Latest KFF Health News Stories
Despite Omicron Surge, Insurers And Hospitals Are ‘In Very Good Shape’
Stat reports that even though federal relief efforts have eased, many hospitals and large insurance firms are doing as well or better than before the pandemic hit.
Common Pig Virus May Have Affected Experimental Human Transplant
The revolutionary surgery that saw a human receive a pig’s heart may have ended with the patient’s death because of pig cytomegalovirus, it’s now suspected. Separately, a push to get more Black Americans to sign up for organ donation, plus developments in uterine cancer and ibuprofen use.
Scientists Report Link Between Covid Infection And Impotence
Reports of male impotence after a covid infection may not just be related to pandemic anxiety or stress, as scientists begin to think the virus lingers in cells, causing erectile dysfunction and low sperm counts. Separately: a push to study Paxlovid’s use against long covid, and other covid news.
WHO: Nearly 3 Times More People Died During Pandemic Than Officials Say
The World Health Organization says the number of direct or indirect deaths because of the pandemic is 14.9 million for 2020 and 2021 — 2.7 times more than official figures of 5.42 million globally. Most “excess” deaths were from covid, but some were for issues like difficultly in accessing medical care.
Insurers To See Low Impact Of Ending Roe; Providers Prepare For Upheaval
Modern Healthcare notes an overturn of Roe v. Wade would merely result in health insurers having to deal with different local rules — normal in an industry used to patchwork regulations. Other reports say abortions have been falling in the U.S., but the Supreme Court leak unsettled the public and urged providers to put new plans in place.
States V. States: Cross-Border Abortion Fights Could Play Out In Courts
In other abortion news from the states: an effort to codify abortion rights in New Hampshire fails; Louisiana advances bill to classify abortion as homicide; and much more.
Chief Justice Says ‘Appalling’ Leak Won’t Change Outcome Of Case
Chief Justice John Roberts made his first public comments on the explosive publication of the draft opinion, saying he hopes “one bad apple” will not spoil public perception of the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, legal experts examine the potential domino effect of striking down case precedent.
Warnings Raised Of Violent Protests Against Roe Reversal
As protests and marches happen across the country, law enforcement officials are also expecting violent unrest. And tall fences have been erected around the Supreme Court building. Media outlets also cover how Hollywood and corporate America are responding to the news.
Democrats Lack Votes To Pass Bill Codifying Roe
Senate leaders plan a doomed vote for next week on legislation to protect abortion rights at the federal level in a symbolic move, as Democrats worry they have no strategy on the issue. Meanwhile, both parties see ways an overturned Roe v. Wade could help them in the fall elections.
FDA Restricts Use Of J&J Covid Vaccine
After review of rare cases of blood clots, the FDA limits the parameters for who can get Johnson & Johnson’s one-dose shot to adults who cannot get either of the approved mRNA covid vaccines.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine tampon tax and abortion issues.
Opinion writers weigh in on covid related issues and mental health topics.
Research Roundup: Heart Attacks; RSV; Covid; Psychotic Disorders
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Health Aide Shortage Impacting At-Home Care
NPR reports on low numbers of health aides and how this impedes seniors and people with disabilities from getting medical care at home. Charities paying-off of medical debt, housing aid for foster youths from insurers, plus corporate health system expansions, and other industry stories are also in the news.
Victims Of Food Shortages Hit Record Levels In 2021: UN
AP reports on staggering amounts of food shortages and hunger around the world last year. In mental health news, a survey finds that nearly half of young people identifying as LGBTQ+ considered suicide in the past year. Plus, the “most accurate” 3D model of female anatomy is revealed, and more.
Defense Lawyers Try Legal Trick In Flint Lead Water Case
AP reports on a significant challenge to charges against former Governor Rick Snyder and others in the case concerning toxic lead water in Flint, Michigan. Meanwhile, in California experts warn that the upcoming summer will bring “dangerous” extreme heat events as well as droughts and wildfires.
Lawmakers Advance Reforms Of Fast-Track FDA Drug Approvals
The latest legislation is “friendlier” to the pharmaceutical industry than previous drafts, but still cracks down on tricks used to speed new drugs through FDA processes. Separately, the agency warns of poor drug testing standards at a lab run by Miami University.
Scientist Dr. Mary Klotman Is A Lead Candidate To Head Up NIH
Reports say Dr. Mary Klotman, who is both a scientist and senior academic figure who has researched HIV, is in the running to head the National Institutes of Health. An article in Nature, meanwhile, suggests a number of ways the NIH could be rebooted with lessons from the pandemic.
FDA Fires Back At Pfizer: ‘No Evidence’ A Second Round Of Paxlovid Helps
At issue is how to help patients who suffer a relapse in symptoms. Also, new research suggests that wearing two face coverings doesn’t offer more respiratory protection.
