Latest KFF Health News Stories
Harris Suggests Lawmakers Enacting Abortion Bans Should ‘Learn How A Woman’s Body Works’
Speaking before abortion-rights supporters at an Indiana statehouse protest, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke out against the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade and state laws like one being considered in Indiana.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Can Pelosi Save Women’s Reproductive Rights?; Doctors Are Afraid To Treat Miscarriages
Editorial writers tackle abortion rights issues.
Different Takes: Most People Seem To Be Ignoring Covid; US Must Declare Monkeypox An Emergency
Opinion writers weigh in on covid, monkeypox and more public health topics.
Heat Roasts Northeast Prompting Health Alerts
Boston reported highs of 100 degrees, a record for the weekend date. Meanwhile, in New York the first polio case in a long while has stirred up alarm and a hunt for more cases, though the state Health Department tamped down worries by noting none had yet been found.
Pandemic, Burnout, Expiring Federal Covid Funds Hitting Hospital Staffing
Hospitals across the U.S. are struggling to staff their operations as burnout and turnover affect employee numbers — all during a surge in covid cases driven by BA.5. Cerner VA, HCA Healthcare, Yuvo Health, and more are also in industry news.
6% Of Children Show Covid Symptoms At 90 Days In Hospital Tests
CIDRAP reports on a worrying statistic: around 6% of children visiting emergency departments for covid tests show symptoms long after they are typically found. Separately, scientists are focusing in on why some people seem able to skirt catching covid, even though BA.5 may interfere with this work.
Have Health Insurance? It May Not Tally With You Having Good Health
A report in Modern Healthcare deals with the notion that having health insurance is a “proxy” for patients also reporting good health, with a new study underlining that racial identity is a better indicator of health status. Also in the news: gun control, mental health barriers, a drug recall, and more.
Conservatives Leverage Biden’s Covid To Spread Vaccine Misinformation
Newsweek reports some are using the president’s covid infection to question the efficacy of vaccines. Separately, Politico reports that Vice President Kamala Harris is mulling a more aggressive stance on protecting abortion rights. Also: same-sex marriage, a potential probe into Dr. Anthony Fauci’s pandemic role, and more.
Next White House Goal: New Generation Of Covid Vaccines To Target Variants
Stat reports that Biden administration officials will hold a “summit” Tuesday with scientists, public health experts and vaccine manufacturers on Tuesday to kick start efforts to develop next-generation vaccinations. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden’s covid symptoms are improving as he continues to take antiviral medication.
Block On Kentucky’s Abortion Ban Remains
A judge says there is a “substantial likelihood” that Kentucky’s near-total abortion ban violates the state’s constitution. Other regional abortion news is reported from Missouri, Minnesota, Indiana, Wyoming, and other states.
Abortion Wait Times Balloon As Interstate Patients Stress Clinics
It’s becoming harder to obtain care in states where abortion is still legal due in large part to cross-border travel, researchers find. Related news reports on the role of Catholic hospitals, sterilizations, and more.
WHO Upgrades Monkeypox To Highest Level Of Emergency Alert
The World Health Organization declared the monkeypox outbreak to be a global emergency, with more than 16,000 cases reported across 75 nations. The White House praised the “call to action” for a coordinated international response, but some lawmakers want the U.S. to do more.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: US Approach To Mental Health Care Is Broken; Kids Struggle With Lack Of Sleep
Editorial writers examine America’s mental health struggles as well as other public health topics.
Opinion writers weigh in on covid and reproductive health care issues.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on covid, monkeypox, Gen Z health care, aging, seizures, and more.
New York Reports Polio Case But Says Threat To Vaccinated Public Is Low
The unvaccinated individual with the infection may have indirectly caught it from an overseas source and is no longer infectious. A Medicaid repayment, postpartum Medicaid expansion, fentanyl, and how heat impacts blood pressure medications are also in the news.
Letting ACA Tax Credits Expire Would Wreak Havoc, Insurers Warn
Along with hospital and doctors’ groups, they are urging Congress to extend the subsidies before lawmakers leave Washington for their August recess, Modern Healthcare reports. Also in the news: magic mushrooms and medical device maker Hanger.
Pfizer’s Covid Shots Prove Effective At Keeping Kids Out Of Hospital
Two doses of Pfizer’s covid vaccine were 82.7% effective at preventing hospitalizations among 5- to 11-year olds. Separately, an experimental oral covid vaccine is reportedly showing promise, and a Gates Foundation study found existing boosters were surprisingly good against BA.5.
