Latest KFF Health News Stories
Judge OKs Florida’s Ban On Medicaid Coverage For Gender Care
A preliminary injunction had been sought by transgender people in Florida impacted by the state’s ban on funding for gender-affirming care for all ages. It was denied. Medicaid loophole problems in Texas, approval for Medicaid expansion in South Dakota, and more are also in the news.
Research Roundup: Brain Cells; Covid; Drug-Resistant Tumors; Stroke; More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Repurposed Diabetes Drugs In High Demand For Weight Loss
But questions linger about whether the cost is worth it for drugs such as Wegovy and its cousin Ozempic, which has been called a “Hollywood drug.” Plus, other updates on physical fitness, stress eating, and Noom.
FDA Acknowledges National Shortage Of Adderall
Reports of supply shortages of Adderall have been circulating for weeks, but the FDA now admits there is a problem and said it would work to keep supply available for patients. Also: a Moderna skin cancer vaccine, racial bias in spirometry tests, and more.
Survey: 9 In 10 Medical Practices Hit By Bigger Regulatory Burdens
Becker’s Hospital Review reports on survey results from over 500 medical groups, which show 89% say the overall regulatory burden on their businesses has gone up over the past year. Other news concerns Crozer Health, Laguna Honda nursing home, a donation to MGH and more.
Biden Administration Giving $110M To Help 208 Rural Health Care Facilities
The funds come from the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act. In other news, the federal government has reached a deal with victims of a doctor who sexually assaulted Native American boys for decades at federal hospitals in Montana and South Dakota.
Indiana Abortion Ban Suspended Until January Court Ruling
Republican Attorney General Todd Rokita had requested the ban be allowed to take effect, but the state Supreme Court issued an order denying that request. Abortions can now take place at least until a court decision over the ban’s constitutionality is made.
Pandemic Conditions May Have Delayed Infants’ Communication Skills
NBC News covers a study that found some babies in covid-related lockdowns took longer to reach certain developmental milestones than babies born pre-pandemic. Bloomberg, meanwhile, notes that the newest covid variants, such as the so-called XBB, may represent a threat.
Kids Ages 5 And Up Can Get Updated Boosters: FDA
Pfizer’s bivalent booster shot has been authorized for children as young as 5, while Moderna’s was authorized for 6 and up. Meanwhile, Novavax reports that booster doses of its covid vaccine seem to work against omicron BA.1, BA.2, and BA.5.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Are Colonoscopies Effective?; Pandemic Had Negative Consequences For Girls
Editorial writers delve into these various public health topics.
Perspectives: WHO Recommends New Malaria Vaccine, So Why The Hesitancy?
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
New Orleans Nonprofit Buys Three Hospitals From HCA Healthcare
The AP says the $150 million hospital merger between LCMC Health and three Tulane hospitals is going to mean “big changes” in the area, leaving just two big players on the hospital care scene. Also: worries over outsourcing of care; congenital syphilis; Medicaid changes in California; and more.
Combination Antibiotic For Treating cUTIs May Soon Be Available; New Compound Could Defeat Superbugs
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Doctors, Cancer Experts Warn Against Canceling Colonoscopies
The CEO of the American Cancer Society says a recent study that suggested colonoscopies were less helpful than believed was “wildly misinterpreted.” USA Today reported that gastroenterologists haven’t changed their minds on the benefits of colonoscopies.
Kids Ages 8 And Up Should Get Screened For Anxiety: Experts
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force also said children 12 and older should be screened for depression. Recently, the task force also said adults under 65 should be screened.
Taking Older Diabetes Drugs Linked To Lower Dementia Risks
Researchers found that people who took an older class of diabetes drugs known as glitazones, or TZDs, had a 22% lower risk of developing dementia. A surprise $50,000 medical bill for asthma meds, Walmart entering the clinical trial recruitment market, and more are also in the news.
Bright Health Pulls Insurance, Medicare Advantage Plans From 9 States
The insurtech company says it will only operate in Florida and California in order to reduce costs and settle medical liabilities.
Experts Blast Florida’s Warning Over Covid Shots: ‘Politics Driving Science’
Florida’s surgeon general stirred up controversy by warning of cardiac risks for men who get covid shots, and has now faced what Politico calls “major blowback” from medical experts. Meanwhile, the White House is urging Americans to get updated boosters by Halloween.
Fetal Personhood Appeal Case Won’t Be Heard By Supreme Court
The legal case in question hinged on a dispute over whether fetuses are people and therefore entitled to constitutional protections. The Supreme Court’s decision not to hear the case sidesteps an issue for now that may be the “center” of the next abortion battle.
