Latest KFF Health News Stories
Analysis Shows How Often FDA OKs Drugs Despite Mixed Or Failed Results
The joint Harvard-Yale research found that of 210 new therapies approved from 2018 through 2021, 21 of the drugs didn’t meet one or more of their goals, or end points. Those 21 drugs were approved to treat cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other illnesses, USA Today reported.
Cigna Rebrands Into 3 Business Units
Cigna Corp. will become Cigna Group, Cigna Healthcare, and Evernorth Health Services — which includes its PBM Express Scripts. Meanwhile, a report says Amazon’s merger with One Medical may fall afoul of the FTC. Hospital labor shortages, medical debt, and more are also in the news.
South Dakota Bans Gender-Affirming Health Care For Minors
The bill signed by Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican, outlaws surgical and non-surgical interventions for trans minors. Meanwhile, in Arkansas, Republican lawmakers are said to be targeting minors’ trans care again with an effort to reinstate an earlier ban by enabling easier malpractice lawsuits.
White House Orders 1.5 Million More Novavax Covid Shots
The Wall Street Journal reported that the deal would ensure a supply during the period before private buyers take over purchases, which the government expects would be in the fall, according to people familiar with the planning.
Testimony From Fauci, Biden Officials Sought In House GOP Covid Probe
The House’s new Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic kicked off its investigation by sending letters to Dr. Anthony Fauci and other Biden administration officials seeking their documents and testimony.
States Turn Up Their Efforts To Overturn FDA’s Abortion Pill Approval
News outlets note the state of Alaska joined a federal lawsuit Friday seeking to overturn a decades-old approval of a pill used for abortions. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey are reportedly “urging” the judge to effectively ban medication abortion.
5th Anniversary Of Parkland Massacre Marred By Yet Another School Shooting
At Michigan State University on Monday night, a gunman killed three people and injured five others. The gunman, who killed himself, was not a student or employee. The shooting happened as the nation remembers the 17 students and teachers killed five years ago in Parkland, Florida. Little has changed since then: There have been at least 67 mass shootings in the U.S. so far this year.
CMS Proposes Greater Transparency By Private-Equity Backed Nursing Homes
With research showing that ownership can impact quality of care, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a draft rule that would require nursing homes that participate in Medicare or Medicaid to disclose more information about care that is backed by private equity companies or real estate trusts.
Teen Girls Experiencing ‘Alarming’ Levels Of Sadness: CDC Report
An annual CDC survey provides more evidence of a growing mental health crisis among distressed American adolescents — with an increase that is particularly high for girls, Black youth, and LGBTQ+ teens who are more likely to report suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
1 In 2 Kids Doesn’t Get Enough Follow-Up Care After Mental Health ER Visits
A new study into care for kids after crisis ER mental health visits, reported on by CNN, found that less than a third had supporting outpatient mental health visits within seven days, and only 55% within 30 days. Separately, a new 988-related bill hopes to tackle the fact that Wyoming is the national leader for suicide deaths.
Lawsuit Calls For Medical Testing, Care After Ohio Train Derailment
A federal lawsuit has been filed to get the rail operator to pay for medical screenings and care in the wake of the Ohio train derailment and subsequent toxic chemicals problem. Meanwhile, in Texas, officials instituted a shelter-in-place order Sunday after a chemical gas leak.
Critics Say Nebraska Medical Moral Objection Bill Targets LGBTQ+ Care
AP reports that Nebraska lawmakers are considering a bill allowing medical providers to cite religious, ethical, or moral beliefs to deny some medical care. Critics say it’s overbroad and targets abortion rights and the LGBTQ+ community. In Florida, lawmakers tightened a ban on gender care.
Eyedrops Linked To Infection Clusters; First Lawsuit Is Filed
Four states have infection clusters linked with EzriCare artificial tears, Bloomberg reports. NBC News says a lawsuit has been filed against the maker of EzriCare drops and Walmart after a woman suffered a bacterial infection. Also: traffic noise, chocolate and heart health, calorie restriction, and more.
Rising Costs Blamed For Kaiser Permanente’s $4.47 Billion Net Loss
Modern Healthcare says the net loss for 2022 is merely the latest sign that health systems are struggling amid rising costs. Separately, Mass General Brigham recorded a nearly $1.5 million Q1 operating loss, and insurtech Oscar Health’s net loss grew in 2022. But other providers are building new hospitals.
Flu Level Stays Low, But 100 US Children Have Now Died From It
And separately, cases of norovirus are happening across the country, and in Detroit one school had to close due to an outbreak among students and staff.
Covid Masking Rules Have Ended For Health Facilities In New York
AP says officials decided to let the requirements lapse Sunday, though Acting Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald noted the pandemic is still not over. The omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 has continued to expand its dominance in the U.S., meanwhile, now accounting for 75% of cases.
Ruling Against Abortion Pill Would Be ‘Devastating,’ 22 Attorneys General Say
Meanwhile, abortion providers across the country are bracing themselves for potential fallout over the Texas court case. A ruling is not expected until sometime after Feb. 24.
Biden Admin Approving State Requests To Use Medicaid To Pay For Groceries
But as The Wall Street Journal reports, using “food as medicine” has raised objections from some who say it is an unnecessary expansion of Medicaid and that it undercuts SNAP funds. Other news is on Medicare and the backlash against the GOP’s possible “sunsetting” of it.
