Latest KFF Health News Stories
By Mapping Proteins, Scientists Can Potentially See How Cancers Grow
Axios and other news outlets report on a new analysis that mapped 395 protein systems in 13 cancer types, focusing on data from studies on head and neck squamous cell cancers and breast cancers. The information could help them find new treatments.
Legal Entanglements Complicate School Masking, Vaccine Rules
Arkansas’ Supreme Court said the state wasn’t allowed to enforce a school mask mandate ban, but in New York City teachers have gone to the U.S. Supreme Court to block a vaccine mandate for staff. Meanwhile in Michigan, health departments rescinded school mask rules over budget cut threats.
Gaps In Data May Impact Rollout Of Moderna, J&J Booster Shots
Axios reports on issues regulators are having with data on booster shots for Moderna’s and Johnson & Johnson’s covid shots, complicating the process of deciding who gets boosters. The Boston Globe reports that J&J vaccine recipients are feeling “left out” in the current booster rollout.
Yes, Some Workers Are Griping — But Vax Mandates Appear To Be Working
In California, major hospital systems reported that the health care worker mandate had boosted their vaccination rates to 90% or higher. At Tyson Foods, their vaccinations have jumped from less than half its workforce on Aug. 3 to 91% compliance nearly two months later.
Thanks To Lousy Data, True Picture Of Covid’s Toll In America Is Hard To See
How many people have been infected? No one knows for sure. How many breakthrough infections are there? The government tracks only some of them. Still, daily infections appear to be easing in some regions as the U.S. approaches 700,000 covid deaths.
Experimental Merck Drug Effective Against Covid Variants, Including Delta
Lab studies of the oral drug, molnupiravir, show promise in fighting known covid variants. Phase III studies of the drug will end in November. Separately, a University of Houston professor has developed a covid vaccine that can be taken nasally. Monoclonal antibodies are also back in the news.
Judge To Consider Pause On Texas Abortion Law; Implementation Of Montana Measures Delayed
The legal challenges over state laws in both states restricting abortion procedures play out in court. And U.S. lawmakers tell their personal stories during a House hearing on the subject.
Proposed 340B Rule Retracted That Would Have Jolted Community Clinics
The Health Resources and Services Administration pulled back a rule proposed by the Trump administration that would have required community health clinics to pass savings from reduced 340B pricing on insulin and Epi-Pens directly to patients instead of reinvesting in local services.
Facebook, Instagram’s Influence On Kids’ Mental Health Unites Senators
Rare bipartisan agreement and concern was expressed as senators grilled Facebook’s global head of safety during a subcommittee hearing Thursday on the social media giant’s tactics and outreach to teens and children.
HHS Releases Details on How Surprise Medical Bill Disputes Will Be Resolved
Ahead of greater consumer protections against unexpected out-of-network charges taking effect on Jan. 1, the Department of Health and Human Services issued an interim rule Thursday that outlines an arbitration process that will settle disagreements between insurers and providers over costs. The Biden administration’s approach is favored by the insurance industry.
Drug Pricing Measure On The Trimming Block As Dems Try To Salvage Spending Bills
It was another big day on Capitol Hill as lawmakers averted a partial government shutdown — for now. The planned House infrastructure bill was also pushed, as its fate is tied up with fraught negotiations with moderate Democrats over the reconciliation package. The resulting compromises, if reached at all, are likely to hit the health care items hard.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Texas Must Close Medicaid Coverage Gap; A Glimpse Into Texas Abortion Care After SB 8
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Covid Means Only Chinese Spectators At 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
News outlets report on early covid protocols being planned for next year’s Winter Olympics, including a limit on who can view events in person and a “closed-loop bubble.” Meanwhile, globally, covid seems to be beginning to decline; AstraZeneca’s vaccine shows 74% efficiency; and more.
Application Period For Post-Ida Food Stamp Aid In Louisiana Extended
The three-day extension is for people still needing aid after Hurricane Ida hit the area. News outlets cover new homelessness laws in California and reports that local jobs recovery is being stalled by delta covid surges. Other news is from Maryland, North Carolina, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Texas.
Research Roundup: Air Pollution; Flu; Meningitis; Mastectomy; Nutrition
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Texas Tries To Defend Strict Abortion Ban Against White House Lawsuit
The Washington Post reports on efforts by Texas’ Republican Attorney General, Ken Paxton, to counter a lawsuit brought by the Biden administration against its six-week anti-abortion law. Separately, a University of Texas law professor is warning Congress about wider threats from the law.
Covid Hit American Waistlines, Too: Obesity Levels Ballooned In 2020
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that four additional states reported obesity rates of 35% or more in 2020 — bringing the national total to 16 states. Separately, a study says artificial sweetener in drinks may actually increase food cravings and appetite in some people.
Worries Over Future Telehealth Costs, As It Struggles To Reach Rural Areas
Stat covers difficulties in delivering telehealth services to rural areas via limited internet connections. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports on questions over pricing of these remote services. Blue Cross, Walgreens and Evolent Health, plus SAMHSA’s mental health plans are also in the news.
Military Suicides Up 15% In 2020
USA Today has confirmed ahead of a report set to be released today that 580 troops died by suicide in 2020 compared with 504 in 2019. Most of the troops who have died are young enlisted men, a congressional aide told the news outlet.
