Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study Shows Mortality Rate For Republicans Higher Than Democrats
Media outlets cover a study into the gap in mortality rates between counties that lean toward Democratic or Republican politics, showing the gap widening with higher rates among Republicans over the last two decades and accelerating during the pandemic. Cancer treatments, Type 2 diabetes, and how the liver ages are also in the news.
VA Launches Mission To Lower Veteran Suicides
Wyoming Public Radio reports on a new initiative from the Department of Veterans Affairs: Mission Daybreak is a 10-year $20 million program aimed at driving veteran suicide rates lower. Meanwhile, in Massachusetts patients waiting for psychiatric treatment are said to be crowding emergency rooms.
Medical Company Cyberattack May Have Snared Data On 2 Million People
Shields Health Care Group says the identity and medical information, including diagnoses, of patients may have been grabbed by hackers in May. Separately, giant database company Oracle has completed its acquisition of Cerner, an electronics health records company.
FTC To Probe Pharmacy Benefit Managers’ Impact on Access, Price
The Federal Trade Commission is looking into the business practices of the 6 largest PBMs, which negotiate rebates and fees with drug manufacturers for health plans, the agency announced Tuesday. Some independent pharmacies have complained that PBMs’ practices have helped fuel price increases and limit consumers’ choices.
Median Launch Price For A New Drug Was $2,115 In 2008. In 2021? $180K
Boston researchers looked into the soaring cost of launching a new drug in the U.S. between 2008 and 2021: The median price jumped roughly 20% per year through this period. A separate study highlights the risk of lower price transparency when hospitals merge.
Missouri’s New Law Protects Doctors Who Prescribe Ivermectin ‘Off-Label’
Gov. Mike Parson signed the law, which goes into effect in August, protecting pharmacists from questioning prescriptions of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine — unproven as covid treatments. Meanwhile, Molnupiravir is shown to cut the need for high level medical care for covid patients.
Fights Over Release Of Covid Infection Data Play Out At State, National Level
The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled in favor of state efforts to release records on company covid outbreaks. Meanwhile, consumer groups are pushing back on a Biden administration proposal that would block public access to some hospital safety data.
Nebraska Legislature Nears Super-Majority That Could Ban Abortion
With a recent Senate appointment, Nebraska’s one-chamber legislature is one vote away from passing a constitutional amendment that would automatically outlaw abortion if Roe v. Wade is overturned. Meanwhile, as primaries shape the fall election, voters say the abortion issue will influence their actions.
Mass Shootings, Abortion Case Prompt DHS Warning Of Elevated Threats
The Department of Homeland Security warned of potential violent threats and extremist activity over the next several months An anti-abortion center in Buffalo and a pregnancy clinic in North Carolina are in the news for being targeted already.
Senate Gun Talks At Pivotal Point But Quick Action Unlikely
Some lawmakers say they are encouraged that negotiations could yield new gun measures. Yet, as the players shift, a compromise is still far off. And others worry that the limited proposals that could pass wouldn’t do enough to curb the spate of violence.
CDC Posts, Then Deletes, Guidance On Airborne Risks Of Monkeypox
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it removed the recommendation that travelers worried about monkeypox should wear a mask because it was causing confusion. Although public health officials have been linking many of the cases in this outbreak to close sexual contacts, monkeypox can also be spread through the air for short distances.
FDA Authorization For Novavax’s Covid Vaccine Endorsed By Advisory Panel
The Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee voted 21-0 in favor of the Food and Drug Administration granting emergency use authorization for the Novavax covid vaccine. If the FDA adopts the recommendation, a fourth shot option may soon be available in the U.S.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Despite Claims, Noom Is Just Another Diet; Climate Change Is Killing People
Editorial writers consider the weight-loss app Noom, heat wave deaths, and other issues.
Opinion writers weigh in on mental health issues and pandemic consequences.
Judge Rules Oklahoma’s Controversial Lethal Injections Are Permitted
The three-drug protocol used for executions in Oklahoman was challenged by allegations it causes “impermissible pain and suffering,” but after a complex legal case involving many medical opinions, it has been ruled constitutional. Meanwhile, in Ohio a transgender sports bans may lead to genital checks.
Adding High Fence To Florida Bridge Has Dramatically Reduced Suicides
Before the nearly 11-foot-high fence was added June 23, 2021, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge averaged between 12 and 15 suicides a year. But in the past year, just four people have jumped and died. Meanwhile, a new nationwide suicide hotline struggles for funding ahead of its launch on July 16.
Connecticut Will Try Criminal Case Against Sacklers Over Opioid Crisis
The state’s top prosecutor will be asked by Attorney General William Tong to consider criminal charges against Sackler family members over the marketing of OxyContin. Separately, Kentucky is forming a group to oversee how the state’s $483 million opioid payout will be distributed.
Newly-Approved Diabetes Drug Found To Also Boost Weight Loss
Tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat type 2 diabetes but a study shows it can also help with weight loss, quite dramatically. Dramatic remissions of some B-cell lymphomas are also reported in an early study of Adicet Bio’s CAR-T treatment.
Bill Would Make New York Safe Haven For Out-Of-Staters Seeking Abortion
The package of bills, which is awaiting Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature, would ensure legal protections for abortion providers and prevent law enforcement from cooperating with out-of-state agencies, as well as prohibit medical malpractice insurance companies from taking adverse actions against providers who care for nonresidents, Stateline reports. Meanwhile, abortion opponents and supporters are gearing up for a decision from the Supreme Court this month.
