Latest KFF Health News Stories
Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Spreading Far Beyond Hospitals, Study Finds
A study reported in CIDRAP shows how far superbugs are spreading outside of health care, with many infections traced to community sources with no health care setting connections. Separately, researchers find an algorithm can cut sepsis deaths by nearly 20%.
NorthShore University Pays $10M To Settle Covid Shot Exemption Case
The Illinois health service had been sued by care workers who said they’d been denied religious exemptions when refusing to align with covid vaccine mandates. Separately, President Joe Biden’s covid case is highlighting confusion over the guidelines about isolation nowadays.
CMS Hikes Inpatient Medicare Reimbursements By 4.3%
The change, which is higher than an earlier proposed raise, is expected to increase hospital payments by $2.6 billion.
White House Selects A FEMA Official To Lead Monkeypox Effort
The Washington Post reports Robert J. Fenton Jr., a regional administrator and long-term FEMA employee, will coordinate the monkeypox response. Separately, The Hill reports on pressure from Democrats for the Government Accountability Office to review the federal monkeypox response.
GOP Sharpens Its Claws In Fight Over Massive Health Spending Bill
Republicans plan to challenge most of its provisions using an obscure procedure called the Byrd Rule, which limits the ability to pass legislation with a simple majority.
Bill To Codify Federal Abortion Rights Introduced In Senate
The legislation outlines what limits states can place on pre-viability and post-viability abortions. Though introduced by two Democrats and two Republicans, the bill is expected to have an uphill climb to pass the divided Senate.
Abortion Rights In 3 States Will Be Shaped By Today’s Primaries
Kansas will be the first state to put the question of a constitutional amendment banning abortion to the voters. And primary races for governor and other down-ballot offices will determine the future direction of reproductive rights in Michigan and Arizona.
Kentucky’s Near-Total Abortion Ban Reinstated In Appeal
The ruling means abortion is illegal in the Kentucky with few exceptions. In contrast, in Michigan the governor won a request to temporarily block enforcement of a pre-Roe abortion ban.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: There Are Solutions To Treating Patients In Hospital Hallways
Editorial writers tackle hospital crowding, covid, and mental health.
Viewpoints: Indiana’s Abortion Ban Is Extreme; Disabled People Deserve Bodily Autonomy
Opinion writers examine abortion, medical debt, and ICU experiences.
Forever Chemicals’ Impact On Americans’ Health Will Cost Billions
The Hill reports on a study saying increases in medical bills and hits on worker productivity driven by exposure to forever chemicals will ultimately hurt the economy, costing about $5 billion to $60 billion. Other news outlets report on calls for more PFAS testing.
Homeless Shelters In Anchorage Are Out Of Room As Freezing Temps Loom
Anchorage Daily News says it’s the first time in decades that there is no walk-in, easy-access homeless shelter service in the city. Also: Details emerge in the surprising U.S. polio case, West Nile Virus in mosquitoes in New Hampshire, and more.
To Beat Alzheimer’s, Scientists Try New Ideas, Including Brain Mapping
Media outlets report on research into Alzheimer’s disease, including expanding fields of study and the potential for a diabetes drug to help protect against the illness. USA Today and The Atlantic cover developments in a scandal over key Alzheimer’s research into amyloid proteins.
Hospitals Expand Incentives To Keep Scarce Staff Happy
Medical facilities are broadening their perks to retain staff, including covering employee gas costs or opening day care centers. Another report says the 124-year-old St. Louis Nursing School is closing.
Experts: Monkeypox Is The Next Public Health Failure, After Covid
AP and The Hill cover worries the ever-expanding monkeypox outbreak could spread out of control, with federal-level infrastructure failings demonstrated during covid replicating themselves. Also: concerns that kids could spread monkeypox, changes in the monkeypox vaccine strategy, and more.
Many California Covid Cases Are Reinfections; BA.2.75 Is Spreading
State data show that 1 in 7 Californian cases in July were reinfections. Separately, 12 states are reporting cases of the newest omicron subvariant. To tackle omicron in the fall, the White House has now ordered 66 million doses of Moderna’s variant-specific booster.
Amid Infighting, Indiana Senate Clears Abortion Ban With Rape Exception
But a patient seeking an abortion for rape or incest, which was also exempted, would have to sign a notarized affidavit attesting to the attack. The bill now heads to the Republican-controlled House.
Spending Bill Would Crack Open Long-Shut Door On Medicare Drug Talks
Democrats have aimed for decades to allow Medicare to directly negotiate prices with pharmaceutical companies. But the legislation that would allow that for a small number of drugs is still not a done deal: Republicans spotlight Sen. Krysten Sinema, a Democrat from Arizona, in hopes she won’t support the package.
Biden Tested Positive For Second Day With Rebound Covid Case
President Joe Biden is feeling well, his doctor reports, while in isolation as he continues to test positive for covid. The viral rebound spotlights a rare occurrence that happens for some patients who take Paxlovid.
