Latest KFF Health News Stories
White House Mulls Overhaul Of Trump Direct-Contract Medicare Program
The Trump-era program allows private companies to participate in Medicare in an attempt to limit government costs. Progressive Democrats are said to be pressuring the White House to overhaul it. In Montana, federal inspectors placed the state psychiatric facility under serious sanctions.
Doctor Survey Suggests Faltering US Drug Supply Chain
Seven in 10 physicians questioned as part of the new US Pharmacopeia survey said the pandemic has worsened drug supply chain problems. Separately, an AHIP survey found some specialty pharmacy drugs can cost twice as much in hospitals for the same product.
Omicron Vaccine Booster Plans Slowed, May Not Be Needed
Moderna says an omicron-specific booster may be ready by August, but it was still gathering data to see if the shots actually provide better protection for omicron. Pfizer and BioNTech said slow data-gathering delayed their plans for an omicron-specific shot and also said it may not be necessary.
Think Omicron Is Mild? In 15 States, Covid Deaths Are Rising
As an average of 2,200 Americans die from covid each day, focus is falling on 15 states reporting at least a 10% rise in daily death rates. Experts are also cautioning that reported infection numbers may be wrong as people fail to report positive cases from at-home tests.
Ga. Judge Intervenes With Air Force Officer Seeking Religious Exemption
The judge temporarily blocked the U.S. military from enforcing its vaccination mandate against the officer, who is Christian and against “receiving a vaccine that was derived from or tested on aborted fetal tissue.” As reported previously, the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines have been accused of being “morally compromised” because fetal cells were used in their development. However, none of the three shots have fetal cells in the actual vaccine.
Texas Sues Over Airline Mask Mandate
In related news, a 4-year-old boy on the autism spectrum will be allowed to fly from Florida to Boston without wearing a mask. Meanwhile, many cities, states and colleges are dumping mask rules.
CDC Says It Will Soon Update Its Covid Guidelines
CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Wednesday that the agency was looking at new metrics for relaxing pandemic guidance, including masks, ABC News and other media outlets reported. Walensky didn’t give specifics on what the benchmarks might be but has said hospitalization levels are key.
50 Million US Homes Already Have Their Free Covid Test Kits
Meanwhile, the president has reportedly chosen two people to temporarily stand in for former top White House science adviser Eric Lander, who recently resigned as head of the Office of Science and Technology Policy after an investigation into hostile workplace conduct.
Bill Aims To Curb Harm Of Social Media On The TikTok Generation
Congress recently held five hearings on the potential dangers for children and teens under age 17. The bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act of 2022 aims to force companies like TikTok and Meta to better protect younger users, boost privacy, and subject themselves to independent checks.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Blood Donation Discrimination Must End; OTC Hearing Aids Will Soon Be Reality
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues.
Perspectives: Promising Antiviral Drugs; Accelerated New Drug Approvals
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Opinion writers examine these covid issues.
CDC Weighs New Opioid Guidance; Digital Therapeutics Face Challenges
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Logistics Complicating Some US Vaccine Donations Overseas
As reports say some donated shots from the U.S. have been turned away due to international logistics matters, the short shelf life of the AstraZeneca shots is also impacting its rollout to poorer nations. Meanwhile, Canada eases some travel restrictions, and there are warnings of covid in Eastern Europe.
Study: Drug Copay Cards A Bad Idea In The Long Term
Overall drug copay coupons can benefit patients, but they often increase how much employers and insurers end up paying, a new study says. Altria’s investment in Juul, the FDA review of Mirati’s lung cancer drug, and the finances of current public biotech firms are also in the news.
2 Bills In California Aim To Stop Covid Misinformation
As the San Francisco Chronicle reports, the first bill would require social platforms to publicly disclose how their algorithms work, in an effort to show how sites such as Facebook use technology that amplifies salacious content like conspiracy theories about the virus. The second bill would make it easier for the state to discipline physicians who spread incorrect claims about covid-19.
Working From Home Is Also Hurting Foot Health
Foot problems like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis are reportedly on the rise due to changes in footwear habits and even increased exercise regimes. The pandemic is also said to be sending more Americans to explore natural outdoor venues, but with racial inequalities in terms of access.
29 Community Health Centers Get Nearly $55M To Improve Virtual Care
The funds from the Department of Health and Human Services are meant to increase access to telehealth, remote patient monitoring and other digital tools among underserved populations, Modern Healthcare reported.
South Dakota Lawmakers Say No To Expanding Medicaid
The ultimate decision on expanded Medicaid health coverage will now go to South Dakota voters in the November election. A vote in North Carolina is reportedly still possible before November. Other Medicaid news is from Florida and Georgia. And Medicare’s decision on coverage of Aduhelm is again in the news.
