Latest KFF Health News Stories
Walgreens Pharmacy Staff Will Be Allowed To Work More Slowly
NBC News reports that Walgreens is going to stop judging pharmacy staff performance on speed or “task-based metrics,” with the pharmacy giant saying that evaluations will center on patient support and quality instead. Separately, a patient died in an Alzheimer’s drug trial, sparking risk concerns.
The Cost Of Operating Health Care Services Is Rising: Report
Becker’s Hospital Review covers a report from the Medical Group Management Association, which says pressure on the health system, staff shortages, and supply chain upsets are leading to rising costs almost everywhere. Meanwhile, Axios says hospitals are “pleading” for delays to Medicare pay cuts.
Cancer Death Rates Fell In Every Age Group From 2015-19, Report Says
In other cancer research, Newsweek reported that scientists have found that the venom of the Australian southern sand octopus may significantly slow cancer growth in patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma, one of the most serious forms of skin cancer.
Black, Hispanic People Less Likely To Get Paxlovid, Study Finds
In other news about Paxlovid, researchers say they will soon begin testing its effectiveness against long covid. Meanwhile, a new study reinforces research that humans can pass covid to dogs and cats.
YouTube, Twitter, Schools Are Fighting Back Against The Spread Of False News
YouTube now has a verification process that allows certain professionals to be labeled as an authoritative source on a medical topic. And Twitter is using “prebunking” methods to head off hoaxes or misinformation.
WHO Warns TB Is Rising, And Covid Is To Blame
The number of people infected with tuberculosis, including drug-resistant TB, rose 4.5% in 2021 from 2020’s figures — for the “first time in years,” AP notes. Meanwhile, as the monkeypox outbreak continues, the CDC is emphasizing testing and treatment during pregnancy. RSV is also in the news.
Arizona’s Strict Abortion Ban Won’t Start This Year
Axios reports that a deal was reached between the state’s attorney general and Planned Parenthood after an earlier appeals court ruling blocked the 158-year-old ban. Abortion services have resumed. Meanwhile, NBC News says a national abortion access bill will be introduced today.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Judge In Capitol Riot Case Cites Md. Man’s Autism During Sentencing
U.S. District Court Judge Trevor McFadden found that a rioter with Asperger’s syndrome was susceptible to mob persuasion and therefore won’t serve jail time. Also in the news: States dropping the teen mental health survey, a North Carolina nurse charged with murder, and more.
Pressure Grows For Congress To Ban Asbestos
Public health advocates and two lawmakers, ProPublica reports, are pressing for a ban on the carcinogen because people are still dying due to asbestos, which has never been fully banned in the U.S. Separately, a study finds a link between seniors watching TV and dementia.
Menthol Vapes Don’t Help People Quit Smoking, FDA Says
The FDA said Logic Technology Development had not shown its menthol products were more likely than non-flavored ones to help people quit smoking, and also said the products risked enticing young people. An epilepsy treatment, OptumRx, and more are in the news.
Job-Based Premiums Stay Flat For 2022, But Increases Expected Ahead
Also in the news on health insurance: rates in Colorado and Montana, Medicaid remote patient care, uninsured kids, and more.
‘Immune Imprinting’: How It Affects Booster Shots — And Spoiled The Party
As Fortune explains, immune imprinting is a phenomenon in which an initial exposure to a virus — such as the original strain of covid, by infection or vaccination — limits a person’s future immune response against variants. In 2021, Australian scientists warned that repeatedly updating vaccines “might not be fully effective” because of it. Even so, health experts stress that the booster drastically reduces your risk of dying from covid.
Majority Of Hospitalized Monkeypox Patients Also Had HIV
A report in The New York Times says “nearly all” those hospitalized for monkeypox had weakened immune systems due to HIV. Monkeypox deaths in the U.S., meanwhile, have hit 10. Separately, RSV cases are rising across the country, straining some hospitals.
News Media Slammed For Ableist Headlines After Fetterman-Oz Debate
Some news outlets said the Pennsylvania Democrat “struggled” and gave a “painful” performance. Disability advocates and neurologists point out that even though Lt. Gov. John Fetterman “may not be good at delivering a speech” right now, it is not indicative of his intelligence or his ability to serve.
FDA Puts Off Decision On OTC Birth Control Pill
A decision on allowing prescription birth control pill Opill to be available over the counter has been pushed back, reports say. A Food and Drug Administration spokesperson told Axios the delay doesn’t reflect on any decision it may make. “Period pills” and abortion issues across the country are also in the news.
People Tend To Die Earlier In Conservative States: Study
The Hill and USA Today cover a new 50-state study that shed surprising light on how American political choices impact health: In states with more conservative policies, people die younger. Data also show that changing state policies to fully liberal could have saved over 171,000 lives in 2019.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Where Will Kids Go When A Pediatric Hospital Is Full?
Editorial writers tackle this public health issue and more.
Research Roundup: Covid; Vitamin D Deficiency; Lyme; Colonoscopy
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
