Latest KFF Health News Stories
FEMA Distributed $2 Billion For Covid Funerals
The federal government spent $2 billion in covid funeral assistance awards, some of it ineligibly. In other news, President Biden is convening a global covid summit in May to discuss funding and coordination.
CDC Moves Down All Countries From Its Highest Covid Risk Rank
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now designates its highest-risk “level 4” category as “Special Circumstances/Do Not Travel”, and it’s empty; 120 nations are now in level 3, “high” risk. Meanwhile, in Shanghai authorities reported another 7 deaths as an omicron outbreak continues.
Fentanyl Made Teen Overdose Rates Double Over 2 Years
A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that teen drug use over the last decade stayed level but that fentanyl in the supply chain is killing twice as many teens. Other reports say the crackdown on prescribing opioids has pushed people to use illegal drug markets.
Trial Data Behind Alzheimer’s Drug Simufilam Questioned
A report in the New York Times says the efficacy of an Alzheimer’s drug from Cassava Sciences is questioned by experts due to potential issues with some of its clinical trials. Axios and Stat report on hospital cancer drug markups. The risks of mixing viagra and nitrates, and more are also in the news.
Study Says Doctors Overlook Some Benefits Of E-Cigarettes
A study says most doctors falsely believe all tobacco products are equally harmful, which makes them overlook benefits like recommending switching to less damaging products. The study was funded by the National Cancer Institute. In other health industry news, thousands of Sutter Health employees staged a one-day strike, and Stanford Health staff are also planning one.
Medicaid Work Requirement Suits Tossed By Supreme Court As Moot
Since the Biden administration revoked permission for states to require people to work in order to qualify for Medicaid, the Supreme Court ruled Monday that two challenges from Arkansas and New Hampshire are no longer at issue. The decision did not address the legality of work requirements.
CDC Confirms 4 In Michigan Got Covid From Mink In First ‘Spillover’ Event
The cases occurred in late 2020; three were previously reported. However, documents obtained in a Freedom of Information Act request from National Geographic revealed a fourth case that wasn’t disclosed by the CDC.
High Court Weighs In On Covid Vaccination Policies
The Supreme Court took action on two covid vaccination cases. In one, it ruled the Pentagon can take action against personnel who refuse a vaccine. In other, it declined to make any ruling on a lower court decision allowing an employer’s vaccination policy to remain in effect. Other news is on vaccination and mask mandates.
Cheers (And Disappointment) Greet Judge’s Mask Ruling
The White House said the decision was “disappointing” but also hinted it won’t challenge the ruling. Some airline passengers cheered when news broke that the mandate was lifted.
TSA, Amtrak, Most Airlines End Mask Enforcement After Mandate Nixed
After a federal judge struck down the CDC mask mandate on most public transit, the Transportation Security Administration, Amtrak and some companies have already halted requirements that passengers cover up. More are expected to follow suit.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Lowering Insulin Cost Is Just The Beginning; Here’s How To Win The Opioid Battle
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Different Takes: US Covid Response Was A Failure; Can China’s Covid Statistics Be Believed?
Opinion writers examine these covid and covid related issues.
Around The World, Number Of People Dying Of Covid At Its Lowest In 2 Years
Covid is killing fewer people than since early in the pandemic — though the data from official sources likely includes an undercount. New infections in Africa are also tumbling. But a report in The New York Times says India is attempting to block the WHO’s death count effort.
Synthetic Nicotine Falls Under FDA Scrutiny, Just Like Tobacco
Originally the Food and Drug Administration was mandated to control vaping products using tobacco-derived nicotine, but a new law lets it crack down on the synthetic type. A promising cancer vaccine, an app to treat opioid abuse, and the FDA’s “breakthrough” device list are also in the news.
Flu Rising Across The US, Especially In Central, South Regions
The data comes from the latest weekly report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meanwhile, a child in Michigan has died from flu, raising the number of pediatric flu deaths to 16 in the U.S. this year, and a county in New York is reporting a spike of over 1,500 flu cases within the last few weeks — later than usual in the season.
Financial Woes Drive Bright Health Group Out Of Six States
Meanwhile, in Northern California more than 8,000 Sutter Health nurses and workers planned a one-day strike today; in the Southeast the Department of Veterans Affairs has proposed replacing ailing health facilities; concerns about the federal physician malpractice database; and more.
A report in the Boston Globe says a survey found nearly 60% of Massachusetts families had lost at least one member during the pandemic, leading to a grief “epidemic” that impacts children. A Stateline report covers how schools are adapting to worsening teen mental health.
Masks Off, Masks On: Philly, NJ, NY Wrestle With Rules
Some businesses and residents are suing to halt Philadelphia’s mask mandate, which begins today. Also: advocates for those with immunodeficiencies call for a mask-only train car on NJ Transit; masks are still required in all Broadway theaters; and more.
White House Covid Czar Recommends Second Booster For People Over 60
The FDA has already authorized second booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for everyone 50 and older, but many older Americans are questioning whether they need one.
