Latest KFF Health News Stories
Ballot Measure On Abortion Stirs Passions In Michigan
The high-stakes issue has brought in millions of dollars in campaign contributions on both sides. Abortion is also on the ballot in Kentucky and California.
ACA Enrollment Opens With Hefty Subsidies Still Available For Many
Americans can start signing up for 2023 health insurance plans through healthcare.gov, with federal subsidies expanded through 2025 for those who qualify. Premiums are expected to go up though for those who do not qualify.
Pfizer Says Its Maternal RSV Vaccine Protects Infants Post-Birth
Pfizer announced that if its respiratory syncytial virus vaccine is administered during pregnancy, it acts to protect newborn babies from severe symptoms for six months. It’s set to apply for approval for the drug soon. More stories about surging RSV, and the promise of vaccines are also reported.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Opinion writers tackle bird flu, covid, and virus research safety.
EPA To Boost Blood Screening For Lead In Midwest Children
NPR reports on a new plan from the Environmental Protection Agency to screen more kids for lead in their blood, alongside other measures to reduce lead exposure. In other news, undetected hearing loss, “almond moms” on TikTok, dialysis services on the ballot in California, and more.
Wait Lists For Therapy Are Huge And ‘Not Going Away,’ Psychologists Say
A “tidal wave of need” has led to wait lists at some hospitals that are regularly six months or longer, The Washington Post reports.
Fla. Medical Board Becomes First In US To Seek Ban On Gender-Affirming Care For Minors
The guidance drew backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates and medical experts, NBC News reported. Protesters outside the meeting yelled “Shame!” and held a “die-in.”
Research: Long-Term Problems May Be Triggered By Common Infections
A report highlights growing evidence that even relatively typical infections could cause long-term health issues akin to the way long covid hits some people. Meanwhile, in Texas, the first child in the U.S. this season has died from influenza.
Even Without Paxlovid Treatments, Covid Can ‘Rebound’: Study
A new study finds covid symptoms can recur days or weeks after a person recovers from a covid infection, even if no Paxlovid treatment was involved. CIDRAP reports the statistics: 30% of “untreated” patients had symptoms rebound.
More Mobile, Less Verbal: Pandemic Impact On Babies Studied
A study from Ireland finds that babies born during the isolation of covid lockdown are less likely to communicate with gestures or sounds by age 1, but are quicker to crawl.
Focus Falls On Health Experts On Twitter, After Elon Musk Bought It
Twitter has become a vital tool for many health organizations, Modern Healthcare reports, playing a role in marketing, information dispersal, and more. The San Francisco Chronicle asks if covid experts will stay on Twitter after its purchase by Elon Musk.
Experts Downplay Risks Of Halloween ‘Rainbow Fentanyl’
Worries over fentanyl-tainted Halloween candy were spurred when the Drug Enforcement Administration put out a PSA about the matter, USA Today says. An expert interviewed by NPR said the issue is “heavily politicized.” Separately, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody renewed those warnings.
Estimate Finds Legal Abortions Dropped 6% In Two Months After Roe Overturned
An analysis aiming to quantify the impact of the Dobbs decision finds that legal abortion fell nationwide by more than 10,000 in July and August. Numbers increased by about 12,000 in states where abortion is still legal, suggesting that half the women living in states where the procedure is banned traveled to another to secure one.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Childhood Polio Vaccination Must Increase; Why Is There No RSV Vaccine?
Editorial writers tackle polio, RSV, covid, and more.
Affordable Health Care Could Become A Human Right In Oregon
A ballot measure in Oregon is offering the chance to explicitly declare affordable health care a human right as part of the state constitution. Also in the news: flesh-eating bacteria in Florida, rising calls to the 988 line in Wyoming and New Mexico, post-birth Medicaid extensions, and more.
Report Highlights Racial Disparities In Californians’ Disability Care
A Disability Voices United report says the disability service system is “plagued” with such issues, with dangerous risks for essential services. Meanwhile, a Washington Post story says the Republican National Committee Chairwoman mocked Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman’s post-stroke speech abilities.
