Latest KFF Health News Stories
External Review Shapes Up For FDA’s Food Safety, Tobacco Divisions
Former FDA Commissioner Jane Henney will conduct the review, requested by current head Robert Califf in response to high-profile health issues like the baby formula shortage and controversies over e-cigarette oversight.
After Biden’s ‘Paxlovid Rebound,’ Questions Over Length Of Treatment
The Hill reports that some experts are calling for more urgent research into whether the course of the covid treatment Paxlovid should be lengthened. Additional news on covid is on boosters, air travel, and more.
GOP Abortion Rift Again On Display As Indiana House Votes To Keep Rape Exception
The Republican-dominated House voted 61-39 to defeat an amendment to its abortion bill that would have removed exceptions for rape or incest. This follows a similar outcome last week in the state senate. Meanwhile in Florida, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has launched a fight against a Democratic prosecutor who has said he will refuse to prosecute abortion crimes.
Health And Climate Bill Clears Big Hurdle With Sinema’s Backing Secured
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, a Democrat from Arizona, announced her support for the spending package after some tax-related and drought funding measures were added. The final bill will be introduced Saturday. News outlets also explore the impact the legislation could have on drug pricing.
FDA Weighs ‘Dose Sparing’ To Increase Monkeypox Vaccine Capacity
The technique involves splitting a single vial of the Jynneos monkeypox vaccine into five smaller doses and would slightly change the way it is administered. FDA chief Robert Califf says, “It’s important to note that overall safety and efficacy profile will not be sacrificed with this approach.”
World’s Worst Outbreak: Monkeypox Now A Public Health Emergency In US
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky says the emergency declaration will enable it to put more boots on the ground to help with outreach, adding that more than 50 jurisdictions have agreed to provide monkeypox-vaccine data that the CDC lacks.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Did Anti-Abortion Lawmakers Forget Women Can Vote?
Opinion writers weigh in on the results of the abortion vote in Kansas.
Research Roundup: Screen Time; Parechovirus; Covid; Pig Organs; More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Australia’s Tough Flu Season Could Herald The Same For US
Experts interviewed by NBC News say the U.S. may be expecting a severe flu season this year. Separately, an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in California has killed one person and sickened 12. A swine flu outbreak in West Virginia is also in the news.
Civica Rx Will Sell A Cheap Generic Version Of Expensive Cancer Drug
The nonprofit will sell the prostate drug abiraterone via pharmacies for about $160, in contrast to the roughly $3,000 price tag for existing generics under Medicare Part D. Also: online sales of weight loss drugs, an uptick in CVS’ earnings, Tennessee suing Walgreens over opioids, and more.
Weaker Pandemic Liquor Laws May Have Boosted Problem Drinking
A Stateline report warns that looser pandemic laws designed to boost restaurants may have contributed to binge drinking and higher overall consumption. Harm reduction related to fentanyl, mental health pushes in Wisconsin and Ohio, and more are also in the news.
‘Black-Serving’ Hospitals Get Less In Reimbursements, Medicare Data Show
Modern Healthcare reported that total reimbursements were an average of 21.6% lower at Black-serving hospitals, researchers found. In other news, West Virginia’s Medicaid program has been ordered to provide coverage for gender-confirming care for transgender patients.
Sinema, Holding Up Health Care Bill, Draws Democrat Focus
The Washington Post and The New York Times say some Senate Democrats are considering dialing back some tax proposals contained in the bill to appeal to Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. Politico highlights five potential “huge” changes lawmakers may be looking at to get the bill passed.
Eli Lilly To Shift To Commercial Sales Of Its Covid Antibody Drug
As government orders dry up, the sales of bebtelovimab, which is currently authorized for emergency use, will target states, hospitals, and other health care providers. CNN notes other shifts in government covid policy are happening, with the CDC expected to ease covid guidelines, including for schools.
Blood Donors Will Be Screened For Monkeypox At Red Cross
Tests for lesions on donors’ arms will come in addition to standard health screens like temperature checks. Meanwhile, five children in the U.S. have now tested positive for the virus, and the World Health Organization says the U.S. is showing the biggest spike in case growth around the world.
Michigan Judge Maintains Legality Of Abortion In The State — For Now
As reported by AP, the judge extended a restraining order that temporarily keeps at bay the state’s 1931 ban on abortion. Other abortion news from across the country comes out of Texas, North Carolina, Iowa, and Indiana.
Lessons From Kansas: How Its Abortion Vote Could Rock The Nation
The results from Kansas suggest that threats to reproductive rights may energize Democrats in a way few political leaders can, and that voters will support freedom of choice when they are given the opportunity. Still, some Democrats are leery of getting their hopes too high.
‘Roe Got It Right’: Biden Protects Abortion Travel With Executive Order
Media outlets cover fresh efforts by President Joe Biden to protect abortion access, including directing HHS to look into providing technical assistance and guidance reminding health care providers of nondiscrimination laws. Bloomberg says some Democrats want more from the president.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
