Latest KFF Health News Stories
18 Former NBA Players Accused Of Health Insurance Fraud
The athletes are accused of pocketing millions of dollars collectively after defrauding the league’s health and welfare benefit plan by claiming fictitious expenses. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reports on a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation into an NFL medicine director.
In Nursing Shortage, Temp Staff Cost Florida Hospitals Double
Naples Daily News reports on the financial hit taken by Florida hospitals trying to cover covid-burnout staff shortages by hiring temporary nursing staff at high rates. Burnout, “exploitative” hospital contracts, a pay rise controversy in LSU Health Sciences Center and more are also reported.
VA Hospital Accused Of Delaying Tons Of Unopened Mail, Including Checks
A former Veterans Affairs employee alleged he told managers of “pallets” full of unopened mail last year in Atlanta — likely containing thousands of personal medical records and checks meant for medical providers. Separately, controversial Palantir Technologies won a big contract with the VA.
Legal Limbo Leaves Texas Abortion Providers To Navigate Risky Waters
With the latest court stay on enforcement of Texas’ near-total abortion ban, some clinics have resumed procedures. But as the challenges work through the judicial system, health providers that do so could face potential future legal jeopardy.
Trump Medical Mystery Solved, But Why Was A Colonoscopy Kept Secret?
In November 2019, then-President Donald Trump made an unpublicized trip to Walter Reed Medical Center. His staff kept the nature of the visit strictly guarded but a new book confirms that it was a colonoscopy. The former White House aide also relates that Trump skipped anesthesia to avoid even temporarily relinquishing presidential powers to then-Vice President Mike Pence.
More Divisions Emerge Among Dems Over How To Pare Back Spending Bill
What programs should get cut from the $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill and whether changes should be made permanent are among the negotiating points. And Politico reports on a warning from Big Tobacco lobbyists regarding the impact of a cigarette tax hike. Meanwhile, lawmakers punt the debt-limit fight to December.
Florida Steps Up Financial Threats Over White House Role In School Mask Rules
The Biden admin had said it would use grants to cover pay withheld from school board members imposing mask mandates the state deems violate a ban. Now Florida says it will hold back equivalent sums if grants reach the school systems. News outlets report on mask, vaccine rules elsewhere.
More Folks In Line For Boosters Than There Are In Line For Their First Shots
Of the 6.7 million shots given from Sept. 30 to Oct. 6, nearly 2.7 million were booster shots, nearly 2 million were first doses and nearly 2 million were second doses, NBC News reports.
Worst Of Delta Seems To Be Waning, But Many Places Still In The Thick Of It
The seven-day case average has declined 12% over the past two weeks, Fox News reports. But in Utah, more residents have now died of coronavirus than the total number of those who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Biden Says More Corporate Vaccine Mandates Are Best Way To Beat Covid
In remarks during a Chicago trip Thursday, President Joe Biden pressed more private-sector businesses to institute covid shot requirements: “They’re lifesaving, they’re game-changing for our country.” Earlier in the day, the White House released a report on the role mandates have played on driving up vaccination rates.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Pfizer Asks FDA For Authorization To Vaccinate Kids Ages 5 To 11 Against Covid
Pfizer’s application will be welcome news to many anxious parents, as the number of pediatric cases climb in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration says it will quickly act on the application, with a meeting tentatively scheduled for Oct. 26. If that timing holds, the shot will not be available to kids until November.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Opinion writers tackle covid burnout, how to defeat the coronavirus and vaccinating while pregnant.
Africa To Get Moderna Vaccine Factory
Meanwhile, as Cuba sells its covid vaccine, worries emerge over who’ll buy it without World Health Organization approval. Separately, AP reports that the WHO is working to get covid medical supplies into North Korea, possibly indicating the secretive nation is seeking outside help.
Lead In Michigan Town’s Water Supply Forces Switch To Bottles — Again
Meanwhile, residents in Newark, New Jersey, remain unconvinced lead levels are safe five years after high levels were found in 30 schools’ water systems. Opioid settlement money in Louisiana, postpartum Medicaid benefits, black lung, school violence and more are also in the news.
Under Pressure On Safety, Facebook Delays Rolling Out New Products
News outlets report on Facebook’s response to scrutiny from lawmakers after testimony from a whistleblower. Separately, Snapchat publicly addressed purchases by young users of fentanyl-laced fake pills, and launched a new tool to connect users to substance abuse experts.
The Cost Of Cancer: Over $156 Billion Each Year, Thanks To Drug Prices
A study found the 15 most common types of cancer cost the U.S. around $156.2 billion annually. Separately, pandemic delays to cancer surgery were a global problem, with 15% of people putting off surgery in lockdowns. Breast cancer, a cancer “super-enhancer” and more are also in the news.
Chemistry Nobel Awarded For Eco-Friendly Catalyst Discovery
In other news, antibiotic-resistant infections were found to disproportionately affect older Americans; a patent lawsuit delays a Botox competitor; and the former CEO of grocery chain Safeway testified in the ongoing trial of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes.
Health Care Industry Deals Went Mega-Scale This Year
Modern Healthcare reports that although fewer hospital mergers and acquisitions happened in 2021 than before, a high percentage of giant-sized transactions took place. The American Hospital Association is also reported to be urging Congress to stop upcoming cuts to Medicare.
