Latest KFF Health News Stories
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Here’s How You Can Join The Virtual Celebrations
Other public health news is on the NCAA basketball tournament, Tiger Woods, physical distancing in schools, child caregivers and foods that help you sleep better.
Under New Settlement, OxyContin’s Worst Victims Could Get Up To $48,000
People who have filed the least-severe claims against Purdue Pharma likely would get $3,500, according to court papers and The Wall Street Journal.
Plans For Therapeutic Psychedelics Program Begin In Oregon
Oregon’s plans to allow regulated use of psilocybin to treat a variety of conditions, the first in the U.S., got underway this week. Meanwhile a study shows psychedelic self-medication is rising, and a new analysis shows a surge in the numbers of people seeking virtual mental health help during the pandemic.
House Democrats Push To Revive ‘Medicare For All’ Efforts
Their efforts face an uphill battle in a divided Congress and without strong White House support. Meanwhile, some Republicans worry they misplayed their hand on the popular stimulus bill. Lawmakers also tackle mental health policy, water safety and domestic violence.
Many Hospitals Aren’t Following Price Transparency Rules, Study Finds
In other health industry news, public health universities saw a 23% jump in applicants for master’s and doctoral programs from fall 2019 to fall 2020, Stat reports, increasing hopes that the nation’s shortage of medical professionals might soon ease.
Oklahoma Is First State To Cover Opioid Treatment Under Medicaid
Oklahoma becomes the first state to adopt a recent federal expansion of Medicaid that will pay for certain treatments for opioid addiction.
Congress Will Get 8,000 More Covid Vaccines As National Rollout Expands
The White House hopes that vaccination messaging will boost uptake of covid shots, as Congress secures more doses to vaccinate staffers in the House and Senate. Elsewhere data shows only 3% of Floridians miss their second doses.
AstraZeneca Covid Vaccine Ineffective Against South African Variant In Trial
A clinical trial showed a double dose of AstraZeneca’s covid vaccine was not effective in combating the variant first identified in South Africa. In other news, Dr. Anthony Fauci agrees there are still questions about covid vaccines for immunocompromised patients.
Trump Tells Supporters ‘It’s A Great Vaccine, It’s A Safe Vaccine’
Former President Donald Trump backed the coronavirus vaccines developed during his administration, as concern grows over hesitancy among Republicans.
FDA Streamlines Sales, Testing Process For At-Home Covid Tests
The FDA has changed its rules so that some companies can sell at-home covid tests without having to first test them on asymptomatic people. The move is designed to boost widespread consumer testing as well as efforts for returning to work and school.
Study Says US Covid Infection Count Is Half Of Actual Infection Total
Scientists combing through covid data suggest that the real number of infections may be twice the official CDC count. Meanwhile coronavirus hotspots are flaring up and Florida’s positivity rate ticks upwards again.
EU Regulator Backs AstraZeneca Shot; France, Italy To Restart Vaccinations
After many European nations suspended use of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine, the European Union’s drug regulator joined other health authorities in saying there is “no indication” that it causes blood clots and that the benefits of inoculations outweigh a possible rare side effect.
Vaccinated Mom Delivers First-Known Baby Born With Covid Antibodies
Two Palm Beach doctors report that antibodies were detected in the healthy newborn at the time of delivery. The upcoming paper laying out the results urges further research into pregnancy and breastfeeding protection.
Relief From Long-Haul Symptoms After Covid Shot Reported By Some Patients
The months of lingering symptoms experienced by some who had covid has frustrated patients and puzzled scientists. Now reports that vaccinations may alleviate symptoms add to the syndrome’s mystery.
Covid Vaccine Passports Debated As EU Mulls Russia’s, China’s Vaccines
The E.U. is moving forward with its plans for a covid passport system and also debating whether Russian and Chinese vaccines will be accepted. Meanwhile, Germany is seeing exponential case growth, and China’s border restrictions are lowered somewhat.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Arkansas ‘Medical Conscience’ Bill Takes Step Closer To Governor’s Desk
Other health news is from West Virginia, New Mexico, Montana and Florida.
Viewpoints: Should Doctors Graduate Earlier?; Stroke Patient Protocols Need Update
Opinion writers weigh in on these public health issues.
Air Passenger Numbers Go Up, But So Does Number Of Unruly Mask-Refusers
Even as the pandemic situation endures, passenger numbers for U.S. airlines are reaching levels not seen since March 2020. So the FAA will extend its strict policy on unruly passengers, particularly those refusing to wear masks, because there are too many.
Nursing Home Advocates Propose Long-Term Changes In Elderly Care
The joint proposal between the American Health Care Association and LeadingAge is dubbed the Care for Our Seniors Act. Other industry news is on telehealth, health care firm Color and ECRI’s annual Top Ten Patient Safety Concerns for 2021.
