Latest KFF Health News Stories
DOJ Sues To Block UnitedHealth’s Giant Acquisition
The Department of Justice’s antitrust lawyers filed a suit to block UnitedHealth Group’s $13 billion purchase of Change Healthcare, a claims processing technology company. In other news from Washington, the Treasury Department said 80% of pandemic renters’ aid went to low-income households. And a federal judge bars Martin Shkreli, the “pharma bro,” from running any publicly traded company.
54% Of US Abortions Happen By Pill, Not Surgery
The AP and the New York Times report on new data showing the figure has risen from 44% in 2019, and note pill-based abortions are less expensive and obviously less invasive. In Arizona, a Republican helped to defeat an abortion pill ban. And Texas’ strict anti-abortion law is again in the news.
Vaccine Skeptics Garner More Attention Than Credible News
A new study claims that just two sources of anti-vaccination disinformation drew larger audiences on Twitter and Facebook than some news organizations. And in other news about vaccines, Canada approves a plant-based covid vaccine.
But has behavior changed and will many people still wear masks to protect themselves and others?
CDC Loosens Mask Guidance For Most People In Dramatic Shift
Under new guidance released by the Biden administration Friday, about 70% of the American population could consider skipping masks in indoor public settings. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky emphasized that the covid situation could shift again but that “we want to give people a break from things like mask wearing when our levels are low, and then have the ability to reach for them again should things get worse in the future.”
First Edition: February 25, 2022
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Cancer; ALS; Dementia; Childhood Obesity
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: Climate Change Is Making People Ill; Makena Should Be Pulled From Market
Editorial pages tackle these public health issues, and a look back at the contributions of Dr. Paul Farmer.
Different Takes: Should Schools Be Unmasking?; Examining Covid’s Effects On Our Mental Health
Opinion writers weigh in on covid, mask mandates and how the pandemic has affected our mental health.
Covid Hitting Once Virus-Free New Zealand
Protests against covid restrictions intensify in New Zealand, even as new cases surge across the country. Meanwhile, in the U.K. studies show that most pregnant women are avoiding getting covid shots, even though the vaccines are known to be safe for both mother and child.
Michigan Pivots On Pandemic Response
Meanwhile, Kentucky schools shift to outdoor teaching and more trucker protests are planned for California. Recreational pot bills, forever chemicals in Wisconsin, microplastic protections in California and more are also in the news.
Drug Safety Warnings Only Lead To Small Prescribing Drops: Study
A new international study found that when regulators issue drug safety warnings it only leads to modest drops in prescription rates. Separately, the Columbus Dispatch notes that the State Medical Board of Ohio has closed most sexual misconduct complaints reopened after a scandal.
First Anal Sex-Safe Condom Approval By FDA
This is the first time, reportedly due to lack of data, the Food and Drug Administration approved condoms for anal as well as vaginal sex. The move could help combat the spread of HIV. Separately, reports show maternal death rate disparities worsened during the pandemic, and pregnant people were “left behind” during the vaccine push.
Researchers Find Genetic Defects Linked To ALS
The defects were discovered by Stanford and University College London scientists in a molecule that processes and preps RNA. A rise in the extensively drug-resistant Shigella sonnei infections in Europe, and the risk of C Difficile infections from contaminated hospital rooms are also in the news.
Study Shows Guns Now Kill More People Than Other Traumas Do
In other news, D.C. traffic deaths hit a 14-year high; the United Nations warns that wildfires will dramatically rise over the next 80 years with serious human health impacts, and the World Health Organization has formally recognized video game addition.
Federal Judge Blocks Part Of HHS Surprise Billing Rule
In a win for doctors, a federal judge in Texas on Wednesday struck down part of the Biden administration’s regulations, taking issue with its mediation process for hospitals and doctors and insurers to settle disputes over out-of-network medical bills.
Chicago Police Vaccine Mandate Upheld
The Fraternal Order of Police had been “vigorously” fighting the city’s rules, according to AP, but an arbitrator said the mandate stands. Denver is taking a different position and is lifting a shot mandate for municipal employees. And in New York the mayor is keen to end vaccine rules for restaurant visits.
DC Prepares For Trucker Convoys Protesting Vaccine Requirements
The National Guard is preparing to respond to potentially disruptive protests. Meanwhile, lawmakers working on a mental health bill face a ticking clock. And from the Florida capital: the state Senate confirms a controversial surgeon general nominee.
Reopening Concerns Arise Due To Omicron Subvariant
Both Axios and the Wall Street Journal report that highly-infectious omicron, and its new subvariant BA.2, are spurring worries as reopening plans begin to take effect. Meanwhile AP reports on expert warnings that a mass omicron infection is not the same as reaching herd immunity.
New CDC Metrics Coming To Guide Next Phase Of Pandemic Response
A CDC scientist tells CNN that the agency will issue new guidance on how communities can gauge their local virus risk in order to set policies on covid precautions like masks. Dr. Anthony Fauci also says that current indicators could lead to restrictions easing.
