Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Perspectives: Intradermal Jynneos Jab Shows Promise; Is Lecanemab The Miracle Alzheimer’s Drug?
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Detroit’s Mental Health Care System Criticized After Man’s Shooting
Police fired 38 shots and killed Porter Burks, who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, after the man allegedly charged at them with a knife during a crisis call. Also: Researchers warn of risks from high-potency cannabis.
Charges Dismissed Against Key Figures In Flint Lead Water Crisis
Seven people, including the former director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and chief medical executive, have seen criminal charges against them dismissed. Other news comes from Florida, Oklahoma, California, Vermont, Iowa, and Massachusetts.
Doxycycline Doses After Sex Linked To Lower STI Risks: Study
Post-exposure prophylaxis with the antibiotic lowers risk of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, according to the new study. Separately, warnings that a severe flu season is inbound, a prediction of soaring global Type 1 diabetes, risks of late-night eating, and more are also in the news.
Prenatal Covid Vaccination Proves Effective; How Successful Is Jynneos In Preventing Monkeypox?
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
UnitedHealthcare Offering Some Exceptions To Aid Hurricane Aftermath
UnitedHealthcare is the U.S.’s largest insurer and has attempted to boost post-Ian efforts with an emotional support helpline, exceptions on early prescription refills and other flexibilities. Becker’s Hospital Review covers moves by other health systems in Florida to help patients seeking care.
Elevance Health Must Face $100 Million Medicare Advantage Fraud Case
Judge Andrew Carter ruled Elevance, formerly Anthem, must face a Department of Justice lawsuit alleging the insurer submitted fraudulent patient information. In other news, a Bay Area hospital is sued over a $6,000 urine test, and John Muir Health is sued for allegedly overcharging patients.
Care Aide Staffing Shortage Has Biggest Impact In Rural Areas: Study
Axios reports where the shortage of personal care aides has the greatest impact. Meanwhile, understaffing in EMS departments across North Carolina is reported, and Bloomberg explains that the ongoing nursing staff crisis has led to an international bidding war.
Fauci Expresses Regret Over Early Days Of Pandemic Messaging
“It is really unfortunate, that that’s the world in which we live, in that it’s a bunch of sound bites, sound bites that sometimes get cut in half and get misinterpreted,” infectious-disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said Tuesday at a California seminar.
Wis. GOP Makes Mockery Of Governor’s Request For Abortion Referendum
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers had asked the legislature to create a way for voters to repeal the state’s abortion ban. But it took just 15 seconds for the Wisconsin Senate to gavel in and adjourn the special session. Similarly, the Republican-controlled Assembly took about 20 seconds to end the session.
Biden Announces Abortion, Reproductive Health Protections Under Title IX
During a White House meeting between administration cabinet members and doctors, President Joe Biden warned voters that Republicans will double down on a nationwide abortion strategy if they win back the congressional majority. He also said that steps would be taken to protect contraceptive access at universities.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Kennedy Knew How To Handle US Mental Health Care; Ian Caused More Than Physical Damage
Editorial writers weigh in on mental health, reproductive rights and other public health issues.
San Francisco Proposes Unapproved Treatment To Fight Opioid Addiction
Buprenorphine and methadone are approved by the FDA to treat addiction to some opioids, but San Francisco is proposing to study using hydromorphone as an alternative. Also: The first payments from a $518 million opioid settlement start to reach Washington.
Georgia Slams Brakes On Medical Marijuana
Although it’s legal in the state, it’s still illegal to buy it because no one is producing it in-state. Other health news is from California, Colorado, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Study: Getting A Dementia Diagnosis Dramatically Raises Suicide Risk
A report in CNN says the risk is more than doubled in the first three months after a patient learns of the diagnosis. The Guardian reminds us that this period thus requires much greater patient support. Other news includes mental health bots, workplace mental health care at Bank of America, more.
No Child Developmental Harm From Antidepressants In Pregnancy: Study
Risk of autism, ADHD, behavioral disorders, and other issues in children up to age 14 are not related to the taking of antidepressants during pregnancy, according to new data. Separately, reports cover scientists researching why CAR-T therapies work against only some cancers.
Study Details More Hospitals At Risk From Future Flooding
Inside Climate News covers Harvard research that details which hospitals are at risk of flooding — an issue in the spotlight after recent impacts on health services from Hurricane Ian. Separately, the merger of UnitedHealth and Change Healthcare complete their $13 billion merger.
