Latest KFF Health News Stories
#FreeBritney Not Just A Meme: Newsom Signs Conservator Reform Law
Politico reports on moves to help improve conservatorship laws which have led to “exploitation” of “many” Californians, including Britney Spears. Meanwhile, NBC News covers efforts to block “dozens” of bills targeting trans people that have been considered by Texas lawmakers.
Study Says Undercount Of Deaths From Police Violence Is ‘Vast’
A study published in the Lancet says official figures didn’t represent 55.5% of the true total deaths from police violence that occurred over four decades. Meanwhile, USA Today notes police kill more people in Oklahoma than any other state. News outlets report on other health and race issues.
Scientists Hope The Opioid Epidemic May Have A Vaccine-Based Solution
Meanwhile, during a two-month program, the Drug Enforcement Agency has seized enough fentanyl-related drugs to kill more than 700,000 people. Axios reports that the covid pandemic worsened the opioid problem in the U.S. Also, California tries a novel pay-to-avoid-drugs program.
Closed Schools Drove Teen Vaping Down, But 2 Million Still Vaped In 2021
Pandemic-related school closures are reported to have led to a dramatic drop in teenagers using vape or e-cigarette products, but the CDC still needed to issue a warning after reports that 2 million teens have vaped in 2021. Seasonal affective disorder, food stamps, a sunscreen recall and more are also in the news.
The Cost Of People Who Went To The ER But Didn’t Need To? $47B Yearly
Modern Healthcare covers news about incorrect use of hospital emergency services and the huge costs incurred each year. Also in the news, a potential Kaiser Permanente strike; the struggle to train new nursing staff; medical AI company Dascena; ransomware attacks and more.
By Mapping Proteins, Scientists Can Potentially See How Cancers Grow
Axios and other news outlets report on a new analysis that mapped 395 protein systems in 13 cancer types, focusing on data from studies on head and neck squamous cell cancers and breast cancers. The information could help them find new treatments.
Legal Entanglements Complicate School Masking, Vaccine Rules
Arkansas’ Supreme Court said the state wasn’t allowed to enforce a school mask mandate ban, but in New York City teachers have gone to the U.S. Supreme Court to block a vaccine mandate for staff. Meanwhile in Michigan, health departments rescinded school mask rules over budget cut threats.
Gaps In Data May Impact Rollout Of Moderna, J&J Booster Shots
Axios reports on issues regulators are having with data on booster shots for Moderna’s and Johnson & Johnson’s covid shots, complicating the process of deciding who gets boosters. The Boston Globe reports that J&J vaccine recipients are feeling “left out” in the current booster rollout.
Yes, Some Workers Are Griping — But Vax Mandates Appear To Be Working
In California, major hospital systems reported that the health care worker mandate had boosted their vaccination rates to 90% or higher. At Tyson Foods, their vaccinations have jumped from less than half its workforce on Aug. 3 to 91% compliance nearly two months later.
Thanks To Lousy Data, True Picture Of Covid’s Toll In America Is Hard To See
How many people have been infected? No one knows for sure. How many breakthrough infections are there? The government tracks only some of them. Still, daily infections appear to be easing in some regions as the U.S. approaches 700,000 covid deaths.
Experimental Merck Drug Effective Against Covid Variants, Including Delta
Lab studies of the oral drug, molnupiravir, show promise in fighting known covid variants. Phase III studies of the drug will end in November. Separately, a University of Houston professor has developed a covid vaccine that can be taken nasally. Monoclonal antibodies are also back in the news.
Judge To Consider Pause On Texas Abortion Law; Implementation Of Montana Measures Delayed
The legal challenges over state laws in both states restricting abortion procedures play out in court. And U.S. lawmakers tell their personal stories during a House hearing on the subject.
Proposed 340B Rule Retracted That Would Have Jolted Community Clinics
The Health Resources and Services Administration pulled back a rule proposed by the Trump administration that would have required community health clinics to pass savings from reduced 340B pricing on insulin and Epi-Pens directly to patients instead of reinvesting in local services.
Facebook, Instagram’s Influence On Kids’ Mental Health Unites Senators
Rare bipartisan agreement and concern was expressed as senators grilled Facebook’s global head of safety during a subcommittee hearing Thursday on the social media giant’s tactics and outreach to teens and children.
HHS Releases Details on How Surprise Medical Bill Disputes Will Be Resolved
Ahead of greater consumer protections against unexpected out-of-network charges taking effect on Jan. 1, the Department of Health and Human Services issued an interim rule Thursday that outlines an arbitration process that will settle disagreements between insurers and providers over costs. The Biden administration’s approach is favored by the insurance industry.
Drug Pricing Measure On The Trimming Block As Dems Try To Salvage Spending Bills
It was another big day on Capitol Hill as lawmakers averted a partial government shutdown — for now. The planned House infrastructure bill was also pushed, as its fate is tied up with fraught negotiations with moderate Democrats over the reconciliation package. The resulting compromises, if reached at all, are likely to hit the health care items hard.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Texas Must Close Medicaid Coverage Gap; A Glimpse Into Texas Abortion Care After SB 8
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Covid Means Only Chinese Spectators At 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
News outlets report on early covid protocols being planned for next year’s Winter Olympics, including a limit on who can view events in person and a “closed-loop bubble.” Meanwhile, globally, covid seems to be beginning to decline; AstraZeneca’s vaccine shows 74% efficiency; and more.
Application Period For Post-Ida Food Stamp Aid In Louisiana Extended
The three-day extension is for people still needing aid after Hurricane Ida hit the area. News outlets cover new homelessness laws in California and reports that local jobs recovery is being stalled by delta covid surges. Other news is from Maryland, North Carolina, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Texas.
