Latest KFF Health News Stories
Perspectives: Promising Antiviral Drugs; Accelerated New Drug Approvals
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Opinion writers examine these covid issues.
CDC Weighs New Opioid Guidance; Digital Therapeutics Face Challenges
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Logistics Complicating Some US Vaccine Donations Overseas
As reports say some donated shots from the U.S. have been turned away due to international logistics matters, the short shelf life of the AstraZeneca shots is also impacting its rollout to poorer nations. Meanwhile, Canada eases some travel restrictions, and there are warnings of covid in Eastern Europe.
Study: Drug Copay Cards A Bad Idea In The Long Term
Overall drug copay coupons can benefit patients, but they often increase how much employers and insurers end up paying, a new study says. Altria’s investment in Juul, the FDA review of Mirati’s lung cancer drug, and the finances of current public biotech firms are also in the news.
2 Bills In California Aim To Stop Covid Misinformation
As the San Francisco Chronicle reports, the first bill would require social platforms to publicly disclose how their algorithms work, in an effort to show how sites such as Facebook use technology that amplifies salacious content like conspiracy theories about the virus. The second bill would make it easier for the state to discipline physicians who spread incorrect claims about covid-19.
Working From Home Is Also Hurting Foot Health
Foot problems like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis are reportedly on the rise due to changes in footwear habits and even increased exercise regimes. The pandemic is also said to be sending more Americans to explore natural outdoor venues, but with racial inequalities in terms of access.
29 Community Health Centers Get Nearly $55M To Improve Virtual Care
The funds from the Department of Health and Human Services are meant to increase access to telehealth, remote patient monitoring and other digital tools among underserved populations, Modern Healthcare reported.
South Dakota Lawmakers Say No To Expanding Medicaid
The ultimate decision on expanded Medicaid health coverage will now go to South Dakota voters in the November election. A vote in North Carolina is reportedly still possible before November. Other Medicaid news is from Florida and Georgia. And Medicare’s decision on coverage of Aduhelm is again in the news.
15-Week Abortion Ban Passed By Arizona Senate, Mulled By Other States
The ban was orchestrated by Republicans who control the Arizona Senate, but must still go before the House. The West Virginia House also advanced a 15-week abortion ban that now goes to the Senate. A similar measure also is being considered in Florida. But in Arkansas, the Senate rejected a push for a Texas-style abortion restrictions.
Boston’s Vaccine Mandate Dealt Setback As Local Fights Stretch Out
The debates over covid vaccine rules continue to play out in courtroom and statehouses in Massachusetts, Idaho, California, D.C. and Montana.
If You’re Vaxxed, You Won’t Need A Mask At A Disney Park
Meanwhile the Coachella and Stagecoach festivals will not require attendees to be vaccinated, nor will there be any covid-related requirements for entry. But at the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, partygoers will be subject to both masking and vaccine mandates.
Vaccinated Mothers Pass On Protection To Newborns: CDC Study
Infants under the age of six months are 61% less likely to be hospitalized for covid if their mothers got a two-dose mRNA vaccine during pregnancy, CDC research finds.
Mortality Statistics Tell Heartbreaking Story Of Those Who Didn’t Need To Die
It’s a fact of life that people die every day. But during the pandemic, the United States did a particularly poor job of preventing “excess” people from dying, updated CDC statistics show. As one expert noted, “Other countries got hit by the same virus, but no country has experienced the number of deaths we have, and even if you adjust for population, we are among the highest in the world.”
White House Wants $30 Billion More To Fight Covid
Nearly $18 billion of the requested extra federal funds will be set aside for vaccines and treatments, while $3 billion will help cover uninsured people. The White House stressed there is enough money currently available, but the extra cash is needed for future efforts.
Third Person — The First Woman — Appears To Be Cured Of HIV
A breakthrough stem-cell treatment has likely cured a patient of HIV, researchers revealed. While the treatment is not applicable for large populations, scientists say that it could open up possibilities for helping more people.
Senate Confirms Robert Califf To Top FDA Job
Dr. Robert Califf’s second stint heading up the Food and Drug Administration was confirmed last night in a 50-46 Senate vote. News outlets look ahead to the tough challenges he’ll face.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Solving The US Doctor Shortage; Current Cancer Therapies Are Underused
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Different Takes: Long Covid In Children Is Rare; Covid Is Here To Stay
Opinion writers delve into these covid, vaccine and mask issues.
