Latest KFF Health News Stories
Despite Coverage Gains, Costs May Mask Biden’s Health Care Efforts
A closer look at the numbers helps to explain the shift in political discourse from coverage to affordability. Also in the news: pressure to reduce drug prices, removing insurance perks for seniors, Medicaid unwinding, and more.
Fentanyl Seizures Soared Between 2017 And 2023: Study
In fact, seizures more than quadrupled during that time period. Last year alone, over 115 million pills were seized by law enforcement. Also in the news: a warning about false results from Cue Health covid tests; cortisol and stress; “heart age” and health levels; and more.
Weight Loss Drug’s Effectiveness Is Good For Four Years, Study Finds
The popular drug Wegovy also is found to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks in patients no matter how much they weighed, a new study concludes.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into climate change and allergies, doctors decision-making, mental healthcare, and more.
California Governor Redirects Funds Intended For Health Care Priorities
The change in plans comes amid a state budget crisis. Elsewhere, in New Jersey, a task force says the state should aim for more home- and community-based care instead of nursing homes. And, thanks to New York, a paid parental leave initiative could go national.
Federal Agencies Earmark Millions To Help Combat Bird Flu On Dairy Farms
HHS and the Department of Agriculture pledged nearly $200 million to stem the spread of avian flu that has already been detected in 40 dairy cow herds across nine states. The money will be used to test, track and treat animals potentially infected by H5N1 and to incentivize farms to take containment steps.
First Recipient Of A Genetically Modified Pig Kidney Dies Weeks Later
Rick Slayman has died after the historic operation on March 16 when the first genetically engineered pig kidney was transplanted to him. Massachusetts General Hospital, where the surgery was performed, said there was “no indication” that the death was a result of the transplant.
AI Is Finding A Role In Improving Effectiveness Of Medical Visits
Artificial intelligence is also helping physicians save time by streamlining some tasks like updating a patient’s file after a visit. Separately, union leaders say that nurses are concerned about the use of AI in health care and that they should be kept more in the loop, including educating them about the tools.
States Given Extra Year To Sort Medicaid, CHIP Eligibility Waivers
Meanwhile, the home care industry is facing possible consolidation efforts in the wake of the Medicaid 80/20 rule changes. In other news, WHO member states will continue efforts to draw up a global pact should we face another pandemic in the future.
FDA Issues Serious Recall For App The Controls Smart Insulin Pump
The Class 1 recall was issued for an app that crashed, draining the pump’s batteries and injuring over 200 people. Also in the news: a Washington-based company is recalling goat milk-based formula due to concerns over its insufficient nutritional worth.
Survey Finds 79% Of Parents Have Used Substances To Get Their Kids To Sleep
Melatonin is substance most commonly used, according to a poll. In other news, high stress levels in late pregnancy are linked to later impaired IQ scores in young boys; scientists investigate brain benefits from handwriting; a breakthrough is made in understanding childhood autism development; and more.
Private Insurers Pay Hospitals Wildly Different Rates, More Than Medicare
Typically, Rand researchers found, insurers paid 254% more than what Medicare pays for the same services, based on 2022 data. Separately, as at-home care rises, reports say hospital executives are telling patients to visit their facilities less often.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Telemedicine May Be What Saves Reproductive Rights; AI Is The Future Of New Medications
Editorial writers discuss telemedicine, AI in health care, bird flu, and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on weight loss, syphilis, mental health, lead poisoning, and more.
Novavax And Sanofi Join Forces To Develop Combination Covid-Flu Vaccine
Meanwhile, infectious disease experts are monitoring the newest covid variant — known as FLiRT — as concerns grow over a summer uptick in cases.
Republicans Target NIH For Changes If They Win Senate Control Next Year
Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, says reforms at the federal health agency are “overdue.” Separately, an NIH official will appear later this month before the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic to answer questions about the covid pandemic timeline.
Company Issues Broad Recall Of Nuts Over ‘Undeclared Allergen’ Risk
Elsewhere, a mobile app has been recalled after patients with diabetes were injured when their insulin pumps unexpectedly stopped working. Also in the news: how muscle guarding, loneliness, and alcohol affect the body.
New Maps Improve Deep Brain Stimulation For OCD Therapy
CNN covers improvements in deep brain stimulation treatments. Also, an experimental spinal cord implant helped a patient with Parkinson’s disease to walk. A gene therapy trial that allowed a baby born with profound deafness to hear is also in the news.