Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers weigh in on reproductive rights and covid.
Perspectives: Justices’ Ruling Will Help Clarify Opioid Prescription Practices
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Study Says Arsenic May Be Poisoning California Prison’s Water
Even people living in neighboring rural communities near the Kern Valley State Prison may be at risk, the study warns, with arsenic levels above regulatory limits for possibly years at a time. Separate reports blast California’s water treatment systems, potentially causing long-term health issues.
Juul Sues FDA For Withholding Scientific Reviews Behind E-Cig Ban
The e-cigarette maker’s complaint says the FDA is violating the Freedom of Information Act, Axios reports. In other news, Walgreens acquires Shields Health Solutions, CRISPR gene editing is said to be getting harder, West Virginia announces an opioid settlement, and more.
How To Improve Antibiotic Access, Use, And Stewardship
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Microprotein Mutation Linked With Higher Alzheimer’s Risks
Scientists say mutations in one particular microprotein are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, brain atrophy, and changes in energy metabolism. Other reports note that cancer death rates are still falling and that too few children with sickle cell anemia are getting stroke screening.
Bill Aims To Make Private Insurance Fully Cover Sex Assault Exams
A new bill introduced in the House of Representatives on Monday would require full coverage for forensic exams for sexual assault survivors, quashing surprise medical bills. Separately, the American Hospital Association and American Medical Association ended one challenge to surprise billing arbitration.
After Roe’s End, More States Extend Postpartum Medicaid
Stateline reports Indiana and West Virginia joined 23 other states plus the District of Columbia in extending coverage from two months to a year after birth. In Ohio, a judge extended a temporary stay of a new abortion ban until at least Oct. 12. And in Missouri, a bill aims to repeal the abortion ban.
As Moderna Booster Supplies Dwindle, FDA Releases Millions Of Delayed Shots
The doses had been delayed after a safety inspection at an Indiana packaging plant, but the government has now released them. Bloomberg reports Moderna boosters are in short supply at some U.S. pharmacies. Plus, vaccine and mask mandates are again in the news.
Biden Backpedals: Pandemic Is ‘Not Where It Was,’ Not ‘Over’
The president had faced backlash over earlier comments framing the pandemic as essentially over. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said the president’s earlier words didn’t align with the administration’s actions. And a report shows that covid is still killing people, but in different demographics.
FDA Made Many Missteps During Infant Formula Crisis, Internal Review Finds
Problems included outdated technology at the FDA, limited training on formula among FDA investigators, funding limitations, and gaps in the understanding of cronobacter, the type of bacteria that prompted Abbott’s recall, The Wall Street Journal reported.
In A First, Federal Panel Recommends Anxiety Screening For Adults Under 65
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force began its review before covid-19 hit, but the pandemic greatly exacerbated the issue. Some primary care physicians expressed concern that adding an additional responsibility to their checklist for patient appointments is implausible, The New York Times reported.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Examining The Current State Of American Mental Health
Opinion writers examine the state of mental health in America.
Viewpoints: Tennessee Abortion Law Has No Life-Saving Exceptions; Is The Pandemic Over Or Not?
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
California Governor Vetoes Effort To Boost Student Mental Health Care
Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, has been an advocate for mental health in schools, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. But in this case, he cited high costs for vetoing more private insurance access to care. Other news is from Colorado, Massachusetts, Montana, Michigan, and North Carolina.
Being A Late-To-Bed Person May Mean Higher Health Risks
Type 2 diabetes and heart disease risks go up if you are a night owl, a report in CNN says. Meanwhile, a different report says high blood pressure can be lowered by breath training, and a study asks if donating blood can harm blood donors. CBD foods and a Colgate recall are also in the news.
Medicaid Fraud Case Costs Centene $166 Million Settlement In Texas
The health insurance company was facing claims it overcharged Texas’ Medicaid program for pharmacy services. Also in the news: care gaps exposed in NCQA health plan quality ratings and Medicare solutions for issues with the kidney dialysis system.
Experts: Hurricane Fiona Won’t Impact US Medical Supply Chain
A report in Axios says that while Puerto Rico has been ravaged by Fiona, experts expect medical supplies from plants on the island won’t be impacted like they were by 2017’s Hurricane Maria. Other news includes links between air pollution and cognitive decline, PCB contamination, and more.
Sterigenics’ Ethylene Oxide Emissions Lead To $363M Cancer Payment
Media outlets report on the court-ordered settlement after the medical sterilization company was found liable in a case brought by a woman who developed cancer. Johnson & Johnson is also in the news as cancer victims pressure the company over talc damages and its bankruptcy maneuvers.
