Latest KFF Health News Stories
‘Let’s Finish The Job’: Biden Wants To Extend Insulin Price Cap To All
Now that Medicare beneficiaries are paying a maximum of $35 a month on life-saving insulin, President Joe Biden urged Congress to pass the same benefit for privately insured Americans, too. He also criticized talk of repealing Medicare’s new power to negotiate some drug prices, while also touching on other health issues like abortion, veterans’ health, and more.
Republicans Dispute Biden’s Claim That Some Pushed To ‘Sunset’ Medicare
After that assertion was met in the House chamber by outrage and jeers from Republican lawmakers, President Joe Biden said: “So folks, as we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare off the books now, right?”
Biden Urges Congress To Pass Health Measures That Have Bipartisan Support
Drug prices, mental health funding, addiction treatment, and combating cancer were among the health issues President Joe Biden addressed in his State of the Union speech Tuesday night as ones that lawmakers should be able to unite behind. He also briefly touched on more divisive ones like abortion access and Medicare.
Toxic Clouds Cover Evacuated Ohio Town; When Will It Be Safe To Return?
Officials say that more air and water quality data is needed before residents can return to their homes, even though the fires related to the accident are now out. Bird flu is also in the news, along with air pollution risks for toddlers, and the threat to human health from fungi.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: US Health Care Is Great, If You’re Rich; Where Are All The Nursing School Teachers?
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
‘Controlled Release’ Of Toxic Chemical Fumes Used On Derailed Ohio Train
News outlets report on cleanup efforts after the derailment of a train in East Palestine, Ohio, including a controlled burn of some of the chemicals of concern that were in the cars, releasing toxic fumes. The end of pandemic Medicaid cover in Texas and Pennsylvania is also in the news.
More Doctors Asking About Patient Marijuana Use Pre-Anesthesia
Patients who use marijuana can require higher doses of anesthesia during surgery, and the Wall Street Journal writes that increasing legal use is leading to more conversations about pot with patients. Politico reports that as evidence emerges of some of weed’s health harms, lawmakers must play “catch-up.”
Race Found To Play Role In Risk For Dialysis-Linked Infections
Stat covers a study saying Hispanic, Latino, and non-Hispanic Black Americans on dialysis for end-stage kidney disease are most at risk for dangerous blood infections. Use of a central venous catheter into major veins was also found more risky. Meanwhile, Eisai’s Alzheimer’s drug has its first U.S. sales.
Private Equity Had Strong Year In Health Care Despite 2022 ‘Headwinds’
Modern Healthcare reports that there was a roughly 15% bump in private equity health care services deals in 2022 over 2021. Separately, CVS is said to be near a $10.5 billion deal to acquire Oak Street Health Inc. Staff shortages, data breaches, and quality of care matters are among other news.
Cancer Screenings Lag After Taking Big Hit During Pandemic
Researchers found that “interference with cancer screening by periodic surges in covid-19 infections is a continuing problem,” CIDRAP reports. Meanwhile, some oncologists argue that cancer screenings can negatively affect a person’s mental health.
Judge Says Right To Abortion May Be Included In 13th Amendment
U.S. District Court judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly said Monday that there may still be a constitutional right to abortion and that the relevant 13th Amendment link had been unexplored by the Supreme Court in the Dobbs ruling, which tackled the 14th Amendment. Other abortion news is from Iowa, Tennessee, Connecticut, and elsewhere.
If You Test For Covid At Home, Let Us Know Results, FDA Says
Now that at-home testing is the norm, public health officials are having difficulty tracking covid trends, prompting a call for more people to submit results to an official site. Separately, a study suggests the tripledemic may have infected nearly 40% of U.S. households.
Covid Vax Mandate Ends For NYC City Workers; Navy’s Policy Argued In Court
New York City’s mayor is lifting requirements at the end of this week for city employees to be vaccinated against covid. And while the Navy recently did the same, holdovers from the policy are still being argued in court.
Biden Speech To Urge Cap On Insulin Costs, Narrowing Of Medicaid Gap
In his State of the Union address tonight, President Joe Biden is expected to push for a $35-per-month limit on insulin costs for privately insured Americans. Such a cap took effect for Medicare beneficiaries last month. News outlets preview other health measures that will be highlighted in the speech, like Medicaid and the ACA.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Next Pandemic Could Be Caused By Fungus; Doctors Are Leaving A Broken Medical System
Editorial writers examine fungus evolution, physician burnout, blood donation, and more.
Worries Of Toxic Gas Risk After Train Derailment In Ohio
Some cars in the train that derailed in northeastern Ohio contained hazardous chemicals. That, as well as a subsequent fire, has prompted evacuations and calls for people to stay away from the risk area. Medicaid coverage changes, pot sales in Missouri, and more are also in the news.
Citing Catholic Catechism, Pope Condemns Laws That Criminalize Gay People
The catechism, Francis noted, also says that LGBTQ people should not be marginalized, Reuters reported. Meanwhile in the U.S., Christian and Jewish clergy are protesting anti-transgender legislation in the Missouri legislature.
Opioid Overprescribing Case Tossed, Supporting Supreme Court Decision
A federal appeals court has overturned convictions of a doctor accused of overprescribing opioids and ordered a new trial — after the Supreme Court had ruled in favor of him earlier. Meanwhile, a painkiller ring in Florida, another overdose death record is set in Maine, and more.
