
Health Tech In Focus At ViVE Event; Google, Salesforce Invest In ER Startup
Modern Healthcare sums up news from the second week of the ViVE conference, where hot topics include AI systems like ChatGPT and data privacy and their impact on health care. Separately, Google and Salesforce have injected venture capital funds for a company called Florence, aimed at hospital emergency rooms.
During Pandemic, Doctors Signed Many More Prescriptions For ADHD
A study shows a surge of ADHD treatment prescriptions during the covid pandemic, especially among adults, with the mental health impact of the crisis possibly exacerbating symptoms. “Skinny labels,” PBM tactics, burned out pharmacists, and more are also in pharmaceutical news.
Researchers ID Covid Variants That Resist Antiviral Treatments
A study into covid virus variants spots several mutations that confer resistance to antiviral treatments like Paxlovid. The changes emerged independently around the world, and could spread. Meanwhile, Hollywood drops its covid safety measures.
North Dakota Governor, Senate Battle Over Trans Pronouns Bill
A bill that would “generally prohibit” public school teachers from using student pronouns different to that assigned at birth was vetoed by Gov. Doug Burgum, AP says. But the Senate then voted to overturn the veto. Meanwhile, in Texas an anti-trans minors’ gender care bill was modified slightly.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on malpractice, menstruation, mental health, prosthetics, and more.
Puzzling Child Hepatitis Cases May Be Linked To Barrage Of Common Viruses
Three independent studies have found evidence that a common childhood virus — adeno-associated virus 2, or AAV2 — may be a primary culprit behind last year’s outbreak of rare hepatitis cases among kids worldwide. The research shows, though, that it needed the aid of other “helper” viruses to infect the liver.
For The 7th Time, House Democrats Try Bill To Protect Federal Abortion Rights
The Women’s Health Protection Act, which would enshrine federal abortion rights and protect interstate travel for care, was introduced in the House for the seventh time. The bill is unlikely to advance in the Republican-controlled chamber.
Coverage For Millions Drops Off Medicaid Cliff As Covid Protections End
An anticipated 15 million low-income Americans will drop off Medicaid rolls as federal pandemic protections begin to unwind. Some states are telling people not to panic, and some are working to avoid a coverage gap for patients. Changing Republican stances on sex education and birth control are also in the news.
Patients May Carry Costs After Judge Strikes Down ACA’s Free Preventive Care Provision
A federal judge on Thursday overturned a portion of the Affordable Care Act that makes preventive services, such as some cancer screenings and some drugs, free to enrollees. The decision could affect health costs for insurance policyholders nationwide, though the decision is expected to be challenged in court.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Can CDC Regain Our Trust?; Holdout States Slowly Coming Around On Expanded Medicaid
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Research Roundup: Covid; Cancer; Migraines; Dementia; Coffee
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
‘Brutality’ Of Mental Health System Assailed At Irvo Otieno’s Funeral In Va.
Seven sheriff’s deputies and three hospital workers are accused of second-degree murder in the March 6 death of Otieno, 28, who prosecutors say was pinned to the floor and smothered at Central State Hospital in Henrico County, Virginia.
After A Century Of Upswing, American IQs May Be Falling Again
A study found that although Americans’ IQs rose dramatically over the last century, new measurements across three of four broad domains of intelligence show that IQs may now be slipping downward. Also: a new breast cancer gene, food allergies, honey bees for tracking city-dwellers’ health, and more.
Facing Competition, J&J Stops Efforts Toward RSV Vaccine
Bloomberg says Johnson & Johnson’s exit from the race to make a respiratory syncytial virus vaccine for adults leaves open a $10 billion market. Separately, the WHO warned that the world has “arrived in the post-antibiotic era” over a lack of development of new drugs capable of tackling deadly superbugs.
UnitedHealthcare Will Ax Around 20% Of Existing Prior Authorizations
The changed policy, which will affect commercial, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid members, will begin in the third quarter and will mean providers merely have to notify the insurer about pending care. Among other news, a debate over how to fund the 988 crisis line amid growing demand.
