Latest KFF Health News Stories
Conn. Bill Would Shield Residents From Out-Of-State Abortion Penalties
The bill, which has been approved by the state legislature and awaits the governor’s signature, would protect health care providers who perform abortions that are legal in Connecticut by barring police there from cooperating with authorities from other states investigating abortions and help keep citizens from facing legal action in those other states.
Despite Covid Threat, Biden And Thousands Attend Journalist Dinner
President Joe Biden toasted the reporters at the packed White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner and received his share of roasting, too. In other Washington news, emails released by a House select committee show Trump administration official did not take public health officials’ advice on guidance for religious services, and limits on health savings contributions are rising.
Georgia Plan To Bypass ACA Insurance Marketplace Blocked
Georgia had received approval from the Trump administration to have residents shop for insurance only through private brokers, instead of the federal healthcare.gov website. But the Biden administration said Friday that move could break federal rules and cause too many people to be dropped from coverage.
Omicron’s Variants Elude Antibodies From Previous Infection: Study
In South Africa — where the BA.4 and BA.5 sublineages of the covid omicron variant are taking hold — researchers find that those subvariants can evade antibodies from an earlier infection. But they’re less successful at dodging vaccine protection. Meanwhile, a former U.S. official warns of the likelihood of a summer surge.
Moderna’s Omicron-Tailored Booster To Be Largely Available This Fall
Moderna’s chief medical officer said the drugmaker will have “large amounts” of its bivalent covid booster shot by then, and that its vaccine for the youngest kids would be ready for FDA review in June. Meanwhile, pressure grows on the agency to move quickly toward approval.
Paxlovid Only Treats, Doesn’t Prevent Covid Infection: Pfizer Trials
Some experts told Stat that they were disappointed, but not surprised by the results of the 3,000 person clinical trial studying Pfizer’s antiviral drug’s ability to prevent infection. In other Paxlovid news, U.S. government researchers are looking into reports of relapses.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on covid, prescription issues and overdose prevention.
Viewpoints: Oprah Takes On Racism In Health Care; It’s Time To Reassess Menopausal Hormone Therapy
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Canada Will Allow Blood Donations From Gay Men
Restrictions on gay men donating blood are set to be lifted in Canada after the government spent C$5 million researching the change’s impact on the safety of the blood donation system. Separately, Denmark made the bold decision to halt its covid vaccine program after controlling the virus.
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 the Affordable Care Act, covid, infertility, tick bites, body image, anorexia, and more.
Homelessness Influencing L.A. Mayoral Race; Houston’s Progress Applauded
Los Angeles mayoral candidates reportedly agree tackling homelessness is critical, but cannot agree on how to do it. Also, an appeals court has given Caltrans permission to clear a homeless camp in Berkeley, and in Houston the new federal homelessness head touted the region’s progress.
New Oral Heart Disease Drug Gains FDA Approval
The new drug, called Mavacamten, tackles hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which affects about 1 in 500 people and is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young people. AstraZeneca, Baxter International, Merck and shareholder reluctance at opening covid patents, and more are also in health industry news.
Covid Deaths Varied Dramatically Across The US: More In The South
A study into excess mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that a disproportionate number of deaths happened in Southern states. Separately, a study finds initial vital signs are a good indicator for covid severity during hospitalizations, and successes from an opera-singing experiment may help long-covid sufferers.
Covid Seriously Worsened Kid’s Mental Health: Study
The impact of covid “profoundly” impacted mental health of children and adolescents, a meta-analysis of other medical studies found. Meanwhile, the CT Mirror reports that a bill focussing on boosting children’s mental health support advanced in the Senate after gathering broad support.
Servers Say No Covid Precautions Were Offered For Correspondents Dinner
A union leader representing the servers at the Washington hotel where the White House Correspondents’ Dinner will be held this weekend told Axios that the staff hasn’t been told about any special testing or vaccination requirements. Meanwhile, former Trump administration covid adviser Deborah Birx says in her new book that her first meeting with President Donald Trump lasted 30 seconds and he dismissed her concerns about the virus.
First US Child May Have Died During Hepatitis Outbreak
The child death in Wisconsin may be the first in the U.S. linked to the ongoing global outbreak of hepatitis, which is reported spreading across the states and the world. An algorithm to predict child neglect, Prescription Drug Take Back Day, drug overdoses in adolescents and more are in the news.
Medicare Advantage Plans Too Often Deny Care, HHS Watchdog Reports
The inspector general’s office urged HHS officials to increase oversight of the private insurance plans.
Oklahoma Abortion Providers Brace For Immediate Shut Downs From Pending Laws
The Oklahoma legislature sent two abortion bills to Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, that would take immediate effect if signed — as he is expected to do. One is modeled after Texas’ ban on the surgical procedure at roughly 6 weeks, with a private enforcement provision that has proved difficult to challenge in court. Abortion providers have already asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to block the likely law.
First Human Case Of H5 Bird Flu Recorded In Colorado: CDC
The CDC says that the infected person was working to destroy birds believed to have a version of H5N1 bird flu, and that the risk to the public is believed to be low. The virus strain is currently affecting millions of American birds in around 30 states.
