Category: Public Health

KFF Health News’ ‘What the Health?’: The Supreme Court vs. the Bureaucracy

The Supreme Court this week heard oral arguments in a case that could radically alter the way federal agencies — including the Department of Health and Human Services — administer laws passed by Congress. A decision in the case is expected this spring or summer. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is struggling over whether to ban menthol cigarettes — a move that could improve public health but also alienate Black voters, the biggest menthol users. Joanne Kenen of Johns Hopkins University and Politico Magazine, Lauren Weber of The Washington Post, and Rachel Cohrs of Stat join KFF Health News chief Washington correspondent Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews Darius Tahir, who reported and wrote the latest KFF Health News-NPR “Bill of the Month” feature about a lengthy fight over a bill for a quick telehealth visit.

The latest on measles spread in the US

A ninth case of measles has been confirmed in connection with the outbreak in Philadelphia, the city’s health department reported Jan. 17.

‘Emergency’ or Not, Covid Is Still Killing People. Here’s What Doctors Advise to Stay Safe.

Thousands of people are still dying of covid, but government has mostly handed over responsibility to the people to weather the seasonal surges with their own strategies.

Fungal infection death rate likely almost double original estimates

The number of deaths related to fungal infections is complicated to measure and as a result likely underreported. The updated mortality rate is almost double that of past estimates, according to a study published Jan. 12 in The Lancet Infectious Diseas…

A paradox in longevity: More years with more sickness for American adults

Illness and disease are common with age, but new research suggests that U.S. adults are now spending more time in their life sick than well, The Wall Street Journal reported Jan. 17.

35 states where respiratory virus levels remain high

Thirty-five states are experiencing high or very high respiratory virus activity, according to the CDC, despite a recent dip in flu hospital admissions and a slower increase in the rate of new COVID-19 hospitalizations.

America’s Health System Isn’t Ready for the Surge of Seniors With Disabilities

More than a third of older adults have a disability. Many find it difficult to get the medical care they need. New federal regulations would address that problem.

Measles exposure reported at Missouri hospital

Health officials in Clay County, Mo., issued an exposure warning Jan. 12, after confirming an active measles case in a resident of Liberty, a suburb 15 miles outside of Kansas City.

Dips in COVID, flu metrics may not signal peak, experts say: 8 virus updates

After weeks of rising cases of flu and COVID-19, hospitalizations and positive tests have slightly declined, according to CDC data. However, other respiratory viruses continue to climb nationally.

What Would a Second Trump Presidency Look Like for Health Care?

Health policy during Donald Trump’s tenure was dominated by covid-19 and a failed effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. His appointments to the Supreme Court led to the end of national abortion rights, and he took steps to increase hospital price transparency and improve care for veterans.