Latest KFF Health News Stories
Financial Woes Drive Bright Health Group Out Of Six States
Meanwhile, in Northern California more than 8,000 Sutter Health nurses and workers planned a one-day strike today; in the Southeast the Department of Veterans Affairs has proposed replacing ailing health facilities; concerns about the federal physician malpractice database; and more.
A report in the Boston Globe says a survey found nearly 60% of Massachusetts families had lost at least one member during the pandemic, leading to a grief “epidemic” that impacts children. A Stateline report covers how schools are adapting to worsening teen mental health.
Masks Off, Masks On: Philly, NJ, NY Wrestle With Rules
Some businesses and residents are suing to halt Philadelphia’s mask mandate, which begins today. Also: advocates for those with immunodeficiencies call for a mask-only train car on NJ Transit; masks are still required in all Broadway theaters; and more.
White House Covid Czar Recommends Second Booster For People Over 60
The FDA has already authorized second booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for everyone 50 and older, but many older Americans are questioning whether they need one.
At Houston Facilities, Zero Covid Patients Is A Pandemic First
In encouraging news about the pandemic, the only covid patient in the Harris Health System was discharged Friday. But in Hawaii, the Department of Health has detected its first case of new omicron subvariant XE, East Coast cases are reportedly on the rise, and reinfections are a worry in Nevada.
Choose Your Own Covid Adventure: Booster, Mask Decisions Left To Public
With more tools available at this phase of the pandemic, government and public health officials have shifted away from setting guidelines on covid vaccines, booster shots and masks. Instead, individuals are urged to assess their own risk and decide on precautions. So even in the face of another viral surge, news outlets report that most Americans are choosing a path of least resistance — or apathy.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Racial Health Inequities Harm Black Mothers; The Abortion Battle Rages On
Editorial writers tackle these public health issuses.
Opinion writers examine the following covid topics, as well as mental health in America.
New Jerseyans Will Be Able To Buy Recreational Pot From April 21
Meanwhile, the timeline for a U.S. weed legalization bill slipped but is said to be on track for introduction before the August Senate recess. In other news, Connecticut doctors call for Medicaid expansion for undocumented kids; Massachusetts issues policies for telehealth visits; and more.
USAID Employees Seek Exit After Halt In Congressional Funding
A report in Politico says “dozens” of employees are looking to leave the agency, which has been working to get covid shots into people’s arms around the world. Meanwhile, in the U.K., health authorities approved Valneva’s covid vaccine — the first body in Europe to approve the French company’s shot.
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 omicron, vaccines, TIAs, perinatal depression, “clean” wine, and more.
More Meningitis Vaccines Ordered For Florida Outbreak
An ongoing meningitis outbreak in Florida has so far only been affecting men who have sex with men. Separately, three new papers have shown that meningitis vaccines have effectiveness against gonorrhea, an illness against which there’s no current vaccine available.
Deal Reached In Lawsuit Demanding Access To Lower-Cost HIV Drugs
The complaint alleged that a “no-generic” scheme kept prices for HIV drugs at “sky-high” levels. The settlement would effectively open the door to generic combination for one specific HIV medicine called Evotaz. The drug combines atazanavir, which is made by Bristol Myers, and cobicstat, which is made by Gilead Sciences.
Most Health Professionals Who Got Covid Caught It At Work, Early
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its first look into covid exposures among U.S. health workers, revealing that most positive cases happened early in the pandemic, and at work. Other reports cover a PTSD bill, the impact of covid on health worker’s kids, and more.
Surprise Billing Dispute Resolution Process Gets More Complex
Modern Healthcare reports on the ongoing and convoluted process of providers filing dispute resolutions under the new surprise billing rule, which has been in place since January.
Florida Governor Signs Bill Banning Abortions After 15 Weeks
Until this law was enacted, Florida allowed abortion until the third trimester, which is 24 weeks of pregnancy. The Supreme Court is considering a similar Mississippi law that bans abortions after 15 weeks. A decision is expected later this year.
With BA.4, BA.5 Threat Rising, White House Says Keep Calm
Media outlets report on the White House’s outwardly-calm public stance on the pandemic, thanks to covid vaccines, tests and treatments. But Biden administration organizations and health bodies around the world are carefully monitoring the emerging threat of the two new omicron subvariants.
Pfizer Booster Tailored To Omicron Variants Could Be Available This Fall
Separately, an Israeli study finds that a second booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech covid vaccine lowers the worst risks of covid by as much as 76% over just a single booster.
FDA Authorizes First Covid Breathalyzer Test
The FDA granted emergency-use authorization for a Texas company’s diagnostic test that delivers results in three minutes. It could be used by hospitals, doctors or at mobile test sites. Positive results should be followed up by a PCR test.
