Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Medical Clinic To Open Near Ohio Train Derailment Site
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced that the state will open the clinic to evaluate people who are concerned in the aftermath of the toxic train incident. Also in the news, a lawsuit in California over damaged IVF embryos, mental health professional shortages in Texas, and more.
Survey: Social Media Changes The Minds Of Many Doctors Over Drugs
A survey reported in FiercePharma shows the influence that social media posts have on the opinions that doctors hold on medications. Separately, among other news, a report shows that HIPAA complaints and breaches spiked between 2017 and 2021.
Spinal Electrical Pulse Treatment Can Combat Post-Stroke Paralysis: Study
A fascinating breakthrough is published in medical journal Nature: targeted electrical pulses delivered to the spinal cord via an implanted device may help improve arm, hand motion for people paralyzed after a stroke. Other research, including on covid mRNA vaccines, is also in the news.
Possible Bacteria Contamination Prompts Another Baby Formula Recall
The Hill reports that manufacturer Reckitt is “voluntarily recalling” some batches of a baby formula it makes over possible Cronobacter sakazaki bacterial contaminants. Separately, the FTC is said to have delivered a civil investigative demand to Abbott Laboratories over its infant formula products.
‘Crazy Coincidence’? Sanders Jabs At Timing Of Moderna’s Vaccine Pricing Announcement
Sen. Bernie Sanders called Moderna’s decision to provide its covid vaccine free to uninsured Americans a “step in the right direction,” but noted that it came about the same time as the drugmaker’s CEO was asked to testify next month before Sanders’ Senate committee.
Covid Is Still Killing Americans, Though Racial Trends Are Shifting
The U.S. “dodged” a major covid surge this winter, the Wall Street Journal reports, but still kills at a rate of several hundred a day — mainly older people with underlying conditions. And while early in the pandemic more Black and Latino people died, an analysis for The Boston Globe finds that now more white people in Massachusetts are dying.
LGBTQ+ Youth Conversion Therapy Set To Be Banned In Utah, Minnesota
The Utah Senate voted unanimously Friday to approve a ban on certain health providers from practicing “conversion therapy” on minors. In Minnesota, a separate vote banned mental health professionals from the same practice for LGBTQ+ youth and “vulnerable adults.”
Jimmy Carter Transitions From Treatment To Hospice Care
Former President Jimmy Carter has decided to “spend his remaining time at home with his family,” forgoing further medical treatment for ongoing health issues, the Carter Center announced.
5th Cured HIV Case Confirmed Following Stem Cell Transplant
A man in Germany has no detectable virus in his body, even after stopping his HIV medication four years ago. Stem cell transplants are typically only performed in cancer patients who don’t have any other options.
First Edition: February 21, 2023
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Federal Medical Experts Will Help At Ohio Train Toxic Incident Scene
Health-monitoring concerns and wild speculation as to the environmental and health impacts of the train derailment in Ohio are in the news. Also: Florida kids losing Medicaid coverage, norovirus outbreaks, a paid sick leave mandate in Minnesota, and more.
