Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers examine covid transmission and mask mandates.
Research Roundup: Covid; Cancer; Hydrocephalus
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
First Gender-Affirming Surgery In Federal Prison Ordered By Judge
Separately, in Florida, the Department of Health advised that minors seeking transgender care should not receive such medical aid. In Alabama, parents try to overturn a law denying care to their trans children. Media outlets cover other transgender issues, including controversial sports bans.
UnitedHealthcare, OptumRx Sued Over Alleged ‘Spread Pricing’ For Drugs
Louisiana accused them of overcharging the state’s Medicaid department by billions of dollars through inflated prescription drug prices. Meanwhile, a report from CBS News says that many Americans are often forced to pay medical bills that don’t belong to them.
Dangerous Ransomware Group Is Targeting Health Care, HHS Warns
Also: Health and Human Services Department data on health care consolidation; five ways CMS’ proposed hospital rule could impact patient safety; Humana is planning to sell its hospice business; Texas omitted a key group when issuing pay support for health workers; and more.
Ohio Doctor Acquitted Of Fentanyl Overdose Deaths
William Husel had been accused of “wildly” over-prescribing fentanyl and killing 14 patients. Lawyers note Husel is still facing civil suits. A surge in food bank use and a bill to end coroner investigations of miscarriages in California, abortion access in South Dakota and more are also in the news.
Study Shows Time-Limited Eating Doesn’t Fight Obesity
Meanwhile, CNN reports on why we shouldn’t compliment people losing weight. Also: a story about a man desperately dieting to get a Taco Bell menu item back, expanding complaints of sickness from Lucky Charms, meat allergy illness from tic bites, and the “gut healing” trend on TikTok.
As More People Use Marijuana, Secondhand Smoke Risks Rise
Media outlets cover the risk of lingering particles from bong smoke — including to pets and children — “copycat” food packaging used by marijuana edibles, pet poisonings from accidental edible ingestions, and various political and legal maneuvers relating to legalization.
Scientists Find Bacterial Correlation With Aggressive Prostate Cancer
A new study has identified five types of bacteria in samples from men with the illness, and though the link is not proved to be causal, it raises hopes that treatments may be developed later. A separate study has found higher numbers of mutations in brain cells of Alzheimer’s disease sufferers.
Nearly Half Of Americans Breathing Unsafe Air, ALA Report Finds
The American Lung Association’s annual “State of the Air” report looked at Americans’ exposure to smog and soot, which can cause asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer and other health problems — possibly even a positive covid test.
Across US, Covid Cases Are Up But Hospitalizations Are Down
And a new study that was done before the omicron variant hit suggests that natural immunity from a covid infection may offer longer-lasting protection than an mRNA vaccine. Even so, the study’s authors stressed that “vaccination is a considerably safer way to acquire that immunity.”
CDC Vaccine Advisers Weigh Who Should Get Boosters, And When
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices met Wednesday to discuss recommendations on future doses of covid vaccine. Some members leaned toward advising that people under 50 years old wait for the next generation of shots.
Justice Department Will Appeal Ruling That Voided Travel Mask Mandate
The decision was based on a determination by the CDC that masking on public transit “remains necessary to protect the public health.” Based on other pandemic-related rulings, court watchers say the Biden administration move could be an uphill climb.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these various public health topics.
Different Takes: Better Covid Test On The Horizon; Reframing Opinions On Unvaccinated Patients
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid issues.
Perspectives: Colorado’s Attempt To Lower Rx Costs Has Opposite Effect
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues
Database Project Aims To Monitor Drug Supply Chain From Start To Finish
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Hepatitis Outbreak Has Affected At Least 9 Kids In Alabama
Media outlets report on a “mysterious” outbreak of liver damage in children which had originally been found in Great Britain and is now affecting kids in the U.S. Other news comes from California, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Alaska, and Texas.
Covid Delays Cause Epidemic Of Patients In US Hospitals
Fox News reports on the experiences of doctors across the U.S. as a wave of people are needing hospital assistance now after avoiding medical facilities during the pandemic, causing backlogs. Separately, in California, Sutter Health is locking out thousands of nurses who staged a strike.
