Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Different Takes: There Are Solutions To Treating Patients In Hospital Hallways
Editorial writers tackle hospital crowding, covid, and mental health.
Viewpoints: Indiana’s Abortion Ban Is Extreme; Disabled People Deserve Bodily Autonomy
Opinion writers examine abortion, medical debt, and ICU experiences.
Forever Chemicals’ Impact On Americans’ Health Will Cost Billions
The Hill reports on a study saying increases in medical bills and hits on worker productivity driven by exposure to forever chemicals will ultimately hurt the economy, costing about $5 billion to $60 billion. Other news outlets report on calls for more PFAS testing.
Homeless Shelters In Anchorage Are Out Of Room As Freezing Temps Loom
Anchorage Daily News says it’s the first time in decades that there is no walk-in, easy-access homeless shelter service in the city. Also: Details emerge in the surprising U.S. polio case, West Nile Virus in mosquitoes in New Hampshire, and more.
To Beat Alzheimer’s, Scientists Try New Ideas, Including Brain Mapping
Media outlets report on research into Alzheimer’s disease, including expanding fields of study and the potential for a diabetes drug to help protect against the illness. USA Today and The Atlantic cover developments in a scandal over key Alzheimer’s research into amyloid proteins.
Hospitals Expand Incentives To Keep Scarce Staff Happy
Medical facilities are broadening their perks to retain staff, including covering employee gas costs or opening day care centers. Another report says the 124-year-old St. Louis Nursing School is closing.
