Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Viewpoints: Let’s Leave Ancient Frozen Viruses Alone; Are We Prepared For The Newest Covid Wave?
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Juul Agrees To Settle Thousands Of Vaping Lawsuits
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Drug Deaths In Pregnancy And Among New Mothers Soared During Covid
A study shows the numbers hit a record high in 2020. Meanwhile, News 4 Jax reports that doctors are finding it increasingly hard to reverse the effects of a fentanyl overdose due to the evolution of new, more powerful strands of the drug.
Maine Warns Funding Shortfall Could Cripple Its Emergency Medical System
A legislative commission has recommended that the state set aside an extra $70 million annually for five years to cover the shortfall. Also: free lunch plans for all K-12 students in New Mexico, a plea for more adult changing tables in Ohio, and more.
8 Travelers Who Returned To US Have Cholera, CDC Finds
The travelers had come back from areas known to be affected by cholera, in what CIDRAP reports as an “unprecedented” increase in the disease. Separately, some James Farm frozen raspberries were recalled in a potential hepatitis A contamination; weighted blankets may boost melatonin; and more.
Unexpected Pandemic Effect: A Drop In Twin Births
CDC data shows a decline in U.S. twin births of 2% per year from 2014 to 2019. During the pandemic, between 2019 and 2020, the numbers fell 7%. Pandemic-era impacts on fertility treatments are blamed. Other reproductive health news is from Alabama, Ohio, and elsewhere.
To Beat Health Care Inequity And Bias, AMA And IHI Form Coalition
The goal of the coalition between the American Medical Association and Institute for Healthcare Improvement is to develop a cohesive approach to more equitable patient care. A new cancer center from the University of Colorado, at-home fertility care in Boston, and more are also in industry news.
Number Of Doctors Entering Infectious Disease Fellowships Falls
Stat reports that there has long been a concern over the number of doctors entering infectious disease fellowships but that this year’s figures show a dramatic “backslide.” Relatively low wages are one big disincentive. The nursing shortage is also in the news, with foundations and major donors moving to fix the problem.
Covid Vaccine Offers Protection Against Long Covid, Studies Suggest
The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota reported on an analysis showing that one or more dose of the covid vaccine is 29% effective against long covid. The vaccine appeared to be more effective against long covid when given before a covid infection.
Pfizer Teams Up With Clear Creek Bio To Develop New Covid Antiviral Pills
While Pfizer already has the best known covid treatment in Paxlovid, it next aspires to develop a new class of oral drugs that inhibit a protein the coronavirus requires to replicate, The Boston Globe reports.
CMS Eyes Mandating Electronic Prior Authorization Systems By 2026
The proposed rule calls for Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and some other health insurance exchanges to update prior authorization processes. Among the potential mandates are for payers to respond to “urgent” requests within 72 hours, justify denials, and report decisions.
Anti-Overdose Naloxone Could Soon Be OTC As FDA Fast-Tracks Review
An over-the-counter version of Emergent BioSolution’s overdose reversal nasal spray could be on sale as early as March. Separately, AP reports that the FDA’s speedy approval processes have been slowed by scrutiny.
Major Overhaul Of FDA Recommended In Critical Report Of Agency’s Food Unit
A lack of leadership and a slow, risk-averse culture have resulted in “constant turmoil” at the Food and Drug Administration, according to an outside group of experts asked to review the agency’s food unit in the wake of the infant formula shortages. An organizational restructuring and potential breakup were recommended.
Democrats To Allow Rollback Of Military Covid Vaccine Mandate
In order to push through the National Defense Authorization Act, House Democrats compromised on the contentious covid vaccine requirement for troops, which would be repealed if the legislation passes.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Hawaii’s New Governor Takes Aim At Tax On Medication
AP reports Gov. Josh Green immediately vowed to eliminate state tax on food and medication, as well as tackle homelessness and housing. Also: Bangor Daily News covers a health insurer with a unique approach; the Boston Globe covers a dental care “revolution”; and more.
Ultra-Processed Foods Linked With Higher Dementia Risk
A new study found that consuming ultra-processed food for more than 20% of a daily diet could drive dementia risks higher, with brain regions linked to executive functioning particularly at risk. Meanwhile, other research shows cash rewards help people lose weight.
Hitting The Gym While High Is A New LA Fad
The Los Angeles Times covers a new “craze” of gyms that offer classes where fitness and cannabis are blended, and says some researchers find the drug has a positive benefit on exercise. Separately, psychedelic therapy may be moving toward being a employer benefit.
