Latest KFF Health News Stories
DEA Nominee Chronister Bows Out
Also, news outlets weigh the fallout of some of President-elect Donald Trump’s plans and policies: a reduced home health and long-term care workforce if certain immigrants are deported; and more than 3 million Medicaid recipients at risk of losing coverage.
European Restrictions on Trans Care May Play Role In Supreme Court Fight
Four European countries have made moves to restrict some transgender care for minors. Conservatives might cite actions abroad as they argue in support of Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care in front of the Supreme Court today.
Study: Nearly 3 In 10 US Drugstores Shuttered In One Decade
The study, published Tuesday in Health Affairs, found the pharmacy losses were most acute in Black and Latino neighborhoods. Also in pharma news: Orexo scraps plans for an app that treats depression; scientists explore encapsulating medicines in silk; and more.
Now Included In First-Aid Guidelines: Overdoses, Seizures, And More
In the first update since 2010, the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross have included how to treat opioid overdoses and open chest wounds, among other things. Other industry news includes strikes, hospital closures, Medicare Advantage, and more.
Biden Seeks To Abolish ‘Sub-Minimum Wage’ For People With Disabilities
But the process to approve the rule change will spill into the Trump administration, which could abandon the effort. Approximately 38,000 workers would be affected by the change.
First Edition: Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Wary Of Restrictions From Trump, Transgender People Stock Up On Meds
President-elect Donald Trump has said he would “sign an executive order instructing every federal agency to cease the promotion of sex or gender transition at any age” on his first day in office, The Guardian notes. Plus: LGBTQ+ news from the Supreme Court, Utah, and Boston.
Even Negotiated Medicare Prices Of 10 Drugs Higher Than In Peer Nations
Researchers analyze the prices on drugs negotiated by Medicare, in comparison to what they cost in other countries. Other Medicare news relates to Medicare Advantage ratings, open enrollment, and veterans.
Health Systems Shifting To Outpatient Care As They Adapt To Changing Needs
Organizations are eyeing expansion of out-of-hospital care and are downsizing their acute care network as patients get comfortable with in-and-out procedures and home recovery.
Texas Activists Advocate Shoring Up Ailing Rural Maternal Health System
A set of proposals titled “The Rural Texas Maternal Health Rescue Plan” will be put in front of legislators for the upcoming session. Almost half of all Texas counties offer no maternity care services. Other news includes a death penalty case in Texas; mental health in Colorado and California; and more.
Visceral Fat May Be Early Marker Of Alzheimer’s
New research points to a link between excess belly fat in middle age and shrinkage in the memory centers of the brain, which could be an early indicator of a future Alzheimer’s diagnosis. In other news, ProPublica reports that formaldehyde is the most cancerous air pollutant in the country: “Nobody in the United States is safe.”
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and others.
Idaho Adults Who Harbor Or Transport Girls For Abortions Can Be Punished
Although the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Idaho’s abortion trafficking law may stand, it did rule that language prohibiting “recruiting” activity to obtain an abortion is overly broad and unconstitutional. Other abortion news is from Wisconsin and California.
House Covid Panel Releases Final Report Critical Of Pandemic Response
The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic criticized efforts of the WHO, as well as social distancing and mask mandates, and credited Operation Warp Speed. Also in covid-related news, Donald Trump’s health agency nominees, nursing homes, and more.
Justices Hint At Support Of FDA’s Reach Regarding Sweet Vapes Hawked To Kids
The Supreme Court’s decision on whether the FDA acted properly in preventing companies from marketing fruit-flavored e-cigarettes is expected in the coming months, AP says. However, the incoming Trump administration could change the rules. Trump himself has dithered on the subject.
First Edition: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Drug Crisis Survivors At Tip Of Aging Generation With Big Health Issues
Although overdose deaths are dropping nationally, The Wall Street Journal reports on the millions of former drug users who are entering old age and living with compromised health. Other substance abuse stories report on fentanyl, future painkillers, and alcohol.
Workplace Tensions Bubble Up At Calif. Lab Crucial To Tracking Bird Flu
As bird flu cases rise, the Los Angeles Times reports that workers at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory say they are overworked and feeling burned out. Also in public health news: hepatitis A, rabies, salmonella, and more.
Viewpoints: AI Is The Future Of Medicine; Red State Policies Worsen Obesity Epidemic
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Supreme Court To Settle Dispute Over FDA’s Regulations On Flavored Vapes
E-cigarette makers contend the agency did not properly consider their requests for approval; the FDA maintains the public health risks to young people are too great to allow fruity products on the market. Later this week, the court will hear a case challenging Tennessee’s ban on transgender care for minors.