Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Fauci Leaving Federal Government Post In December

Morning Briefing

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease doctor and a chief adviser to President Joe Biden, will step down after decades of working for the federal government. “The idea of walking away from it obviously is bittersweet,” he told the AP.

Wendy’s Withdraws Romaine Lettuce Amid E. Coli Outbreak

Morning Briefing

The recall affects only some Wendy’s restaurants and happened after an E. coli outbreak hospitalized at least 10 people. Separately, a study shows airborne exposure to “red tide” algal blooms may have neurological effects. Also: H1N2v flu, deaths linked to raw oysters, and more.

Calls To Missouri Mental Health Centers Rise 30% After 988 Hotline Launch

Morning Briefing

State officials say more than 4,000 people called the state’s mental health crisis centers in the month after the national mental health line launched. Separately, North Carolina Health News reports “unsustainable” burdens on emergency rooms by people needing mental health support.

Judge Says Georgia Can Impose Work Requirements For Medicaid

Morning Briefing

U.S. District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood said the Biden administration’s revocation of a Trump-era rule limiting Medicaid access shouldn’t stand. Also: Stat reports on how North Carolina hospitals justify “thwarting” Medicaid expansion, amid other news.

Amazon Trying to Expand Its Home Health Reach With Bid For Signify

Morning Briefing

Media outlets cover prospective buyers circling Signify Health Inc., a home health services provider. Amazon is a notable player, though it was said to be behind UnitedHealth’s bid. Other news covers hospitals seeking FEMA covid funding, and more.

As Monkeypox Cases Double In LA, California Releases Isolation Guide

Morning Briefing

The rapid growth in Los Angeles county monkeypox cases happened over the last two weeks. California health officials are responding to the crisis by issuing guidance on isolation, including waiting 48 hours at home after symptoms fade. Other reports show the virus can linger on household surfaces.

Even Your Pets Can Get Covid Tests From LA Health Department

Morning Briefing

The Los Angeles county’s Department of Public Health is now offering free testing to pets who may have been exposed to covid. Other pandemic news includes the publishing of a new plan to protect students based on equity, first lady Jill Biden testing negative for covid, and more.

Kids Ages 12-17 Can Now Receive The Novavax Covid Vaccine

Morning Briefing

The two-dose series uses protein-based technology, not mRNA. Meanwhile, new omicron-specific mRNA booster shots will likely be available within the next three weeks, CNBC reports. In order to get them, you’ll have to have already received a primary series of shots.

To Raise A Child In 2022, It Costs A Hair-Raising $310,605

Morning Briefing

That’s $80,000 more than the estimate released five years ago. The Brookings Institution analysis is based on a middle-income, two-parent, married family with two kids, and it doesn’t include the cost of college.

Recount Affirms Kansas Abortion Vote As Campaign Donors Are Revealed

Morning Briefing

Fewer than 60 votes were changed in the recount of Kansas’ ballot initiative that would have removed abortion rights from the state’s constitution. Meanwhile, finance reports show that $22 million was donated to support or oppose the measure.

Judge: Michigan’s 1931 Abortion Ban Can’t Be Enforced For Now

Morning Briefing

In a legal seesaw, county prosecutors in Michigan cannot currently file criminal charges against abortion providers while the preliminary injunction is in place. Abortion news is also reported from Idaho, Arizona, and other states.

Final Rule Issued On How Surprise Bill Disputes Should Be Settled

Morning Briefing

The Biden administration regulation continues to largely rely on median in-network rates in such dispute settlements, which providers have objected to. But one modification from an earlier plan says other information can shape arbiters’ determinations of an out-of-network rate.

Coloradans May Soon Get Prescription Drugs That Came From Canada

Morning Briefing

The state is making efforts to lower prescription drug prices by sourcing them from Canada, and has signed contracts with two wholesalers. AP reports on extraordinary damages in Oklahoma “wrongful life” cases, and a Kentucky effort for lower care prices for older adults.