Latest KFF Health News Stories
3D-Printed Human Cells Used In Ear Transplant Surgery
The astonishing advance, reported in The New York Times, represents a clinical trial of some breakthrough technology, in this case used to help a young woman born with a misshapen ear. In other news, drinking coffee may lower your risk of dying, advances in pregnancy test tech, and more.
Pancreatic Cancer Therapy Experiment Saves Woman; Is It A Breakthrough?
Researchers point out that another pancreatic cancer patient who received the same therapy did not respond to the treatment and died. But the highly personalized immunotherapy is being called “an important step along the way” to devising treatments that might help lung, colon, and other cancers.
As Federal Covid Money Runs Low, Funding Bill Mired On Hill
AP reports that legislative efforts to authorize additional funds to combat covid remain stalled, as the White House request has been tied to the thorny immigration issue. Other stories on the state of the pandemic report focus on variants, at-capacity ERs, surging infections, and more.
Pfizer Asks FDA To Authorize Its Covid Shot For Kids Under 5
The Food and Drug Administration received Pfizer’s application for emergency use authorization of its covid vaccine for children under 5. A request from Moderna is also under review and a decision for both may come this month.
Biden Says Impact Of Formula Plant Shutdown Took Him By Surprise
Following a meeting with infant formula makers at the White House, President Joe Biden acknowledged the slow response of his administration to the national shortage. Meanwhile, the U.S. government is airlifting in more supplies from other countries.
Medical Building Is Latest ‘Catastrophic Scene’ Of Mass Gun Deaths
Four people were shot and killed at a Tulsa medical building on St. Francis Health System’s hospital campus. The gunman is also dead. This mass shooting — on the heels of two recent others — comes as lawmakers struggle with answers to the U.S. gun violence epidemic.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: High Drug Prices Harm Those Who Need Prescriptions To Survive
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues.
Opinion writers delve into breastfeeding, abortion and covid.
Controversy As Insurer Calls Prescribed Obesity Meds A ‘Vanity Drug’
The New York Times story covers a case of a doctor prescribing Saxenda (recently approved for weight loss) to a patient, who had coverage refused by her insurer over its “vanity” status. And in Stat, a genetic biotech firm says it can now sequence entire human genomes for just $100.
Maraviroc Appears To Treat More Than HIV; Unnecessary Antibiotics Detrimental To Kids
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Ohio Medicaid Contract Dispute Threatens Pharmacies
The Columbus Dispatch warns over “pharmacy deserts” and low drug access for poorer or disabled Ohioans in the face of an unresolved dispute over the state’s Medicaid contracts. Meanwhile, a child in Maine has died from flu; Montana has hired a new Medicaid director; and more.
Cases Of Esophageal Cancer Possibly Rise In Middle-Age People
Typically esophageal cancer has been mostly found in older people, but now estimates from the American Cancer Society warn it may be rising among a younger, middle-aged generation. Also: Reports of high levels of PFAS in drinking water near Defense Department bases, news on the lead industry, and more.
Arizona Doctors Aim To Twist Surprise Billing Law Into Pay-Booster
A draft ballot initiative concerning the surprise billing law obtained by Stat has a surprising goal, according to the publication: It strips out key parts of the federal arbitration process and ultimately could boost physician’s incomes in out-of-network disputes, with consumers paying extra.
Chilling With A Drink? Nope: Gen Zers Choose Weed Or Mushrooms
A study by a cannabis research firm is reported in Bloomberg and has interesting data on how Gen Z differs in its relaxing habits: Booze is out and ‘shrooms are in. In Axios, a separate study is covered, and it shows that young people’s love of vaping products has reversed a long decline in tobacco use.
Supreme Court Abortion Leak Hunt Shifts To Law Clerks’ Phone Data
The leak of the controversial Supreme Court opinion that could end Roe v. Wade and dramatically affect U.S. abortions is being investigated, and law clerks are being asked to provide cell phone records. Potential abortion bans in Tennessee; the impact of Oklahoma’s ban on IVF; and more.
Ease Of Purchasing Guns Becomes Point Of Reflection In Texas
While many officials are suggesting that dealing with mental health problems is the key to stop gun violence, some people on social media are pointing out the disparities between the ease of buying a high-powered firearm or getting other services and equipment. Meanwhile, a woman shot in New York’s subway is suing the gunmaker and a St. Louis doctor looks at the toll guns are left there.
Faulty Pulse Oximeter Design Likely Hurt Care For Darker-Skinned Covid Patients
A study shows that the devices did not measure the oxygen levels of Black, Latino, or Asian patients as accurately as white patients. And in Nevada, a lab company is under fire for covid test results that were almost entirely wrong.
Justice Department Appeals Court Order Blocking Travel Mask Mandate
“None of the district court’s quarrels with the CDC order comes close to showing that the CDC has acted outside the ‘zone of reasonableness,'” the Justice Department said in the brief. Meanwhile, other mask and vaccine requirements are in the news.
