Latest KFF Health News Stories
Japan’s Medical Experts Warn That Olympic Spectators Are A Covid Threat
Separately, Canada says people who’ve had AstraZeneca covid shots should switch to Pfizer or Moderna for their second shot for better immune coverage. South Korea will also mix doses, due to supply delays. Meanwhile, China is set to administer its billionth covid 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 the coronavirus, covid vaccines, IVF, Bill Gates, the human brain and more.
New Mexico’s Aid-In-Dying Law Takes Effect Today
The law is aimed at allowing people with terminal illnesses to end their own lives. Meanwhile, Texas requires wellness checks on medically fragile people during power-outage situations. Adult day care centers, covid tests, medical bills and cannabis sales are also in the news.
Record Heat Wave Hits The West; Utility Suppliers Threaten Shut-Offs
Electrical grids are under strain from air conditioning, prompting utilities in Texas and California to say they may shut off power. Forever chemicals in groundwater, hacking of California’s water supply, child tax credits and poverty’s impact on children’s teeth are also in the news.
Shortage Of Donated Blood Forces Delayed Surgeries
Separately, Sutter Health cuts 400 jobs in California, a San Diego doctor is charged with negligence over “scam” diabetes treatments, gender bias in patents may impact biomedical innovation, hospitals merge and more.
Many Have Mixed Feelings About Using Alzheimer’s Drug, Poll Finds
People say they are concerned about the FDA’s regulatory process but are excited about the drug itself. In other pharmaceutical news, the FDA has granted its “Breakthrough Therapy” designation for Novartis’ experimental therapy targeting advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Covid’s Long-Term Trouble: Irreversible Brain Loss, Double-Lung Transplants
Former FDA chief Dr. Scott Gottlieb says the destruction of brain tissue could explain why covid patients lose their sense of smell.
Only Fully Vaccinated Should Take Cruises, CDC Says
But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relaxed its overall warnings over cruise travel. Meanwhile, Kentucky, D.C., Louisiana and Nevada try more vaccine incentive schemes, and California and Michigan relax and tweak their covid restrictions.
70% Or Not 70%: White House Quiet On Risks To July 4 Vaccine Deadline
Administration officials say even if President Joe Biden’s goal of vaccinating 70% of adults is missed, the U.S. is still on course for overall recovery. Separately, the risks of variant covid, vaccine hesitancy in southern states and immigrant vaccines are also in the news.
House Democrats Push Localized Medicaid Expansion In Resistant States
Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) introduced a bill that would work with city and county leaders to cover more people. Meanwhile, the latest stats show that 9 million Americans enrolled in Medicaid during the pandemic. And Missouri’s expansion battle heads to court, while the state’s Medicaid funding is at risk over contraceptives coverage.
CDC: More Than 300 Cases Of Heart Inflammation In Young Adults After Jab
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, chief of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, noted that the cases are rare out of the more than 20 million adolescents who have received the Pfizer vaccine so far.
Medicare No Longer Covers Pricey Brain-Cancer Therapy
NextSource Biotechnology is exiting a federal discount program, leaving its $1,000-a-capsule drug unaffordable for patients who depended on the Medicare Part D drug benefit. In related news: a GAO analysis finds that big prescription drug ad campaigns have driven up use by Medicare beneficiaries.
Biden Administration Infuses $3.2 Billion Into Antiviral Development
A new federal program aims to speed up the development and manufacturing of medicines to manage viruses. A pill to treat covid, which could be taken at home and in early stages of the disease, is targeted for the end of the year.
Supreme Court OKs Catholic Foster Care Group’s Bias Against Gay Couples
The private Philadelphia group was refusing to work with same-sex couples, and the state had ended its contract as a result. The decision was reportedly a “narrow” one, and multiple reports note it has sparked much debate about LGBTQ and religious rights.
After 11-Year Battle Over ACA, Is Health Law Here To Stay?
News outlets look ahead to the next phase for the contentious health law. While legal and legislative efforts to overturn the health law outright will likely abate, big fights are still anticipated over future changes or specific aspects of the current program.
Obamacare Survives Its Third Supreme Court Challenge
Preserving coverage for over 30 million people insured under the Affordable Care Act, the U.S. Supreme Court justices dismissed the latest lawsuit in a 7-2 vote. The majority said that the plaintiffs — led by Texas and other conservative states — did not have standing to bring their lawsuit to federal court.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Obamacare Survives Yet Another Supreme Court Challenge
In a 7-2 vote, the Supreme Court justices dismissed the latest legal challenge to the Affordable Care Act. The majority said that the plaintiffs — led by Texas — did not have standing to bring their lawsuit to federal court. KHN will have full coverage shortly.
Editorial writers explore medical marijuana, disability workforce issues and improving health care.
Viewpoints: Why Russian Vaccination Numbers Are Low; How Worried Should US Be About Delta Variant?
Opinion writers weigh in on covid, masks and vaccine issues.
