Latest KFF Health News Stories
As Covid Tracing Wanes, Cough Drop Sales Could Help Track Virus
A sore throat is a common symptom of the omicron variant, so a surge in sales of throat lozenges in any particular country or city could become a useful indicator of covid infections, some experts say.
Free School Meals Not Included In $1.5 Trillion Budget
The pandemic-era measure providing universal free meal waivers to school kids is set to expire on June 30 after an extension failed to make the cut for the massive spending bill. Democrats blame the exclusion on Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has not commented.
Democrats Strip Covid Funds From Spending Deal; Bill Passes House
In a surprise move, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Wednesday that the $15 billion earmarked for covid relief would be removed from the budget package. Pandemic measures in the legislation were contentious with both Democrats and Republicans, though for different reasons. Pelosi says a standalone coronavirus relief bill would be put to the floor this week.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Managing The Health Of Ukrainian Refugees; Ohio Laws Pertaining To HIV Are Outdated
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Viewpoints: Air Hygiene Is Important Tool In Covid Fight; How Do We Move Past Covid?
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid topics.
WHO Now Strongly Supports Booster Shots
Previously the World Health Organization had opposed covid booster shots for healthy people on the grounds that doses were needed by unvaccinated people in poorer nations. Meanwhile, the CDC has advised against travel to New Zealand, Hong Kong and Thailand because of outbreaks.
Perspectives: Cuban’s Rx Service Shows How Much Middlemen Mark Up Prices
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
New Docs Show J&J Funded Study That Injected Inmates With Asbestos In 1971
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Medicaid Request Approvals Take 99 Days In Missouri
KCUR reports on the slow speed of the approval process in Missouri and explains that even local officials cannot explain why. Meningitis shots for kids in Nevada, the resignation of Mississippi’s state health officer, mental health programs in New Hampshire, and more are also in the news.
Anger, Protests Increase As Florida Legislature Passes ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill
The bill bans classroom instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity for students in kindergarten through third grade, and it prohibits lessons for older grades unless they are “developmentally appropriate.” One Florida Republican, state Sen. Ileana Garcia, says the bill allows “children to be children.” But Democrats, including President Joe Biden, say the bill could do serious harm to marginalized students’ mental health.
FBI: Millions Fraudulently Siphoned From Kids’ Food Aid Program
An investigation in Minnesota found evidence that money was siphoned away by charging taxpayers for nonexistent meals delivered to needy children. Separately, toxic methanol contamination of hand sanitizer drives a product recall in Tennessee.
Amazon Pharmacy Integrated By Some Blue Cross, Blue Shield Insurers
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and four other insurers are now partnered with Amazon Pharmacy, giving access to discount drugs. A medical data breach in Michigan, foreign debt recovery in Boston hospitals, slipping biotech investments, and more are also reported.
Rising Overdose Deaths From Fentanyl, Cocaine Trigger Concerns
The Boston Globe reports the state’s public health officials are seeing “concerning trends” in the opioid epidemic. KATU reports on two students’ suspected fentanyl deaths in Portland within 24 hours. The Philadelphia Inquirer covers animal tranquilizer found in the fentanyl supply. Plus more worrying stories.
Missouri Lawmakers Weigh Bill to Curb Abortions Out of State
The measure would allow private lawsuits against anyone helping a Missouri resident who seeks an abortion out of state. The prohibitions could only be enforced through lawsuits filed by citizens. State government would have no enforcement authority. Also, AP looks at an evolution in the attitude about abortion among obstetricians and gynecologists.
Walk-Up Pharmacy Prescriptions For Covid Pills Available, But Limited
President Joe Biden’s plan for easy access to treatments after a positive covid test is swinging into action, but the requirement for pharmacies to have on-site prescribers limits the number of available locations. Media outlets cover other pandemic news, including long covid, and the approaching million-death milestone for the U.S.
CDC Study Shows Masks Did Save Schoolkids From Covid
A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points to mask mandates resulting in 23% lower covid cases in staff and students then in schools without requirements. Difficulties in unmasking, and among schools still supporting masks are also reported across the country.
By March 26, No States Will Require Masks
Hawaii announced Tuesday that its mandate will expire at midnight on March 25. Meanwhile, some people who wear masks for their own safety say bullies continue to hound them in public.
Appeals Court Hears Arguments On Vaccine Mandate For Federal Workers
A federal judge in Texas had ruled that President Joe Biden’s order for all federal employees to be vaccinated overstepped his power, but judges in other parts of the country have upheld the mandate.
FDA Is A Step Closer To Shutting Down Loophole That’s Fueling Teen Vaping
A provision in the congressional spending bill would give the Food and Drug Administration greater authority to regulate synthetic nicotine — an ingredient e-cigarette manufacturers have used to get around regulations. New regulation would be part of the effort to stop the dangerous resurgence in teen vaping.
