Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Special Report: Hepatitis C Is Killing More Than 150 Inmates Yearly
Stat reports on numerous hepatitis C deaths occurring in prisons, despite the existence of a cure. Elsewhere in its special report, it also says that prisons hide causes of death, but that as the cost of treatments for hep C are falling, some prisons are actually treating affected prisoners “widely.”
After Record Pandemic Highs, Drug Overdose Death Rate Slows
CDC data suggests that over 107,000 overdose deaths occurred in the year until July 2022, marking the fourth month in a row that rolling 12 month totals fell. But as a report in the Boston Globe notes, Massachusetts data show that the opioid crisis is still ongoing and deaths still happen.
School Administrators, Parents Say Student Mental Health Isn’t Improving
A survey by a school mental health service that shows more than half of respondents think the issue of student mental health is either worse or the same as last year. Another study finds that more U.S. teens were hospitalized for mental illnesses during the pandemic.
Report Shows Screening Catches Just 1 In 7 Diagnosed Cancers
A report shows the vast majority of diagnosed cancers in the U.S. are found through symptoms or through medical imaging or care sought for other reasons, rather than preventive screenings. Also in the news: the Find It Early Act for breast cancer detection; expanding kids’ BMI charts to match obesity levels; and more.
Patients’ Out-Of-Pocket Health Spending Spiked 10% in 2021: CMS
This level of growth rate, Axios reports, hasn’t been seen since 1985 and was driven partly by demand for dental services, eyeglasses, and medical supplies. Modern Healthcare reports total U.S. health care spending hit $4.3 trillion in 2021, up just 2.7% from the year before.
Antiabortion Group Plans City Water Tests For Abortion Drug Evidence
The Washington Post reports on efforts by a leading antiabortion group to jail people for “trafficking” abortion medication illegally, including testing water in several large cities for evidence they say results from the process. In Montana, justices are considering if nurses could provide abortions.
10 Years After Sandy Hook: How Gun Violence Has — And Hasn’t — Changed America
In a statement Wednesday marking the Dec. 14, 2012, massacre of 20 elementary school students and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School, President Joe Biden said Americans have a “moral obligation to pass and enforce laws that can prevent these things from happening again.” Meanwhile, the parents of those killed push through their unspeakable grief with the hope that their children won’t be forgotten.
US Deaths Down 7% Over Last Year, But Still Higher Than Before Pandemic
Based on trends for the first 11 months of this year, the country is on track for its first annual death decline since 2009. But the numbers still look to be 19% higher than they were in 2019, before covid struck.
Free At-Home Covid Test Kits Again Available Through Federal Website
While warning Americans of a possible winter covid surge, the Biden administration is shifting its dwindling relief funds to open CovidTests.gov back up for free orders. Every household is eligible for four tests.
CMS Takes Aim At Growing Problem Of Misleading Medicare Advantage Ads
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposed a rule to ban some deceitful advertising by Medicare Advantage plans that use confusing imagery or language or don’t name the health insurance plan’s name. The growing number of such ads have led people to sign up for plans that don’t cover their doctors or prescriptions.
Research Roundup: CRISPR; Covid; Cluster Headaches; Cardiac Tissues
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Is CRISPR The Antidote Of The Future?
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Viewpoints: Congress Must Pass Funding For 988; Can Tackling Social Disparities Lift Life Spans?
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Studies Show It Takes About 40 Days For Mpox To Clear System
CIDRAP reports on studies into viral clearance times for mpox, showing time between symptom onset and viral clearance in 90% of cases was around 40 days, and highest viral DNA concentrations were in the skin. Also: high blood pressure after giving birth, stress and blood pressure, and more.
Over Half Of Those Hurt, Killed In Car Crashes Had Drugs Or Alcohol In System: Study
AP reports on a large study into car crashes in the U.S., which found that more than half of car crash victims had one or more drugs or alcohol in their blood — THC was the most prevalent substance found. Separately, alcohol abuse costs in Massachusetts are estimated at $5.6 billion annually.
Antibiotic Resistance Is Getting Worse, WHO Report Finds
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Concerns Rise Over Health Startups Sharing Patient Data With Big Tech
Stat and The Markup report on what’s said to be “out of control” health data sharing. Separately, AP reports that it’s actually hard to reach New Mexico’s Medicaid providers by phone to schedule appointments.
