Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Some Doctors Prescribe More Than Pills; What Will Happen If Roe Is Reversed?
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Opinion writers weigh in on covid and mental health.
Spotlight Falls On Mental Health Strains From Ukraine Invasion
News outlets cover concerns over mental health in Ukraine under traumatic circumstances, stresses experienced by refugees, and a lack of medical staff in the country. Separately, the European Society of Cardiology bans Russian doctors.
Research Roundup: Covid; Diabetes; Parkinson’s; Alzheimer’s
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
FDA Must Allow All Gay Men To Donate Blood, Massachusetts Doctors Say
Gay men can donate only if they have abstained from sex with other men for 90 days, according to a revised 2020 policy. The state’s leading advocacy group for physicians says scientific advances that have improved blood screening — and the ongoing national blood shortage — should not be ignored.
Population Fell In Three Quarters Of US Counties In 2021
Media outlets cover Census Bureau data that shows that 2021 was the slowest year of population growth in U.S. history, and that nearly 75% of U.S. counties actually lost population numbers. Separately, a study links low cholesterol and glucose levels at 35 to later lowered Alzheimer’s risks. And the CDC is monitoring bird flu cases.
Court Says Insurer Doesn’t Have To Reconsider Thousands Of Claims
United Behavioral Health had been required to reconsider tens of thousands of denied claims for mental health, drug and alcohol care but an appeals court has now overturned the earlier rulings. Mount Sinai, the American Hospital Association, the NIH, and more are also in the news.
In New York, Unvaxxed Athletes Can Play Home Games
Pandemic restrictions continue to fall, including in New York City where the mayor is set to exempt athletes and performers from vaccine mandates. Vaccine requirements are also withdrawn at Los Angeles restaurants. Separately, L.A. terminates 24 city employees for violating shot requirements.
Omicron BA.2 On The Rise, Threatening Another Surge
Health officials in Washington state say the “stealth omicron” subvariant now accounts for 25% of local covid cases. The Fresno Bee covers the rise of BA.2 in California. Covid in children, safe organ transplants from covid patients, sewage surveillance, and more are also in the news.
Record 14.5 Million Americans Enrolled In ACA Plan This Year
And CNN reports that some low-income Americans are now eligible for special enrollment with $0 premiums through healthcare.gov. Marking the 12th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act becoming law, President Joe Biden also announced that over 18.7 million people across 39 states are now insured under Medicaid expansion criteria set by Obamacare.
After 3 Days, Hearings Shed Little Light On KBJ’s Stance On Roe, ACA, More
Questioning has ended, but the public heard little of substance about how Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson would rule on pressing health matters that would affect most Americans.
Moderna Will Apply To FDA For Covid Vaccine Use In Kids Under 6
If approved, all children over the age of 6 months would be eligible to get vaccinated against covid. Moderna released data that showed two 25-microgram doses trigger a strong immune response to the virus, including the omicron variant.
Planned Parenthood Gifted $275 Million By Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott
The largest single-donor contribution to Planned Parenthood and 21 affiliates comes at a critical time when its reproductive health services and government funding sources are under threat over the abortion debate.
Idaho Governor Signs Near-Total Abortion Ban Despite Fears It Is ‘Unwise’
Gov. Brad Little, a Republican, voiced reservations over the civil enforcement clauses — modeled after the controversial Texas law that has survived court challenges so far — in the legislation that bans a surgical abortion after 6 weeks of pregnancy. In Oklahoma, lawmakers advance a bill that is even more restrictive than the laws in Texas or Idaho.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid-related topics, as well as insurance and prescription drug cost issues.
Perspectives: Whistleblowers Ensure Drug Companies Play By The Rules
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Pfizer, UNICEF Strike Covid Pill Supply Deal For Poor Nations
Pfizer’s covid treatment will now be supplied to 95 low- and middle-income countries. Meanwhile, the Washington Post discusses why the international Covax effort was “doomed to fail.” Covid news in South Korea, Europe, South Africa, and elsewhere is also reported.
