Latest KFF Health News Stories
Telemedicine Use, Popular During Height Of Pandemic, Is Tapering Off
Nearly one-quarter of American adults had a virtual doctor appointment within the past month, according to the latest Census Bureau survey. But that’s down dramatically from 69% in April 2020. Also in industry news, insurers are complaining about covid testing lab fees and Turquoise Health gets new funding to expand its work on hospital price transparency.
Medical Debt Soars To $140B; States Without Medicaid Expansion Hit Hard
The debt estimate, from a study in JAMA, was up from $81 billion in 2016. Other reports look at the cost of prescription medicine and contraception.
For First Time, Drug-Resistant Fungus Has Spread In Health Care Facilities
The CDC has reported on five cases of the dangerous Candida auris fungus that were resistant to all drugs. Three cases were found in Washington, D.C., and two were in Texas. In both locations, the cases were clustered within facilities, which were not identified.
Alzheimer’s Drugmaker Assails Critics For ‘Misinformation’ About Aduhelm
In a letter to the Alzheimer’s disease community and a call with investors, Biogen officials decried the controversy over the drug’s approval, saying the company believes in the integrity of the review process. The drug, Aduhelm, has already brought in $1.6 million, the company announced.
Philadelphia District Attorney Calls Opioid Settlement A ‘Sellout’
District Attorney Larry Krasner has filed a lawsuit to try to prevent the city from being bound by the terms of the recent $26 billion opioid settlement, worried Philadelphia would get just a fraction of the damages. Separately, the American Medical Association is asking for changes to opioid prescribing guidelines.
Missouri Supreme Court Orders State To Begin Medicaid Expansion
State voters approved expanding coverage of Medicaid, the federal-state program for low-income residents, but the governor refused to implement the program because lawmakers did not appropriate funding. The court rejected his arguments.
Vaccination Rate Inches Upward In States Where Covid Is Surging
White House officials reported that vaccine hesitancy is being overcome by a dramatic rise in covid, leading to some southern state hospitals being overrun with cases. Separately, the NFL warns teams they could forfeit games and be fined if they cause a covid outbreak.
To Battle Health Misinformation, Bill Targets Online Platforms’ Protections
Sen. Amy Klobuchar introduced new legislation aimed at Section 230, which prevents platforms like Facebook from legal impacts of content their users post. Separately, Dr. Anthony Fauci praised the actions of some Republican lawmakers who’ve swung to promote vaccines.
CDC Advisers Support J&J Shot, Boosters For Immunocompromised
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a CDC advisory body, said people who are severely immune-compromised should consider getting a third covid shot. The ACIP separately noted that the benefits of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine “far outweigh” its risks.
Coronavirus Skyrockets In California
On Thursday, the state reported nearly 5,600 new cases, and the average positive-test rate over seven days was 4.9% — a nearly five-fold increase over last week. Despite the spike, two parents’ groups are suing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom over a mask mandate in public schools.
School Districts Around The Country Are Opting For Mask Requirements
Atlanta, Chicago and Boston are the latest cities to announce that students will need to wear masks in schools this fall. That comes as health officials around the country — and even in the Capitol in Washington, D.C. — are weighing renewing mask mandates.
Delta Ravages States Like Florida That Emphasized Freedom Over Safety
Despite the surge in the Sunshine State, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis says he will continue to refuse mask mandates or other restrictions, including at schools.
CDC Warns Of ‘Pivotal Moment’ As Delta’s Rise Threatens More Deaths
News outlets cover the rise in delta variant covid across the U.S., including CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky calling it the one of the most infectious respiratory viruses she’s seen. Separately, reports say people hospitalized with covid are begging for vaccines.
Covid Testing Effort Gets More Than $1.6 Billion Boost From White House
The Biden administration has announced new funding to boost covid testing, in an effort to combat a large fourth wave of infections mainly affecting states with lower vaccination levels. $100 million will also go to boost rural-area vaccine education efforts.
Roe V. Wade ‘Egregiously Wrong,’ Must Go, Mississippi Urges Supreme Court
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch argued in a brief that the Supreme Court must overturn the case, which has protected a woman’s right to an abortion since 1973. Fitch cited changing social situations, including modern maternity and paternity leave, as reasons why.
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Long Covid Symptoms Affecting More Than 1 In 20 Adults In UK
The Office for National Statistics reported about 6.2% of the adult population, or 3.2 million people, are suffering long covid symptoms, affecting well-being and ability to work. Separate reports say the U.K., which just unlocked, is poised to stop checking covid documents for some incoming tourists.
