Latest KFF Health News Stories
Sen. Tim Kaine’s Role In Abortion Bill Stuns Abortion-Rights Supporters
The Virginia senator is taking a high-profile role in Senate abortion rights efforts. However, Tim Kaine personally opposes abortion, and many women are balking at a man emerging as the Democrats’ face in the push. Also, progressive Democrats say the bill he is backing would actually fall short of codifying Roe v. Wade.
North Carolina Halts Some Abortions; South Carolina Resumes Them, For Now
On Wednesday, a federal judge reinstated an unenforced 20-week abortion ban in North Carolina, with exceptions for urgent medical emergencies, AP reported. Meanwhile, the South Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday temporarily blocked the state’s ban on terminating a pregnancy at around six weeks while legal fights move forward.
Walgreens, Walmart, CVS Ordered To Pay Ohio Counties $650 Million In Opioid Suit
After a jury found the three pharmacies liable for a role in the opioid epidemic of Lake and Trumbull counties, a federal judge awarded the plaintiffs $650 million in damages. The case has been closely watched as a bellwether for opioid litigation.
CDC Chief Lays Out Agency ‘Reset’ In Wake Of Pandemic Missteps
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky says the internal restructuring will focus on improving communication, timeliness, and accountability around public health threats. The proposed changes must be approved the HHS.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Telehealth Access Boosted In Atlanta Schools
Many of the city’s public schools are reportedly responding to the pandemic’s impact on children’s mental health, giving all students telehealth access to doctors and therapists. Meanwhile in Wyoming, a faith-based organization is boosting access to mobile ultrasound for rural areas.
Viewpoints: CDC Worsens Covid Confusion; Is Religion Really A Barrier To Polio Shots?
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Perspectives: How Will The Inflation Reduction Act Impact Drug Prices?
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Dupilumab Improves Covid Outcomes; Xofluza Approved For Treating Flu In Kids 5 And Older
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Study Shows Unscrutinized Hospital Mergers Can Push Prices Up
State regulations can shield hospital mergers from federal scrutiny, Stat notes, and this can ultimately lead to substantial price rises. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal covers a report saying that hospital finances are deteriorating due to rising labor and supply costs.
Health Workers Who Wore Respirators Were 40% Less At Risk From Covid
A study reported at CIDRAP looked at roughly 3,000 health care workers and found that wearing a respirator during the pandemic definitely offered benefits. A separate study links a covid infection to higher risks of vein blood clots than is found for flu infections.
As Polio Circulates In New York, Doctors Tell Parents: Vaccinate
The New York Times reports on findings out of the CDC that an April wastewater sample from Orange County, N.Y., tested positive for polio and that the virus may have been circulating for up to a year elsewhere in the world. Other public health news is on baby formula, overdoses and migrant health.
Jill Biden Tests Positive For Covid
The first lady experienced symptoms on Monday and is taking Paxlovid. Meanwhile, after refusing to testify before the House Oversight Committee, gunmaker Smith & Wesson’s CEO blames politicians for the surge in gun violence. Also: J&J’s bankruptcy, faulty Philips respirators and more.
Biden Administration Plans Push For Abortion Rights, Aiming At Men Too
The White House is planning a serious effort to emphasize abortion access ahead of the midterms, and its campaign will also try to sway men’s opinions. Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood is reportedly planning a record spend of $50 million on advocacy ahead of the elections.
White House Said To Plan Extending Covid Health Emergency
Another three months of special powers are incoming if the Biden administration goes ahead, as reports say it will, and renews the covid public health emergency. Meanwhile, the Atlantic notes that even as fall is incoming — bringing potentially more covid — people think the pandemic is over.
Questions Grow Over Possible Wider Spread Of Monkeypox
The case of a California man who tested positive for monkeypox, as well as a recent study, raise concerns over potential asymptomatic transmissions or ones outside of sexual networks. Other news stories report on the 8th pediatric case in the U.S., vaccinations, and more.
Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids Could Be Available By October After FDA OK
In a move that could make hearing aids more affordable and accessible for an estimated 30 million Americans, the Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule Tuesday allowing the devices to be sold without a prescription. President Joe Biden said that over-the-counter aids could be purchased as early as October.
Historic Medicare Drug Pricing Changes Signed Into Law
During the White House signing ceremony Tuesday, President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats stressed the long path to passage for the sweeping budget reconciliation bill. “The American people won, and the special interests lost,” Biden said of the new law that gives Medicare negotiating powers for some drug prices and extends ACA premium aid.
First Edition: August 17, 2022
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
