Latest KFF Health News Stories
Connecticut Spent $20M On Health Data Network, Then Didn’t Use It
A report shows that a planned health information network system has collapsed in Connecticut without being used, although a lot of money was spent developing it. A case on dietary advice from a health coach in Florida, Medicaid expansion, and more are also in state health news.
Millions Of Kids Returning To School Without Free School Meals
Many schoolchildren won’t have the benefits of pandemic-era free food, though some areas are making efforts to help hungry kids. Also: a boil water advisory affecting over 100,000 people in Michigan, more cases of H3N2v flu, and other public health news.
Joint Commission’s New Accreditation Standards Tackle Health Disparities
As of Jan 1., primary care clinics, behavioral health centers, and other health systems will be subject to new accreditation standards that are aimed at reducing health disparities. Separately, Humana is buying a Wisconsin-based Medicaid company, Salem Health has radiation incidents, and more.
Data On Covid Hospitalizations To Again Be Under CDC Purview
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will again be in control of the data from December despite criticism over the CDC’s pandemic response. Meanwhile, research into long covid and MIS-C shows that patients can have symptoms lasting up to 18 months.
Over 2,000 Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Workers To Strike Today
The strike, which will hit Northern California, is said to be over “dangerously long” waits for appointments. (KHN is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.) Separately, Signify Health is cutting nearly 500 staff, an Oregon hospital overpaid staff by $2 million, and other stories.
Study: AstraZeneca Drug Improves Survival In Breast Cancer Patients
Late-stage trials find that Enhertu benefits patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Separately, Fierce Pharma reported Friday that the drug also won accelerated approval in patients with HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have received a prior systemic therapy, making it the first drug specifically approved for that condition, according to the FDA.
New York Polio Case Prompts People To Check Their Vax Status
Polio potentially spreading in New York poses a tricky question for people who don’t know their vaccine status. CBS notes “most adults” likely don’t need a shot since they were likely vaccinated when children. But other media outlets report concern is mounting across the country.
How To Keep Your Pets Safe After Family Dog Found To Have Monkeypox
A recent report from The Lancet said that a French couple who had contracted monkeypox let their 4-year-old Italian greyhound sleep in their bed. Experts warn the disease can spread through petting, cuddling, hugging, licking, sharing sleeping areas, and sharing food.
Pediatric Monkeypox Risks Low, Experts Say, Despite A Few Cases
As kids head back to schools and day cares after the summer, worries grow about monkeypox infection risks. But public health experts say the chances of direct contact with someone with skin lesions is currently low in those environments.
WHO Renames Monkeypox Variants, Seeks Replacement Name
To move away from geographic and historical stigmas about the virus infecting many nations, the World Health Organization is asking for naming ideas to replace the term “monkeypox.” In the meantime, it made two immediate changes, renaming two dominant variants to “Clade I” and “Clade II.” Other news reports center around the spotty U.S. vaccine rollout.
Kansas Abortion Recount Unlikely To Surmount 165,000-Vote Difference
An anti-abortion activist is footing the $229,000 bill for a hand recount of Kansas’ constitutional amendment measure that would have banned abortion in the state.
Abortion Bans In Idaho And Louisiana Will Stay In Effect
The Idaho Supreme Court ruled Friday that abortions can be blocked while legal challenges play out. In Louisiana, the state Supreme Court on Friday denied an appeal to block its abortion ban. But in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams signed six bills to protect abortion access.
Historic Drug Pricing Measures Head To Biden’s Desk To Sign
The House passed the Inflation Reduction Act on Friday and President Joe Biden will sign the $700 billion package into law this week. News outlets dive into its Medicare and Affordable Care Act changes, timelines for implementation, and potential midterms impact.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers weigh in on TB, monkeypox, psychedelics and IPF.
Opinion writers discuss sex education and covid issues.
Florida Rules Will Prevent Medicaid Coverage Of Gender-Affirming Care
A new state rule will align Florida with at least 10 other states who similarly block access to care for transgender people. Other reports cover safety rules for “Brazilian butt lifts,” a failed bill targeting social media giants for allegedly harming children, and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on locked-in syndrome, stillbirths, how covid is outsmarting us, “magic mushrooms,” CTE, and more.
Mistrial Declared In Flint Civil Case Over Lead Water Cleanup
The mistrial was declared after jurors couldn’t reach a verdict in a case where multiple residents of the city sued two companies hired to help fix Flint’s lead water problem. Meanwhile, in Detroit, an investigation into a carcinogen spill into a river, and other news.
American Medical Association Tries To Boost HIV, STI Screening
The initiative from the AMA is supposed to help catch infectious diseases earlier to reduce transmission, while also cutting health care spending. Meanwhile, in news on baby food, a report shows homemade versions contain as many toxic metals as store-bought ones.
