Latest KFF Health News Stories
Meningococcal Disease Outbreak Alert Issued For Florida
The warning came from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which noted the outbreak so far has mainly affected gay and bisexual men and recommended vaccination. Asbestos in a California women’s prison, Alaska withholding pay from doctors fired by the governor, and more are also in the news.
Nearly 30% Of Popular Baby Formula Brands Sold Out
The shortage is higher than other products at the moment, partly driven by a recall of Abbot Similac products. Meanwhile, the Washington Post reports that despite decades of effort, babies are still dying of sudden infant death syndrome.
Kentucky, Idaho Abortion Bans Halted Temporarily
In Kentucky, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed the strict 15-week anti-abortion bill, calling the law “likely unconstitutional.” In Idaho, the state Supreme Court temporary blocked a strict anti-abortion law modeled after Texas’ controversial one amid debates over its constitutionality.
FDA Could Get 30-Day Mandate To Tackle Opening Hearing Aid Access
Seemingly dissatisfied with the Food and Drug Administration’s slow pace toward allowing over-the-counter hearing aid purchases, two senators are threatening the FDA with a mandate bill. Meanwhile, costs and supply chain problems are turning people toward refurbished walkers and wheelchairs.
Cyberattacks And Ransomware Hit Smaller, Rural Hospitals
Stat highlights that it’s not just larger urban health systems that are targeted by hackers — smaller, rural venues are also being affected, and the impact on patients, staff and others is just as serious. The Montana State Hospital, Wellstar Health Systems, BayCare and more are also in the news.
Lawmaker Calls For Investigation Of Nursing Home Covid Deaths
In a letter to the chair of the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Bobby Rush, a Democrat from Illinois, singled out large ownership webs of nursing homes: “It is Congress’s job to stand in-between greedy corporations and those who are the most defenseless.”
Truckers Join Crowd In LA Protesting Vaccine Mandates
More than a thousand people opposed to vaccine mandates rallied in front of Los Angeles City Hall on Sunday. A slew of featured speakers was interspersed with musical acts, and the streets were lined with big rigs that were part of the “People’s Convoy” that had traveled to Los Angeles for the rally after a nationwide tour that included protests in Washington, D.C.
As DC’s Covid Outbreak Grows, Concerns Rise For Biden
Over the past two weeks, people close to President Joe Biden have contracted covid as the virus spreads among some of Washington’s most powerful figures. The White House approach to keeping the president safe appears somewhat haphazard.
Covid Is On The Rise, Yet Infections Are Likely Undercounted
Other indicators, like wastewater surveillance, hint that the U.S. is in the midst of another covid surge. But a drop in lab-based testing is leaving a big data gap in the overall picture. And some public health experts question the usefulness of covid case counts at this point in the pandemic.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Autism Looks Different In Girls; Qualified Immigrants Could Help Nursing Shortage
Editorial writers weigh in on these various public health topics.
Different Takes: How To Manage Our New Covid Normal; Will China Ever Stop Its Zero-Covid Policy?
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid and health insurance issues.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s picks include stories on emotional support animals, Down syndrome, trans health care, plus-sized exercise gear, covid, and more.
Nearly 2 In 3 People In Africa Have Had Covid: WHO
The U.N.’s health agency’s analysis of covid in Africa also suggests the number of cases is around 100 times what has been officially reported. Meanwhile in Shanghai, where the city has been locked down to control a covid outbreak, reports say the health system is overwhelmed.
New Michigan Law Aims To Cut Health Care Delays
Where preapproval to providers covering treatment is required by Michigan insurers, the new law means insurers must react quickly to doctor’s requests or face automatic approval. Meanwhile, Alabama lawmakers pass an anti-trans youth health care ban.
US Life Expectancy Falls Further To 76.6 Years
In a clear sign of a public health failure, the life expectancy of an American dropped for the second year in a row. In other news: opioids, food safety, mental health and a better way to measure BMI.
Pandemic Waivers Of Nursing Home Regulations Ending
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will phase out pandemic-related temporary waivers of nursing home regulations. In other health care industry news, states are giving hospitals billions of dollars in federal aid to retain and recruit nurses and other professionals.
Michigan Enters The Abortion Fray
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, filed a lawsuit to keep abortion legal if Roe vs. Wade is overturned. The state has a 1931 law on the books that bans abortion.
Medicare Finalizes Plan To Pay For Alzheimer’s Drug For Those In Studies
The drug, Aduhelm, received conditional approval from the FDA, but doctors and others have questioned whether studies showed it was effective and raised concerns about serious side effects and the high cost. Medicare officials said they would cover the drug only if patients were enrolled in a clinical trial.
Court Strikes Down Military’s HIV Policy
A federal court ended a Pentagon policy forbidding enlisted military service members from deploying outside the U.S. and being commissioned as officers if they have HIV.
