Latest KFF Health News Stories
Mississippi Senate May Revive Push For Longer Postpartum Medicaid Care
Mississippi’s lieutenant governor says that efforts to increase Medicaid coverage from 2 months to 12 for people who just gave birth may not be dead afterall. The measure had overwhelmingly passed the state Senate, but House leaders refused to bring it to a floor vote last week. Other Medicaid news reports on the likely loss of coverage for many Americans when the covid emergency declaration lapses.
‘Politics At Its Worst’: Ky.’s Rush To End Pandemic Will Also Slash Food Stamps
Individuals will see about a 41% cut in monthly SNAP benefits after the state General Assembly’s recent decision to call an early end to the public health emergency for covid-19. Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear blasted the legislation, saying it will “take food off the tables of more than a half-million Kentuckians, most of them struggling seniors and struggling children.”
Heads Of Pfizer, Moderna Disagree On Who Needs A Fourth Shot
On Sunday, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said everyone needs a second booster “right now.” But on Monday, Moderna President Stephen Hoge said a fourth shot is probably only needed now for the immunocompromised.
Serious Covid Cases Linked To Depression, Anxiety Risks Later
Patients whose covid infections kept them bedridden for a week or more are at an increased risk for anxiety and depression over a year later, finds a new study — among the first research to look at long-term mental health implications. Other mental health matters across the country are also reported.
Sewage Shows Covid Rising In Many Cities Across US
From March 1 to March 10, more than a third of the CDC’s wastewater sample sites showed an increase from the Feb. 1 to Feb. 10 period, when the wave of omicron-variant cases was fading rapidly, Bloomberg reported.
Republican Lawmakers Sue CDC Over US Air Mask Mandate
A group of congressional Republicans filed suit against the CDC, challenging the federal mask requirements on commercial flights as “illegal.” Elsewhere, a similar requirement in the United Kingdom ends this Friday.
VA Lays Out Plan To Modernize Health Services, Close Some Hospitals
Kicking off a health system restructuring that will take years, the Department of Veterans Affairs released a report that includes medical centers and rural clinics targeted for closure or consolidation. Some lawmakers in affected areas have already decried the proposals and congressional approval will be necessary to make changes.
Idaho Passes Texas-Style Bill Banning Abortion After Six Weeks
Also like Texas’ controversial law, the legislation overwhelmingly approved by the Idaho legislature allows private enforcement — a measure that has proved difficult for abortion providers to challenge in court — although its scope is narrowed to family.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Ukrainians Need Mental Health Support; What Is The Future Of Roe?
Editorial pages delve into these public health topics.
Different Takes: What Is The Real Covid Death Toll?; Repairing Trust In CDC After Covid
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid issues.
Judge Halts Texas From Investigating Families Of Transgender Kids
Gov. Greg Abbott’s directive to consider gender-affirming care for minors to be “child abuse” is unlawful, the judge ruled, because it has the effect of a new law “without new legislation,” Bloomberg reported, while other outlets also examine the impact of the governor’s order.
Power Reportedly Back On At Site Of Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster
Still, there were questions about whether Russian forces had damaged the line again. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency says it is concerned about the health of more than 200 staff members who have not been allowed to rotate out of the plant for nearly three weeks, CBS reported.
More Want Rent Control As It Gets Harder To Afford Food, Medicine, More
Cities across the U.S. are urging tougher restrictions on how much landlords are allowed to boost their monthly rents. Other news is on Florida’s mental health laws, a proposed ban on sugary drinks for Ohio children, an asbestos lawsuit in St. Louis, and more.
As Covid Fears Recede, Doctors Urge Americans To Get Colon Cancer Testing
Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths and can be found early through effective screenings, but doctors say too many people refuse to get checked. In other health news, flu cases are up again, and more health plans are offering coverage of fertility treatments.
Sanofi’s Promising Cancer Drug Fails Intermediate Clinical Trial
Sanofi had forecast the medicine to be one of its upcoming “blockbusters,” but a testing setback disappoints hopes. In other pharma news: Medicaid coverage for sickle cell treatment; how the war in Ukraine disrupts drug development; gene-editing technology; and more.
Texas Supreme Court Slams Door On Clinics’ Challenge Of Abortion Law
The ruling Friday appears to end current efforts to overturn the law, which bans abortions after six weeks and allows private citizens to bring suit against anyone helping a woman gain an abortion. The U.S. Supreme Court has turned down appeals to intervene.
Democrats’ Vision To Boost Services For Child And Elder Care Fades
Pledges to expand a child tax credit, guarantee free pre-kindergarten and paid family leave, and enhance care services for the elderly appear unlikely to move forward in the near term. Progressives argue that turning away from these popular programs will hurt Democrats’ standing with voters.
CDC Lifts Restrictions On Unaccompanied Kids Seeking Asylum In US
“The expulsion of unaccompanied noncitizen children is not warranted to protect the public health,” the CDC announced Friday. The policy to turn away adults and families traveling with kids remains in effect. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine is also driving more refugees to request entrance into the U.S.
Warning Sign Of Next Wave? Experts Monitor Rise In Europe’s Covid Cases
Coronavirus infections are up in places like the United Kingdom and the Netherlands — spots that have experienced spikes just before similar ones hit the U.S.
