Latest KFF Health News Stories
Senate Passes Bill To Expand Care For Vets Exposed To Burn Pits, Toxins
After 3 amendments introduced by Republicans were voted down, the Senate approved long-sought legislation expanding health and disability benefits for an additional 3.5 million former U.S. military members exposed to toxic substances during their service. President Joe Biden is expected to sign soon.
Second Biden Executive Order On Abortion Access Expected Today
Media outlets report that the president will sign another executive order to protect abortion access, even if abortion is illegal in states where women seek this care. Separately, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, said she’ll vote against a new bipartisan bill on federal abortion protection.
Montana 1999 Court Decision Muddies Legislative Action On Abortion
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, a Republican, asked Montana Supreme Court justices to reverse a 1999 decision that upholds abortion access, in favor of allowing state legislators to set new laws. Legal battles on the issue are also reported out of Kentucky, Indiana, California, and elsewhere.
Justice Dept. Targets Idaho’s Ban In First State Abortion Access Lawsuit
The Department of Justice is suing Idaho over its six-week abortion ban, arguing that the state measure violates federal law requiring doctors and hospitals to provide emergency medical services, including abortion. It’s the first such action taken by the Biden administration since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
In ‘Landslide’ Vote, Kansas Preserves Right To Abortion
Voters turned out in droves — turnout was nearly 250% higher than the last primary midterm election — and the latest tally showed a decisive win for abortion-rights supporters, 59% to 41%. President Biden and prominent pollsters said the victory in a “red” state underscores the importance of this fall’s midterm elections.
Number Of Americans Without Health Insurance Dips To Record Low
In the first quarter of this year, the U.S. uninsured rate declined to 8%, the Biden administration announced. That number could go back up again though if Congress does not extend Affordable Care Act premium subsidies.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Many Hospitals Not Being Transparent; Abortion Rights Advocates Must Revamp Approach
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Different Takes: Monkeypox Inaction Feels Familiar; We Can And Should Contain Monkeypox Quickly
Opinion writers weigh in on monkeypox and covid.
Study Links Processed Food Diet With Quicker Cognitive Decline
New research has found links between eating a diet with over 20% highly processed foods with a quicker rate of cognitive decline over six to 10 years. In other news, a study found that elementary school-age kids who sleep less than nine hours a night may see detrimental impacts to memory and other abilities.
Illinoisans Who Buy ACA Insurance To Pay More, Maybe Much More, Next Year
Ten Illinois insurance companies that sell plans on the exchange are suggesting rate hikes between 3% to 16%. Meanwhile, in West Virginia some cities and counties reached a $400 million settlement with key opioid drug distributors. Separately, Iowa’s set to receive part of a $6.6 billion payout.
Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Spreading Far Beyond Hospitals, Study Finds
A study reported in CIDRAP shows how far superbugs are spreading outside of health care, with many infections traced to community sources with no health care setting connections. Separately, researchers find an algorithm can cut sepsis deaths by nearly 20%.
NorthShore University Pays $10M To Settle Covid Shot Exemption Case
The Illinois health service had been sued by care workers who said they’d been denied religious exemptions when refusing to align with covid vaccine mandates. Separately, President Joe Biden’s covid case is highlighting confusion over the guidelines about isolation nowadays.
CMS Hikes Inpatient Medicare Reimbursements By 4.3%
The change, which is higher than an earlier proposed raise, is expected to increase hospital payments by $2.6 billion.
White House Selects A FEMA Official To Lead Monkeypox Effort
The Washington Post reports Robert J. Fenton Jr., a regional administrator and long-term FEMA employee, will coordinate the monkeypox response. Separately, The Hill reports on pressure from Democrats for the Government Accountability Office to review the federal monkeypox response.
GOP Sharpens Its Claws In Fight Over Massive Health Spending Bill
Republicans plan to challenge most of its provisions using an obscure procedure called the Byrd Rule, which limits the ability to pass legislation with a simple majority.
Bill To Codify Federal Abortion Rights Introduced In Senate
The legislation outlines what limits states can place on pre-viability and post-viability abortions. Though introduced by two Democrats and two Republicans, the bill is expected to have an uphill climb to pass the divided Senate.
Abortion Rights In 3 States Will Be Shaped By Today’s Primaries
Kansas will be the first state to put the question of a constitutional amendment banning abortion to the voters. And primary races for governor and other down-ballot offices will determine the future direction of reproductive rights in Michigan and Arizona.
Kentucky’s Near-Total Abortion Ban Reinstated In Appeal
The ruling means abortion is illegal in the Kentucky with few exceptions. In contrast, in Michigan the governor won a request to temporarily block enforcement of a pre-Roe abortion ban.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
