Latest KFF Health News Stories
Inflation To Impact Negotiations Between Health Providers, Insurers
Modern Healthcare warns negotiations between health providers and insurers may be “bloody” thanks to the impact of inflation, which rose for general goods more than health care in May. Separately, Medicare Advantage is chastised by government watchdogs for denying care and overcharging.
AAP Advises Breastfeeding For Up To 2 Years Or Longer In New Guidance
Fresh guidelines for breastfeeding from the American Academy of Pediatrics say it’s now thought that after 6 months it’s beneficial to breastfeed alongside solid foods for up to 2 years or more. The AAP also noted that more help for parents is needed, including childcare and support for public feeding.
White House Advances Monkeypox Vaccine Efforts
Officials are now advising a monkeypox shot for anyone potentially exposed to a confirmed case in the last two weeks. About 56,000 shots will be sent to affected areas soon, and the White House plans availability of about 300,000 in the next several weeks and 1.6 million in total by the end of 2022.
Next Round Of Covid Shots Should Be Omicron-Fighters: FDA
A Food and Drug Administration vaccine advisory panel voted to recommend modified vaccines for the next expected battle against covid in the fall, to specifically combat the infectious omicron variant. Meanwhile, reports say “millions” of Americans have yet to get their booster doses.
Facebook, Instagram Remove Posts For Abortion Pills As Demand Jumps
Facebook is issuing warnings that the postings violate its standards on “guns, animals and other regulated goods.” Meanwhile, Hey Jane, an abortion pill delivery company, told Newsweek that patient demand has more than doubled since Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Abortion Doctors Face Quandary Over Future Work In Post-Roe Times
Media outlets report on how abortion providers are reacting to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, including having to make difficult decisions about moving locations from anti-abortion states or continuing to work in a complex and potentially threatening legal environment.
How Much Will Roe Ruling Matter In Key Midterm States?
Democrats are leaning into the issue, running against the Supreme Court and former President Donald Trump’s legacy. Republicans are betting that other issues will drive voters more in November. Meanwhile, as abortion policy is decided at the state level, the importance of local lawmaker races ratchets up even higher.
Military Will Not Change Its Abortion Policy, Pentagon Says
The Defense Department clarified Tuesday that facilities on military bases will continue to provide abortions in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother’s life is at risk. Federal law prohibits the Pentagon from performing or paying for other types of abortions. And in Nevada, Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak signed an executive order to shield patients and health care workers from prosecution.
Court Reinstates Tennessee’s 6-Week Abortion Ban
As Indiana and Iowa also look to roll back abortion access, Wisconsin’s attorney general is challenging the state’s 173-year-old ban. And birth control and Plan B controversy takes root in Missouri.
Short Window Opens For Early Abortions To Resume In Texas
A judge issued a temporary restraining order on a 1925 state law that would ban the procedure following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade. Abortions can only be performed at clinics named in the suit and the controversial law banning the procedure after 6 weeks remains in place. Texas’ attorney general will appeal.
HHS Response Centers On Preserving Access To Abortion Drugs
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said his agency will enforce existing policies to aid abortion access — especially as states start to restrict mifepristone and misoprostol — and look for new actions, but warns “there is no magic bullet.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Can We Contain Monkeypox?; FDA Battling The Tobacco Industry In Cancer Fight
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Federal Safety Report Says School Shootings, Cyberbullying Rising
In fact, according to federal data reported by the Washington Post, school shootings for 2020-21 were the highest in two decades. The same report says cyberbullying is also rising, as is verbal abuse of teachers. Separately, media outlets cover red flag laws and their implementation to limit gun use.
Using Marijuana Linked To Increased Risk Of Needing ERs, Hospitalization
A study reported by CNN links recreational use of marijuana with increased need for hospital care for any reason. Among other news, Stat looks at what is and isn’t known about the Food and Drug Administration’s ban of Juul products, and AP covers the impending changes to free school meals.
Monkeypox Spreads As Cases Pop Up Across Country
Media outlets report on the first monkeypox cases in Nebraska and Minnesota, and the second case in Ohio. In D.C., Axios notes, monkeypox vaccine is being offered for free, and LiveScience reminds that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that unusual symptoms may be presented.
To Boost Cancer Care, CMS Plans New ‘Enhancing Oncology’ Payment Model
Modern Healthcare covers upcoming changes to CMS cancer payments, with the current Oncology Care Model ending Thursday after 6 years. The new system, building off the old, won’t kick-in until mid 2023, however. Women in clinical trials, racial bias in medicine, and more are also reported.
Doctors’ Intent Matters, Supreme Court Says In Opioid Pill Mill Ruling
News outlets report the Supreme Court ruled in favor of two doctors in a case where they’d been sentenced for unlawfully prescribing opioids, saying that prosecutors needed to prove more than just violating objective standards. Separately, Oklahoma reached a $250 million opioid settlement.
FDA Debates Whether To Update Covid Vaccines Ahead Of Fall
An advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration will discuss Tuesday whether a potential fall booster should take aim at omicron or not, as the covid virus continues to evolve quickly. Vaccine mandates, side effects, and drugmakers are also in the news.
Fall Of Roe V. Wade Could Adversely Impact OB-GYN Training
After the Supreme Court ruled to curtail abortion rights, questions have been raised about the impact on training of OB-GYN residents, who, USA Today reports, may in the future be in the position of having to end a pregnancy to save someone’s life — potentially putting them in legal crosshairs.
