Latest KFF Health News Stories
FBI: Millions Fraudulently Siphoned From Kids’ Food Aid Program
An investigation in Minnesota found evidence that money was siphoned away by charging taxpayers for nonexistent meals delivered to needy children. Separately, toxic methanol contamination of hand sanitizer drives a product recall in Tennessee.
Amazon Pharmacy Integrated By Some Blue Cross, Blue Shield Insurers
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and four other insurers are now partnered with Amazon Pharmacy, giving access to discount drugs. A medical data breach in Michigan, foreign debt recovery in Boston hospitals, slipping biotech investments, and more are also reported.
Rising Overdose Deaths From Fentanyl, Cocaine Trigger Concerns
The Boston Globe reports the state’s public health officials are seeing “concerning trends” in the opioid epidemic. KATU reports on two students’ suspected fentanyl deaths in Portland within 24 hours. The Philadelphia Inquirer covers animal tranquilizer found in the fentanyl supply. Plus more worrying stories.
Missouri Lawmakers Weigh Bill to Curb Abortions Out of State
The measure would allow private lawsuits against anyone helping a Missouri resident who seeks an abortion out of state. The prohibitions could only be enforced through lawsuits filed by citizens. State government would have no enforcement authority. Also, AP looks at an evolution in the attitude about abortion among obstetricians and gynecologists.
Walk-Up Pharmacy Prescriptions For Covid Pills Available, But Limited
President Joe Biden’s plan for easy access to treatments after a positive covid test is swinging into action, but the requirement for pharmacies to have on-site prescribers limits the number of available locations. Media outlets cover other pandemic news, including long covid, and the approaching million-death milestone for the U.S.
CDC Study Shows Masks Did Save Schoolkids From Covid
A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points to mask mandates resulting in 23% lower covid cases in staff and students then in schools without requirements. Difficulties in unmasking, and among schools still supporting masks are also reported across the country.
By March 26, No States Will Require Masks
Hawaii announced Tuesday that its mandate will expire at midnight on March 25. Meanwhile, some people who wear masks for their own safety say bullies continue to hound them in public.
Appeals Court Hears Arguments On Vaccine Mandate For Federal Workers
A federal judge in Texas had ruled that President Joe Biden’s order for all federal employees to be vaccinated overstepped his power, but judges in other parts of the country have upheld the mandate.
FDA Is A Step Closer To Shutting Down Loophole That’s Fueling Teen Vaping
A provision in the congressional spending bill would give the Food and Drug Administration greater authority to regulate synthetic nicotine — an ingredient e-cigarette manufacturers have used to get around regulations. New regulation would be part of the effort to stop the dangerous resurgence in teen vaping.
Congressional Spending Deal Allocates $15 Billion To Covid Efforts
But that’s less than the $22 billion the White House says is needed for pandemic measures. The massive budget package also includes aid for Ukraine. In other news, Congress passes a $50 billion U.S. Postal Service relief bill intended to avoid delivery delays — which can impact medications — but means big changes to workers’ health care programs.
‘We Owe You’: Biden Focuses On Need For Better Veteran Health Care
Reinforcing his State of the Union message spotlighting the unique and urgent health care issues of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, President Joe Biden Biden met Tuesday with service members at a Veterans Affairs clinic in Fort Worth, Texas.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Israel Has First Polio Case In 32 Years
An unvaccinated 4-year-old in Jerusalem is infected with Israel’s first polio case in over 30 years. In other news, the alleged 9/11 “20th hijacker” has been repatriated to Saudi Arabia for mental health care; 80,000 births are expected in Ukraine with poor care services; and more.
Opinion writers examine these covid related topics.
San Francisco Police Still Using Victims’ DNA To Investigate Crimes
The San Francisco Police Department had promised to stop the practice, but are reportedly planning to keep doing it while being less open about how they acquired the DNA. Also in the news, a concerning change to nursing home staff requirements in Florida, a “religious freedom” bill against future pandemics in Virginia, and more.
People Falling Victim To Price Gap For Tests In Surprise Billing Law
Also, changes in care models driven by staff shortages and treatment deferrals; a battle over Medicare Advantage coding intensity; a novel pediatric care clinical model from NYC; reduced pediatric hospitalization thanks to medical-legal partnerships; and more.
Economic Burden Of LGBTQ+ Conversion Therapy Is $9 Billion
New research showing the direct costs of LGBTQ+ conversion therapy are around $650 million a year, but the indirect costs of covering treatment for anxiety, depression, and the drug abuse it causes total $8.58 billion. Media outlets cover more LGBTQ+ issues, abortion restrictions, and more.
Lawmakers Close In On Deal For $15 Billion More In Covid Funding
The negotiations for additional relief money is part of ongoing budget negotiations that face a looming deadline. The White House urges lawmakers to move fast, saying that current funds are running out. In other news from the Hill: Sen. Ron Johnson races the specter of Obamacare repeal again.
Moderna Soon Will Begin Vaccine Trials For 15 Other Diseases
The company’s efforts will include prototype vaccines against Middle East respiratory syndrome, the Ebola and Marburg viruses, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, chikungunya, and dengue. The company has already begun trials for HIV and Zika vaccines, Bloomberg reported.
Unvaxxed Navy Seals May Be Forced To Get Shots By Supreme Court
The White House is asking the Supreme Court to overrule a federal judge who had upheld the Navy Seals’ lawsuit against a Defense Department vaccine mandate. Separately, students are suing Santa Clara University over its booster mandate, alleging they experienced side effects.
