Latest KFF Health News Stories
Western Wildfire Ashes, Smoke Causing Problems 1,000 Miles East
The New York Times reports on how fumes from the Dixie fire in California and other western wildfires are causing a “a pall of noxious smoke” in Denver, 1,100 miles east. Other news outlets cover climate change effects, low reservoir levels and water conservation efforts.
Sun’s Out, Sunscreen’s Out? Another Carcinogen Alert Is Raised
Researchers have called for some brands like Coppertone and Neutrogena to pull products from shelves due to potential contamination with benzophenone, a carcinogen. Separately, a study says blood tests may be useful to help determine increased risk of dementia later in life.
As FDA Emergency Use Winds Down, Warnings Over Providers’ Legal Risks
Modern Healthcare reports on potential legal risks health providers face when the Food and Drug Administration’s various pandemic emergency actions on PPE, treatments and vaccines taper off. Separately, reports note the potential technological upside in health care from the pandemic, which may persist long term.
Deadline Approaches For Special ACA Enrollment With Big Subsidies
The window on the special enrollment period closes on Aug. 15. With millions more signing up for an Affordable Care Act plan, more insurers are joining the state marketplaces, Georgia Health News reports.
Students Without A Covid Shot Face $750 Fee At West Virginia College
West Virginia Wesleyan College is set to charge the additional fee to unvaccinated students attending the fall semester, and if students contract covid and can’t quarantine off campus, another $250 is due. Vaccine, mask mandates in schools and the pandemic’s effect on kids is also in the news.
11 States Have Each Passed 1 Million Covid Cases, So Far
Analysis of Johns Hopkins University data also shows half of all states have reported at least 500,000 cases, with the pandemic still ongoing. Meanwhile, the battle over vaccines in Kentucky saw Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear accusing Republican leaders of putting politics over the “very lives” of Kentuckians.
Senate Moves Toward Infrastructure Vote, Outlines $3.5T Companion Package
Democrats released their ambitious and pricey budget blueprint Monday which includes an array of health care initiatives, including Medicare expansion. One thing the proposed legislation does not tackle is the debt ceiling.
Third Pfizer Covid Shot Said To Have Similar Side Effects To Second
A study in Israel showed that people who got a booster shot of Pfizer/BioNTech’s covid vaccine experienced similar or fewer side effects than with the previous dose. A separate report explains how researchers are looking at intranasal delivery for future versions of covid vaccines.
Facing Covid Emergency, Abbott Calls For Other States To Help Texas
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has strictly banned mask mandates in the state — forcing confrontation with school districts — but as another wave of covid is threatening to overwhelm local hospitals, he has appealed for out-of-state help and is trying to recruit extra nursing staff.
Borrowing From Trump, Gov. DeSantis Threatens Fla. Schools That Defy Him
This time last year, former President Donald Trump threatened to cut off funding for schools that didn’t fully open in fall 2020. Now, Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has threatened to stop paying superintendents and school board members who call for classroom mask mandates. But at least two school districts are fighting back.
Refusing A Covid Shot May Cost You, As Employers Pass Insurance Fees To Staff
As more vaccine mandates happen in companies and government offices across the country, USA Today notes that some employers may end up passing on hundreds of dollars of extra annual insurance costs to unvaccinated staff. Masks, vaccines and travel rules are also in the news.
Pentagon Signals To Troops To Ready For Mandated Covid Shots
On advice from their medical corp and to ensure unit readiness, U.S. military leaders say they will require the covid vaccine soon after one receives full approval by the Food and Drug Administration. “Mandating vaccines in the military is not new,” wrote Army Gen. Mark Milley.
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Opinion writers examine these covid and vaccine issues.
Wuhan Scientist Warns Covid Will Remain A Part Of Our Lives
Humanity must be prepared to coexist with covid in the long term, according to the chief of the Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Separately, a U.S. study projects that global covid deaths will reach 5.3 billion by December of this year.
In Anti-Trans Youth Health Battle, Republicans Use Anti-Abortion Tricks
Politico reports the “rash” of anti-transgender youth health access bills in at least 20 states are carried out using tactics Republicans developed to restrict abortion rights. Meanwhile a Texas Senate committee moved forward with hearings on bills against trans participation in sports and blocking medical abortion.
Arizona Patient Had The Plague For A Month Without Knowing
LiveScience reports on an unusual case of the plague in Arizona, where a man infected with the bacteria carried it for a month before being diagnosed and treated. Separately, a study links risks of liver disease with rescue workers who helped in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
Counterfeit HIV Drugs Circulating In US, Including In Pharmacies
Drugmaker Gilead, which makes popular HIV drugs, is moving against counterfeit versions that are circulating in the U.S. and have even been found in pharmacies. Smart thermometers, PrEP and birth control, gonorrhea, Adagio Therapeutics and surgical injuries are also in the news.
Report Says 7 In 10 US Doctors Now Work Outside Of Private Practice
Consulting firm Avalere Health says nearly 70% of physicians work in hospitals, health systems or for private companies — up 12% over the past two years. A separate report says a pandemic-influenced hospital-at-home program actually boosted inpatient capacity at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
