Latest KFF Health News Stories
Omicron Subvariants Driving Up Covid Around The World: WHO
A recent briefing from the World Health Organization places blame squarely on omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 for a surge in covid cases in more than 50 nations. The WHO is also reportedly asking Pfizer to improve access to its Paxlovid covid pill to prevent illness in poorer countries.
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
In A First, Colorado To Legalize Right-To-Repair For Electric Wheelchairs
A bill on its way to Democratic Gov. Jared Polis’ desk would make it easier for owners of powered wheelchairs to order parts and tools for fixes through independent repairers, versus having to use the maker’s providers. Separately, Colorado lawmakers rejected a push to ban flavored tobacco products.
FDA Moves To Boost Baby Formula Supplies As Stores Run Dry
FDA commissioner Robert Califf said, “Ensuring the availability of safe, sole-source nutrition products like infant formula is of the utmost importance to the FDA.” But the FDA has not said when Abbott Laboratories, the biggest U.S. formula supplier and source of a massive recall, will reopen its factory.
Oscar Health To Exit Colorado, Arkansas
The insurtech company announced that commercial and regulatory issues have pushed it to leave the two states. Changing insurance rate-setting processes in Massachusetts, higher pay for insurtech CEOS, a ransomware attack at medical tech firm Omnicell, and more are also in the news.
As Covid Soared, So Did Gun Deaths — To Near-Record Rates
Media outlets cover tragic Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data showing the arrival of the pandemic also brought a jump in gun-related homicides. Deaths leaped nearly 35% in 2020 to the highest level since 1994, with higher rates among poorer, younger groups and for Black Americans. Gun-related suicide rates were mostly stable.
Emergent Factory Hid Vaccine Troubles From FDA, Congressional Report Finds
The problem-plagued plant in Baltimore was forced to destroy millions more covid vaccine doses than previously known, the report says. An Emergent BioSolutions spokesman defended the company, saying it has “willingly” participated in the probe and has been “forthcoming with the FDA.”
Future Covid Funding At Risk In Senate Tussle On Ukraine, Borders
Media outlets report that Democrats may concede to Republican pressure and offer a vote on blocking President Joe Biden’s new border rules if this helps unstick progress on covid aid. But alongside efforts to increase aid to Ukraine, some worry over the $10 billion covid package’s future.
Covid Testing, Critical To Halting Spread Of Virus, Has Slumped
Experts say coronavirus testing has dropped anywhere from 70% to 90% worldwide from the first to second quarter of 2022, AP reports. In other news, Bill Gates — the target of anti-vaccine conspiracists — has tested positive for covid.
Interest Grows In IUDs, Vasectomies As Patients Look Ahead
With Roe v. Wade possibly soon to be overturned, many Americans of childbearing years are researching secure birth control plans. And a new poll of women ages 18-29 finds that half would still seek out a needed abortion, even if illegal.
Political Leaders Trade Barbs Over Inflamed Abortion Protests
Though characterizing Republican outrage over abortion protests as a distraction from the core issue, Democrats are urging activists to temper techniques and avoid vandalism or personal threats.
State Abortion Battle Lines Deepen With Legislation, Court Cases
News outlets round up the efforts of Republican-led states to codify bans and target medication abortions, as well as states or regions led by Democrats scrambling for ways to protect access.
Senate Democrats Move Ahead With Abortion Bill Vote Expected To Fail
The Senate is poised to vote Wednesday on a bill introduced by Democrats to codify national abortion rights. But it is not expected to approach the 60 votes needed to surmount a Republican filibuster. In the run-up, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen testified on the potential economic harm to the nation of restricting reproductive health access.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Abortion Is Vital Health Care; A Total Abortion Ban Is Beyond McConnell’s Reach
Opinion writers weigh in on abortion rights and maternity care.
Deaths Of 3 Americans In Bahamas Came After Hospital Visits
More information emerged about the recent deaths of three Americans at a Sandals resort — the victims ate in different places but had sought medical help. Separately, in the U.K., reports say 10 million people have gone without meals deliberately because of costs or through availability issues.
Connecticut Starts To Address Lead-Poisoning In Kids
Meanwhile, in Alabama worries rise over a new law that makes it illegal to treat young trans people with gender-affirming medications — including patients who are already mid-treatment. Texas’s falling birth rate, the number of homeless people in San Francisco, and more are also in the news.
If You’re Black, Alzheimer’s Blood Tests Won’t Work As Well
New research into efforts to diagnose Alzheimer’s using blood tests shows they aren’t as accurate for African Americans, with a higher risk of misdiagnosis and thus incorrect treatments. Meanwhile, a separate study suggests some racial and ethnic groups should be screened earlier for diabetes.
More Resources May Be Needed For National Mental Health Line To Work
Fox News reports on concerns that states need more support for the upcoming 988 national mental health hotline to properly serve people’s needs. Also: efforts to promote Mental Health awareness in Iowa, an ACLU case against Indiana over mental health treatments for an inmate, and more.
Study: Drugmakers Paying More In Prescription Drug Rebates
A new study raises concerns this can tempt makers to “inflate list prices and PBMs to distort drug formularies to favor high list price and high-rebate therapies.” Meanwhile, the Washington Post covers different ways to save on prescription drug costs.
