Latest KFF Health News Stories
Turkish Man Tests Positive For Covid For 14 Months
Doctors suspect Muzaffer Kayasan’s long-lasting infection is connected to his preexisting leukemia diagnosis. In other international news, the CDC is now recommending U.S. travelers avoid more than 135 international destinations because of covid.
New Mexico Nears Passage Of Law That Would Legalize Opiate Test Strips
The bill passed the legislature Monday and now heads to the desk of Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who supports the initiative. Proponents say the bill would help prevent deadly overdoses.
San Francisco Probing Misuse Of Rape Victims’ DNA
News outlets cover moves by the city’s district attorney to investigate and potentially prevent misuse of DNA from rape kits being used later to incriminate victims. Meanwhile, the megadrought affecting southwestern North America is now thought to be the worst in 1,200 years.
MetroHealth’s ‘Hospital In The Home’ Program Has Treated 900 Patients
Crain’s Cleveland Business reports MetroHealth’s tech-driven program to deliver high-touch care for patients in their own home has been active for nearly two years. A contract dispute that could shape future Medicare Advantage negotiations and more are also in the news.
1 In 3 Vaccine Misinfo Believers Know Science Disagrees With Them
A survey from The COVID States Project suggests that some anti-vax behavior may be entrenched and resistant to efforts to better educate the population. Other reports say some medical boards face pressure to let it slide when doctors spread covid misinformation.
To Avoid Shots, Health Workers Try Religious Exemptions
The AP covers efforts by some health workers to avoid mandated covid vaccinations by applying for exemptions on religious grounds. Other media outlets cover a potential out-flux of health workers to other industries, professionals leaving mental health care jobs, and more.
Unmasking Begins At Colleges, Schools, Controversially
Reports suggest that some educational establishments are following state rules on lifting mask mandates, while others choose to keep rules in place. The moves come even as medical experts caution that mask mandate-lifting may be happening too soon. Some students agree.
Over 1,425 NYC Workers Fired For Failing To Get Vaccinated
The number represents under 1% of the city workforce required to get at least one shot by last Friday. About 900 worked at the Department of Education; 36 were from the New York Police Department. In other parts of the country: two cities relax vaccine requirements for entering businesses while two states advance bills that would limit employer mandates.
Covid Cases Drop Dramatically In US, But Not Across All Parts
The latest weekly average is still high — over 175,000 new infections — but it’s a 42% drop from the prior week. Trends in Nebraska, California, and Maine are also reported.
Califf’s FDA Nomination Next Faces Full Senate Vote
The Senate narrowly advanced Robert Califf’s nomination. The formal vote on whether to confirm him to lead the Food and Drug Administration is expected as early as Tuesday.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: US Mental Health Care Woefully Inadequate; Congress Must Fix Cracks In ACA
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Viewpoints: What Covid Taught Us About Future Pandemics; It’s Too Hard To Get Covid Drugs
Opinion writers delve into these covid topics.
WHO Tracking 4 Omicron Subvariants As Global Death Rates Fall
The pandemic situation may be improving globally, thanks to treatments and vaccines, and news outlets report the overall effect seems to be falling death rates. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has said preventing all infections is impossible as it tracks four omicron variants.
For Valentine’s Day: Free STD Tests From Nashua
The event is organized by the city’s division of public health and community services. Meanwhile, in Boston, Gov. Charlie Baker signed a $101 million supplemental budget that includes support for paid covid sick leave, and in Maine, a group organizes an amateur radio-based emergency service.
Drowning Experts Say How To Revive A Victim During Pandemic
Covid poses a dilemma for reviving people who are drowning, but now an international group of experts have shown how PPE and bag-valve masks can be used as a proxy for mouth-to-mouth. The war on opioids is also in the news, with a call to pay more attention to addiction.
PBM’s Influence On Drug Prices May Be In FTC Spotlight
News outlets cover the upcoming vote at the Federal Trade Commission over a potential probe into how pharmacy benefit managers affect the prescription drug industry. Separately, health workers exposed to formaldehyde have a higher risk of developing cognitive impairment later.
Kaiser Permanente Reports 2021 Most Profitable Year Yet
The health system’s net income grew over 27% versus 2020’s figures despite higher demands on its services during this phase of the pandemic. Medical school enrollments, health system joint ventures, the unknown impact of telehealth on costs, and more are also in the news.
Hospitals’ Tabs Are Due For Excess Federal Payments To Nursing Schools
A government error resulted in $310 million in overpayments to hospitals that run nursing schools, and federal officials said they would collect that money by taking it out of Medicare reimbursements this summer. In news about a different federal program, Georgia looks to expand Medicaid coverage for new moms, and states brace for confusion when the pandemic ends and millions of people are likely to be pushed out of the health program for people with low-incomes.
Poll: 56% Of Americans Want Indoor Mask Mandates To Continue
Meanwhile, Walmart announces that it will drop its mask mandate for fully-vaxxed workers. And in California, some lawmakers want businesses to require that their employees get a covid shot.
