Latest KFF Health News Stories
Court Says Insurer Doesn’t Have To Reconsider Thousands Of Claims
United Behavioral Health had been required to reconsider tens of thousands of denied claims for mental health, drug and alcohol care but an appeals court has now overturned the earlier rulings. Mount Sinai, the American Hospital Association, the NIH, and more are also in the news.
In New York, Unvaxxed Athletes Can Play Home Games
Pandemic restrictions continue to fall, including in New York City where the mayor is set to exempt athletes and performers from vaccine mandates. Vaccine requirements are also withdrawn at Los Angeles restaurants. Separately, L.A. terminates 24 city employees for violating shot requirements.
Omicron BA.2 On The Rise, Threatening Another Surge
Health officials in Washington state say the “stealth omicron” subvariant now accounts for 25% of local covid cases. The Fresno Bee covers the rise of BA.2 in California. Covid in children, safe organ transplants from covid patients, sewage surveillance, and more are also in the news.
Record 14.5 Million Americans Enrolled In ACA Plan This Year
And CNN reports that some low-income Americans are now eligible for special enrollment with $0 premiums through healthcare.gov. Marking the 12th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act becoming law, President Joe Biden also announced that over 18.7 million people across 39 states are now insured under Medicaid expansion criteria set by Obamacare.
After 3 Days, Hearings Shed Little Light On KBJ’s Stance On Roe, ACA, More
Questioning has ended, but the public heard little of substance about how Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson would rule on pressing health matters that would affect most Americans.
Moderna Will Apply To FDA For Covid Vaccine Use In Kids Under 6
If approved, all children over the age of 6 months would be eligible to get vaccinated against covid. Moderna released data that showed two 25-microgram doses trigger a strong immune response to the virus, including the omicron variant.
Planned Parenthood Gifted $275 Million By Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott
The largest single-donor contribution to Planned Parenthood and 21 affiliates comes at a critical time when its reproductive health services and government funding sources are under threat over the abortion debate.
Idaho Governor Signs Near-Total Abortion Ban Despite Fears It Is ‘Unwise’
Gov. Brad Little, a Republican, voiced reservations over the civil enforcement clauses — modeled after the controversial Texas law that has survived court challenges so far — in the legislation that bans a surgical abortion after 6 weeks of pregnancy. In Oklahoma, lawmakers advance a bill that is even more restrictive than the laws in Texas or Idaho.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid-related topics, as well as insurance and prescription drug cost issues.
Perspectives: Whistleblowers Ensure Drug Companies Play By The Rules
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Pfizer, UNICEF Strike Covid Pill Supply Deal For Poor Nations
Pfizer’s covid treatment will now be supplied to 95 low- and middle-income countries. Meanwhile, the Washington Post discusses why the international Covax effort was “doomed to fail.” Covid news in South Korea, Europe, South Africa, and elsewhere is also reported.
Phthalates Linked To Childhood Cancers; Monoclonal Antibody Shows Encouraging Results Against CJD
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Trans Suicide Rates Influenced Utah Governor’s Veto Of Sports Bill
The move by Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, was explained in an “emotional plea” in an official letter Tuesday. But Utah lawmakers have already agreed to meet Friday to discuss an override of Cox’s veto, to continue their efforts to suppress young trans students competing in girls sports.
First Child Cancer Patients From Ukraine Arrive For US Treatment
The arrival of four children with their families to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital marks the first time a U.S. facility has welcomed Ukrainian patients displaced during Russia’s invasion — with reports saying 10 hospitals completely destroyed so far. Separately, refugees are reportedly stretching poor nations still impacted by covid.
Oklahoma House Approves Near-Total Abortion Ban
The few exceptions to the near-total ban, which uses Texas-style private citizen-suing tricks, include if pregnancy poses a risk to the mother. Meanwhile, in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, signed legislation that would lower out-of-pocket expenses for people seeking abortions.
Using Brain Implant, Fully Paralyzed Man Spells Out His Thoughts
The patient, 34, had been diagnosed a few years earlier with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and is now in a “locked-in” state. What did he ask for? Letter by letter, he made a request in German. Translated, he said: “For food I want to have curry with potato then Bolognese and potato soup.”
The Pandemic Drove US Alcohol-Related Deaths Up 25% In 2020
Meanwhile, a separate study from Boston Children’s Hospital showed referrals for intimate partner violence also increased during the pandemic. Suicide rates on the Golden Gate Bridge are part of another study, and Fox News covers the recently reauthorized Violence Against Women Act.
Nursing License Delays Frustrate Would-Be Health Workers
NPR covers the impact that delays on issuing nursing licenses have on the workforce. Meanwhile, Connecticut Public reports on how hard it is to attract new physicians to the area. Other health care personnel news includes Black therapists on TikTok, students training for abortions, and more.
