Latest KFF Health News Stories
Biden Restores Limits On US Military’s Use Of Land Mines
Antipersonnel landmines present both an immediate explosive threat, causing many civilian casualties globally each year, but also have long-term effects on mental health, access to safe water and medical care, and more.
Florida Gets New Purple Alerts To Help Find Missing Adults With Disabilities
The new alert system will roll out July 1 and is designed to help with “location of missing adults suffering from mental, cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities”. Meanwhile, in California a controversial initiative to push homeless people toward mental health care is advancing.
Evidence Supports Safety Of Over-The-Counter Birth Control Pills
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Older People With Better Balance Tend To Live Longer: Study
New research says if older people can’t stand on one leg for 10 seconds then they have nearly double the risk of death over the next decade. In other fascinating research, a different study found that any exposure to light while sleeping is linked to higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and other illnesses.
Rhode Island Expands Stem Cell Therapy For Cancer Patients With New Approval
The state Health Services Council voted to allow patients from the Lifespan Cancer Institute at the Rhode Island Hospital to take part in an autologous stem-cell therapy program. Meanwhile, Reuters reports on ongoing, controversial investments into adult stem cell research directed at heart disease.
Health Systems Say Feds Should Step In To Fend Off Cyberattacks
Insurance experts say the many millions spent on fixing a cyberattack ultimately comes back to consumers in the form of higher premium payments. But one expert at the federal government’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said a “significant portion” of hospital intrusions aren’t even reported to the government.
Moderna’s CEO Says Its New Covid Variant Shot Ready To Ship In August
The only barrier to distribution, CEO Stephane Bancel told Reuters, is regulatory. Separately, a study showed that patients hospitalized due to an omicron covid infection avoided more severe outcomes if they had a fourth shot of vaccines. Also: Paxlovid and covid rebound, long covid in women, and more.
Prabhakar Tapped As Science Adviser; Health Innovation Is On Her Agenda
President Joe Biden has nominated Arati Prabhakar to run the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. She is a scientist with a Ph.D. in applied physics who, while at DARPA, was connected with early work on RNA vaccines. If confirmed by the Senate, she will be the first woman and person of color in the role, and her mandate will include a Biden-favorite push for Cancer Moonshot 2.0.
Louisiana Trigger Bill Criminalizes Abortions Even For Rape, Incest Cases
The bill was signed by Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, and will go into effect if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. In Iowa the attorney general pointed out that a 24-hour waiting period before abortions has not yet taken effect. And in Wisconsin, Republican lawmakers are reportedly planning to scuttle efforts to repeal the state’s dormant abortion ban.
As Covid Vaccines Roll Out To Littlest Kids, Many Parents ‘Wait And See’
While President Joe Biden and many doctors urge covid vaccinations for kids under 5, the pace is expected to be slower than older age groups since most shots will be given at pediatrician offices and because of safety hesitancy by some parents.
Senate Advances Gun Safety Bill After Deal Struck
Within hours of Senate negotiators releasing the draft legislation, it cleared an initial 64-34 vote. A weekend floor vote is being eyed.
High Court Allows Insurers To Limit Dialysis, Forcing Patients To Medicare
In a 7-2 decision, the justices said an employer-provided health plan could make all dialysis providers out of network, which reduces reimbursements from the plan. That can have the effect of forcing patients into Medicare, which covers serious kidney disease. The court also refused to take up an appeal by the maker of Roundup, which is facing massive liability claims from people asserting that the weed killer causes cancer.
Senators Unveil Bill That Would Cap Insulin Costs For Many
The anticipated legislation would set most patients’ out-of-pocket costs for insulin at $35 per month and offer pharmaceutical companies incentives to lower overall prices. But it faces an uphill climb in the Senate.
FDA Aims To Eliminate Most Nicotine From Cigarettes
The Biden administration is writing a draft rule that would require tobacco companies to remove most nicotine from cigarettes. Its aim is to drastically reduce smoking-related deaths by removing the addictive ingredient, but the giant tobacco industry is gearing up for a court battle.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers weigh in on the baby formula shortage, monkeypox and mental health issues.
Viewpoints: Overturning Roe Disregards First Amendment; Adoption Is Not A Substitute For Abortion
Opinion writers tackle abortion rights, covid and LGBTQ+ issues in health care.
Expiring Subsidies Poised To Raise Health Premiums For Californians
The Los Angeles Times reports on how the potential expiration of the pandemic’s temporary relief package may lift health care costs in California. Separately, the Detroit Free Press reports on how thousands of people in Michigan and across the U.S. are missing out on HIV prevention treatments.
Infant Sleep Guides Updated, But Key Parts Remain Same
Though the American Academy of Pediatrics has updated guidelines for infant sleeping for the first time since 2016, key points such as babies sleeping on their back, alone, remain unchanged. Baby formula shipments, kids accidentally taking melatonin, cytomegalovirus, and more are also reported.
Toxins In Tennessee Fish Prompt Safety Alerts For At-Risk Groups
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation reported tests in reservoirs revealed high levels of some toxins like mercury, so some people are advised not to eat fish caught there. Meanwhile, in California, a bacterial outbreak at two hatcheries led to mass fish euthanizations.
