Latest KFF Health News Stories
House Passes $715B Bill Laying Out Opening Position On Infrastructure Talks
The public works legislation, passed in a mostly party-line vote, focuses on transportation and water safety initiatives.
Biden Administration Moves To Implement Law Targeting Surprise Bills
An interim regulation was issued Thursday jointly by four agencies and advances the No Surprises Act — legislation passed in December and signed by then-President Donald Trump — which aims to protect patients from surprise medical expenses.
At Collapsed Condo, Biden Focuses On Survivors’ Mental Health Needs
“It used to drive me crazy when they’d say I know how you feel,” President Joe Biden told the families at Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, recounting the deaths of his wife, daughter and son. “And you know they meant well, but you know they had no idea. None.”
Facebook Being Investigated Over Spread Of Vaccine Misinformation
The attorney general for the District of Columbia has subpoenaed Facebook for records related to its handling of coronavirus misinformation as part of a previously undisclosed inquiry into whether the social media giant is violating consumer protection laws, Politico reports.
J&J Says Its Covid Shot Buys You At Least 8 Months’ Protection
The drugmaker said its vaccine also works against the delta covid variant. In other vaccine news, data suggest MRNA vaccines make breakthrough infections milder, and the Novavax vaccine is 90% effective overall plus protects against alpha covid.
Covid ‘Surge Teams’ May Be Coming To Your Town
The teams will distribute supplies and help at vaccination sites and with contact tracing, White House officials say, in an effort to help communities that experience a surge in coronavirus infections.
US Whiffs July 4 Vaccine Goal, But 180 Million Have Had At Least 1 Dose
President Joe Biden’s goal of vaccinating 70% of U.S. adults by Independence Day is not going to happen, and the blame is placed on the delta variant and hesitancy. Various news outlets report on how delta is surging across the country.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: KHN’s First Edition will not be published Monday, July 5. Happy Independence Day from all of us at KHN!
Perspectives: Mobile Vaccine Clinics Can Be Repurposed; Missouri Trying To Defund Planned Parenthood
Editorial writers explore the following public health topics.
Opinion writers weigh in on Covid, delta, masks and vaccines.
Research Roundup: Covid; Smoking; ADHD; Brain Stimulation; And More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Variants Driving Covid Surge Around The World
The New York Times covers rising covid infections and government reactions from Europe to Bangladesh. Reuters reports Mexico’s true death toll could be 60% above official figures. Separate reports say layers of red tape hamper U.S. vaccine donations.
Europe’s Vaccine Passport Leaves Out India-Made AstraZeneca Shots
The Washington Post reports on difficulties travelers from poorer countries may face due to receiving vaccines not on the E.U.’s approved list. Meanwhile, Bloomberg notes the U.K. is set to give third doses to vulnerable patients starting in September.
Covid-Era Smoking Ban In Atlantic City Casinos Ends Sunday
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed the order, but noted he’d look favorably on future bills to permanently ban smoking in Casinos — something campaigners are already asking for. Pot smoking, vaping, heated tobacco and more are also in the news.
In New Jersey, Hospitals Can Now Build Housing For The Homeless
The new bill was signed by Gov. Phil Murphy, who said creative thinking was needed to battle the homeless crisis and improve health care. Separately, Sacramento’s mayor has a plan to mandate California’s capital city to house the homeless.
Experts Warn Of Incoming Wave Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
The concern is that a new “summer of love” as the pandemic wanes will bring with it a wave of STD infections. In other public health news, typhus cases from flea bites are rising in southern states and a case of tick-borne Powassan virus is confirmed in Maine.
Health Care Workers Lured To Other Jobs By Higher Pay
Rising pay in other industries is reportedly driving high medical staff turnover and depleting ranks of potential candidates. CMS’s plans for GME slots, antitrust and big tech health, Blue Cross North Carolina, and Amedisys are also in the news.
Analysis: Aduhelm Would Be Cost-Effective Only If Priced 90% Less
Biogen’s Alzheimer’s drug has a list price of $56,000. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports pricing for generic drugs varies among hospitals by up to $50 per pill.
Oklahoma Becomes 37th State To Expand Medicaid
Tens of thousands more Oklahomans become eligible for Medicaid starting today. And NPR looks at the 12 remaining hold-out states.
White House Takes Steps On Veteran Mental Health, Surprise Bills, Infrastructure
President Joe Biden signed into law a mental health bill aimed at boosting the Department of Veterans Affairs services and care for rural veterans. Other news from the administration focuses on surprising billing, cancer, funeral aid and the infrastructure deal.
