Latest KFF Health News Stories
Who’s Footing The Bill For The World’s Most Popular Drugs? Americans, By Far
A report from Public Citizen says the 20 highest-selling drugs generated $158 billion of global revenue in 2020 … and that U.S. sales represented 64% of that, or $101 billion, Axios reported.
House Panel Calls Out Big Companies For Selling Tainted Baby Food
A House Oversight subcommittee report says that manufacturers “knowingly” sold baby food containing dangerous heavy metals like lead, mercury and arsenic, which can effect childhood brain development. And the lawmakers urged the FDA to set heavy metal standards.
Facebook’s Role In Teen Trauma To Be Focus Of Senate Hearing
Senators will question Facebook’s global head of safety today on the negative effects its platforms, including Instagram, can have on teenagers’ mental health. Ahead of the hearing, the social media giant is trying to downplay its own research into the harm.
Infrastructure Vote Uncertain Amid Mired Social Spending Bill Negotiations
As of Thursday morning: Unable to secure the support of a group of progressives in her caucus, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi left open the possibility that today’s vote on the infrastructure bill may be pushed. The decision is linked to talks with holdout senators over the $3.5 trillion social spending package — and those negotiations are forcing Democrats to make hard choices on health care. Meanwhile, Congress is moving forward with legislation to avoid a partial government shutdown — but the plan leaves the thorny debt limit in place for now.
States’ School Mask Bans Get Tangled In Budget Plans, Controversy
AP covers complex legal moves in Arizona on school mask bans and the state budget. The Detroit Free Press covers similar maneuvers in Michigan. Separately, reports say the Department of Education will cover salaries of school board members in Broward County withheld over school mask rules.
That Coworker Saying They’ll Quit Over Vax Mandates? They Probably Won’t
NPR reports on surveys of people who say they’ll quit their jobs if required to get a covid shot — and in reality, few actually do quit. Meanwhile CalMatters reports that most California health care workers are complying with mandates.
Scrubs Make Some Covid Critics See Red As Health Worker Abuse Rises
Meanwhile, families of veterans killed by covid in a Massachusetts nursing home seek changes; a letter to the editor of the Tampa Bay Times makes a poignant covid argument; a Republican North Carolina lawmaker got nasty comments when ill with covid; and more.
Rationing Of Care Worsens In Alaska
A second hospital, this one in Bethel, is now cutting back on care. Coronavirus infections in the state have risen 42% in the past week, AP reported. Other covid news is from Idaho, Maine, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and elsewhere. Also, a covid outbreak brings a halt to one Broadway show.
Study Finds Third Of Covid Survivors Have Long Symptoms; Higher For Kids
There is still so much unknown about who is vulnerable to extended covid-19 symptoms and how long the damage will last. But the latest science heightens concerns that its reach is even broader than previously thought. Other developments in covid research are also reported.
YouTube To Block Videos With False Vaccine Info, Ban Prominent Purveyors
YouTube says it will crack down on misinformation distributed on its platform about the safety or side effects of the covid vaccines. Google is also launching more tools to combat bad online information.
Half-Dose Moderna Vaccine May Be Recommended By FDA As Booster
The Food and Drug Administration is reported to be leaning toward approving a lower-dose version of Moderna’s covid shot as a booster. Separately, Dr. Anthony Fauci said data on mix-and-match tactics for shots from different makers could arrive within two weeks.
CDC Issues Urgent Guidance If Pregnant: Get Vaccinated Now
With covid-linked deaths among pregnant people on the rise, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging more to get the covid shot, saying: “The benefits of vaccination outweigh known or potential risks.”
Different Takes: Fraudulent Vaccine Cards On The Rise; Unions Fighting Vaccine Mandates
Opinion pages weigh in on these covid and vaccine issues.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages tackle these public health issues.
Different Takes: The Reality Of Rationed Care In The ER; The Public Is Confused About Booster Shots
Opinion writers tackle covid, booster shots and mandates.
Perspectives: If Drug-Pricing Reform Fails, Democrats Will Have Bigger Woes
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
WHO Workers Found To Have Abused Women During Congo Ebola Outbreak
An inquiry into the actions of World Health Organization workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo found some doctors and staff members sexually abused or exploited women. In other news, a wider non-virus impact of covid is reported in the deaths of women and children around the world.
Cherokee Nation Wins $75 Million Settlement From Opioid Distributors
The three largest U.S. opioid distributors are involved in the deal, which is the first such settlement with a tribal government. Covid’s role in the Virginia governor’s debate, an expiring California worker protection program, new housing funds in California and more are also in the news.
Eli Lilly Slashes Price Of Generic Insulin By 40%
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
