Latest KFF Health News Stories
DeSantis Pledges To Fight Biden’s Redistribution Of Antibody Treatments
As the federal government seeks to even out distribution of monoclonal antibody treatments for covid, allotments to some states, like Florida, will be cut. Other states are reporting imminent shortages under the federal shift.
As Covid Misinformation Spreads, Pelosi Calls GOP A ‘Cult’
Webster’s Dictionary defines “cult” as “great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement or work.”
12-Year-Old’s Appendix Burst While Waiting In A Covid-Overwhelmed ER
ProPublica covers the terrifying situation that happened in a crowded Florida emergency room. Meanwhile, a Texas children’s hospital is postponing all elective surgeries due to a covid surge, Oregon hospitals delay cancer care, and other facilities report being overwhelmed due to covid.
Death Toll Climbs In South, Midwest As US Nears Milestone Of 1918 Pandemic
The 1918 flu pandemic killed 675,000 people. The U.S. is on pace to reach that many covid deaths by early next week, according to The Washington Post.
FDA Vaccine Advisers OK Pfizer Booster For People Over 65 But Reject For Rest
Who needs a third shot of Pfizer’s covid vaccine was debated by the influential Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee during today’s open session. While the FDA does not have to follow the panel’s recommendations, the meeting is expected to largely shape future American booster policy.
Viewpoints: Kids Struggling With Mental Health Need Schools’ Help; HPV Vaccination Rates Have Fallen
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Judge Denies Justice Department Bid To Expedite Texas Abortion Law Challenge
The Justice Department’s motion for the restrictive law to be temporarily suspended while the case is litigated will be heard as scheduled on Oct. 1, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman decided.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues.
Opinion writers tackle these covid and vaccine issues.
Covid Cases Taking An Important Downturn, WHO Signals
The World Health Organization says this week’s 4 million global weekly cases represent the first big decline in more than two months. Meanwhile, the European Union has pledged an extra 200 million covid shots to African nations, and in China, over 1 billion people have been vaccinated.
Newsom Uses Recall Win To Signal Democrats On Bold Covid Actions
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said other party members should “lean in” to strict covid measures since his recall victory showed Californians approve of his stance. Separately, Axios reports 26 states have limited officials’ authority to make policy to protect people against covid.
Research Roundup: Lung Transplants; Ebola; Gut Bacteria; Aging; Covid
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Twice As Many States Have High Obesity Rates Than Before Covid
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 16 states had high obesity rates of over 35% in 2020 versus nine states in 2018. Racial disparities in maternal health care, appendectomy complications in Black children, mental illness, nutrition aid and more are also in the news.
FDA Says It Will Review Experimental ALS Treatment
Meanwhile, Amgen said it’s found improved tumor response rates when it combines a KRAS-blocking drug with another targeted cancer drug. Separately, generic Zantac makers said they will seek legal expenses after a failed lawsuit where people alleged they were damaged by the heartburn pills.
Aetna Will Update Infertility Coverage After LGBTQ Bias Lawsuit
Just two days after a woman sued Aetna, alleging LGBTQ people had to pay tens of thousands for infertility treatment when heterosexual people didn’t, the company said it will change its policy. DirectTrust, Atropos Health, Banner Health and more are also in the news.
Bill Created After Doctor’s Suicide Aims To Help Burned-Out Health Workers
As The Washington Post reports, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, which unanimously passed the U.S. Senate last month, would provide grant funding for suicide-prevention and peer-support mental health care programs at health care facilities and more.
Federal Judge Fast-Tracks Disability Case Against Texas’ Mask Mandate Ban
Fourteen Texas schoolchildren with disabilities have challenged Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s ban on mask mandates alleging discrimination. Separately, a federal judge chose not to block Florida’s mask mandate ban for schools — a case also brought by parents of children with disabilities.
As Wildfire Fighters Battle Blazes, More Are Hit By Covid Than Last Year
Meanwhile, a Pew Research Center report shows most Americans believe that the covid pandemic threat is still serious and that the worst is yet to come. News outlets report infection surges, and the subsequent impact on health care services, across the country.
