Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Health Insurance Should Cover IVF; Massachusetts Is Ideal Location For ARPA-H
Editorial writers tackle IVF, ARPA-H, covid and more.
Abortion Ban Exemptions Don’t Include Mental Crises In Some States
AP draws attention to what mental health advocates reportedly call a “cruel quirk” in some state abortion bans: Some medical exemptions exist where psychiatric ones don’t. Meanwhile, a Texas bill would allow a fetus to count as a second passenger for HOV lanes.
Oklahoma Seeks To Set Temperature Standards For Shipped Medications
Oklahoma announced proposed regulations to improve safety conditions for mailed medications, many of which can be impacted by heat. Health news from other states relates to a measles outbreak, medical marijuana, hunger, and more.
Cancer Screenings Haven’t Rebounded To Pre-Covid Levels
Data shows that screenings for a number of common cancers have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, with potential long-term health implications. Teen vaping habits, oral diseases, a ground beef recall, and the fentanyl crisis are also in the news.
Justice Dept. Probes Mental Health Care In Oklahoma Over Discrimination
The investigation will look at whether Oklahoma, Oklahoma City and the city’s police department have discriminatory practices when it comes to people with behavioral mental health disabilities. Separately, data show “thousands” of Florida students were involuntarily committed last year.
Theranos Ex-CEO Sentenced To More Than 11 Years In Prison
Elizabeth Holmes was sentenced Friday to 135 months, or 11.25 years, in prison for defrauding investors of failed blood-testing firm Theranos. Meanwhile, Reuters reports on plans to make pharma firms disclose their pricing and agreed deals in future global health emergencies.
WHO Negotiates Plans For Beating The Next Pandemic
The World Health Organization’s agreement has a target date of May 2024, and would be legally binding by its 194 member countries. Also: virtual reality solutions for real-world health care problems; the Sanford Health-Fairview Health proposed merger; and more.
No Link Found Between Shingles And Covid Vaccine In Larger Study
The findings of a trial involving more than 2 million people in the U.S. disputed smaller studies that reported a possible connection. Separately, more research is urged on the covid vaccine’s impact on menstrual cycles.
As Covid Rises, LA County Again Advises Indoor Masking
The Los Angeles Times reports that the daily number of new covid cases has risen almost 70% versus a month ago. The San Francisco Chronicle says that across the whole state, cases are up 36% over two weeks ago.
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 1918 flu pandemic, abortion, safe sex, the racial health gap, digging holes to relieve stress, and more.
Some Hospitals Restrict Visitors Due To RSV And Flu Surges
As respiratory cases soar, several hospital systems in Arizona and North Carolina are limiting visitors. And news outlets report on capacity at other facilities with hospitalizations on the rise.
Pelosi Cast Long Shadow On Health Issues As Democratic Leader
As Nancy Pelosi announced that she will step down as the Democrats’ House leader, news outlets examined her legacy on key health issues like the Affordable Care Act while Pelosi touched on the trauma of the violent attack on her husband. Other congressional news reports are on Medicaid, insulin costs, and more.
Concerns Over Rising Use Of Drugs To ‘Restrain’ Nursing Home Patients
A report from the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services found that nursing homes continue to give psychotropic drugs to a high percentage of residents more than a decade after regulators began scrutinizing how the medicines are used.
FDA Gives First-Ever Approval For A Drug That Delays Type 1 Diabetes
The monoclonal antibody — manufactured by ProventionBio and Sanofi and will be marketed under the name Tzield — has been authorized by the FDA for use only in patients who have stage 2 type 1 diabetes, with an aim at delaying the onset of stage 3 of the disease.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle crisis pregnancy centers, RSV, polio and more.
Texas Lawmakers Want To Criminalize Gender Care For Minors
Some lawmakers are stepping up efforts to restrict gender-affirming care for minors, The Hill reports, with at least three new bills aiming to classify treatment as child abuse. Health news from New Hampshire, Montana, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Ohio are also reported.
OptumRx Will Cover Humira Biosimilars Alongside Original Drug
The move will, Modern Healthcare says, permit members to continue using the brand name medicine or swap to a lower cost alternative. Bloomberg highlights that UnitedHealth’s choice to keep both versions available is a partial win for the original drugmaker.
Primary Care Doctors Are Burning Out — Young Ones Particularly
Stat’s headline says across 10 wealthy countries, the stress of the pandemic is contributing to high burnout rates, making doctors feel like their delivery of care is failing. Axios says that half of primary care physicians under age 55 in the U.S. say they’re burned out and many may leave the profession.
