Latest KFF Health News Stories
Gun Violence, Opioids Worry People — But Costs Are Top Health Concern
A new Axios-Ipsos American Health Index study shows that health care costs worry Americans the most. In Florida, a young boy’s death from Strep A is driving concerns about the infection. Separately, the CDC says the flu shot provided relatively good protection this season.
No Changes To Alzheimer’s Drug Restrictions Planned: CMS
Reuters reports that a request from the Alzheimer’s Association to reduce coverage limits on Alzheimer’s treatments has been turned down by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Separately, the debt ceiling fight is being used to “fend off” changes to private Medicare Advantage plans.
Law Firms, Abortion Rights Groups Create Legal Defense Network
Organizations like the Center for Reproductive Rights and the ACLU are teaming up to provide legal support to patients and abortion providers as laws shift in the states. Other abortion stories are reported from New Mexico, Kentucky, North Carolina, and elsewhere.
Bans On Gender-Affirming Care Advance; Ind. Targets Kinsey Institute
AP reports Indiana lawmakers advanced a bill that would ban “all gender-affirming care” in the state, in a move opponents say targets trans people. CBS News says a bill in Texas would also ban nearly all gender care. And in Indiana, lawmakers moved to block state funding for the Kinsey Institute.
‘Wake-Up Call’: UN Reports Maternal Death Rates Are Backsliding
Efforts to reduce maternal deaths have plateaued or declined in many parts of the world, reversing previous progress according to data from United Nations agencies. 287,000 maternal deaths were reported in 2020.
First Edition: February 23, 2023
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
CDC To Probe Ohio Derailment Site; Operator Must Pay For Cleanup
CDC epidemiologists and environmental health scientists are in Ohio, Politico says. Meanwhile, the EPA has ordered the train operator, Norfolk Southern, to pay all cleanup costs. Other health news is from Utah, Florida, New York, Georgia, Connecticut, North Carolina, and elsewhere.
FDA May Approve RSV Vaccine From Pfizer On Expedited Basis
Pfizer said Tuesday that the Food and Drug Administration is expected to make a decision on its respiratory syncytial virus vaccine in August. Separately, Teva has secured FDA approval for a modified formulation of its nervous system disorders drug Asustedo.
Viewpoints: How Worried Should We Be About Avian Influenza?; New Ways To Manage Chronic Pain
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Study Highlights High Fatality Of Mpox For People With Advanced HIV
News outlets cover the results of the first major study of mpox among people with advanced cases of HIV, showing it often causes severe illness and has a high death rate. Among other news, a study finds Hispanic and Black veterans are having to wait longer to see health specialists.
Different Takes: Americans Are Struggling With Mental Health. Here Are Ways To Help.
Opinion writers discuss mental health care in America.
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Though Covid Hit Screenings, New Cancer Cases Didn’t Surge: Report
An analysis of health records showed that though cancer screenings dropped off during the pandemic, there was no significant uptick in certain types of cancer cases. Meanwhile, a different study links low wages to higher mortality risk for middle age workers.
CMS Warns 500 Hospitals Missing Price Transparency Requirements
As an early step in increased efforts to enforce transparency rules, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says that 300 of the 500 facilities have addressed the cited issues and are now compliant. In other news: hospitals feel greater lawmaker scrutiny of outpatient billing, and CMS overhauls hospice inspections.
Medicare Advantage Enrollment Reaches 31 Million Though Is Slowing
In an analysis by the Chartis Group, enrollment in Medicare Advantage 2023 plans is up 5.5%. Last year’s signups grew 9% over the previous year. Other news relates to inpatient claim denials, Medicare drug pricing negotiations, and more.
20 Democratic Governors Move To Protect Abortion Rights
The coalition’s goal is to expand abortion access in their respective states even as bans continue to be enacted elsewhere. In Ohio, an abortion rights campaign released its proposal to amend the state constitution.
Merck’s Covid Drug Not Effective At Preventing Household Transmission
Merck and Co’s late-stage trials failed to show that its oral antiviral Lagevrio, also known as molnupiravir, cut the risk of preventing covid from spreading to others living in the same house. Merck had hoped to build a case for use of the medication as prophylactic treatment.
First Edition: February 22, 2023
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
