Latest KFF Health News Stories
Research Roundup: MRSA; Covid; Fragile X; Influenza-Like Illness
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Missouri Now Tracking Drug Overdoses On Public Dashboard
State officials say the leading cause of death among Missouri adults ages 18 to 44 is by drug overdose, with more than 70% of the deaths involving opioids.
Request Made To Review Florida Medicaid Cost-Shifting Case
A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had rejected arguments that the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association should be shielded from the whistleblower lawsuit because of sovereign immunity. The group wants the full panel to review it.
Congo Ebola Outbreak Fuels Worry Over More Virulent Strain
Meanwhile, in Spain, a proposal for expanding reproductive rights includes paid menstrual leave. In England, a surge in of bulimia hospital admissions, including among boys, is reported. And an analysis of the U.K.’s National Health Service found nearly 100 cases of objects left inside patients.
Officials Spotlight Abuses Of Medicare Advantage Coding
The coding process in private Medicare plan options need to be reformed, former and current officials have said, noting that health insurers’ use of coding to get higher payments is a problem. Also: Cerebral replaces its CEO, patient risks from ransomware attacks, and more.
Pharma Industry Wins Case Over Patient Financial Assistance Payments
A Stat report notes the case is a win for the industry, which under a contested HHS rule would have had to pay higher rebates to Medicaid. In other pharma industry news, infamous “Pharma Bro” Martin Shkreli has been released early from prison, and the FDA is considering a “healthy” food label.
Study: Vaccines Might Help Long Covid
A first vaccine dose after catching covid was associated with a 13% decline in the odds of having long covid, according to a British study published Wednesday in BMJ. Other news is on the effectiveness of covid vaccines and plans for the fall for a vaccine campaign.
Aftermath Of Buffalo Shooting Highlights Black Americans’ Poor Mental Health Care
Media outlets cover the race and mental health aspects of the recent shooting in Buffalo, New York, which underlines the lack of mental health care options for Black Americans. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports on how the shooting itself increased stress and trauma among Black communities.
Vice President To Meet With Abortion Providers
Amid the ongoing controversy over the Supreme Court leak on the ending of Roe v. Wade, Vice President Kamala Harris will speak virtually with abortion providers and engage with pro-choice advocates in the audience. Separately, a poll shows 64% of Americans support keeping Roe v. Wade.
As Covid Surges Again, Masking Rules Are On The Table. Again
In New York, Mayor Eric Adams said he won’t reinstate a mask mandate even as health officials note covid hospitalizations are rising. But in Massachusetts, a coalition of public health leaders are pressing for stricter measures, including a mask recommendation. In Des Moines, indoor masking in city facilities may be mandated, even though an earlier rule was dropped only in February.
White House Officials: Wear Masks Again
The surge in covid cases has Biden administration health officials advising people to again wear masks.
Massachusetts Man Has First US Monkeypox Case This Year
A small but growing global monkeypox outbreak has reached the U.S. A man is being treated in isolation at Massachusetts General Hospital. Officials say there is no current public health risk, but the disease can be serious. Other news includes a measles outbreak in Virginia and child hepatitis cases.
To Fix Shortage, Biden Empowers Military To Fly In Baby Formula
President Joe Biden invoked the Defense Production Act to attempt to solve the baby formula supply shortage. Military air cargo planes in “Operation Fly Formula” will bring formula from overseas. Separately, a $28 million emergency bill to help was passed in the House.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Supplements Can Be Dangerous Without FDA Oversight
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Viewpoints: Is Hepatitis In Children Being Caused By Covid?; Who Should Be Prescribed Paxlovid?
Opinion writers examine covid and abortion.
Perspectives: Before Roe Falls, Make Abortion Pills OTC; Ideas To Make Prescriptions More Affordable
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Study: Over 5 Years, Pollution Killed More Than War, Terrorism, Or Drugs
In fact, the study published in The Lancet Planetary Health Journal says from 2015 through 2019, one in every six deaths of people around the world had roots in pollution-related issues. Also: NPR reports on a study showing a link between cutting fossil fuel air pollution in the U.S. and saving lives.
Henrietta Lacks Cancer Cell Case Facing Federal Court Test
Henrietta Lacks’ cells have been used for over 70 years in cancer research, but they were taken without consent. Her family launched a lawsuit seeking compensation. Now, a federal judge will rule on the standing of their suit. Also: a hearing-loss drug, monopoly tactics by drugmakers, and more.
