Latest KFF Health News Stories
Troubled CPAP Manufacturer Philips Reaches $1.1 Billion Settlement Deal
USA Today reminds us that Philips has had to recall over 15 million CPAP breathing devices since 2021 over concerns of health injuries from inhaling eroded foam inserts in the machines. Also in the news: the FDA grants full approval of Pfizer’s cervical cancer drug Tivdak.
As Population Ages, Connecticut House Passes Bill To Overhaul Elder Care
The bill includes more oversight of home care work, speeding up Medicaid access, and a new registry to make finding caregivers easier. In other health news across the country, addiction treatment in Massachusetts, autism support efforts in Florida, toxic gas in Memphis, and more.
Teens Who Often Vape Have High Uranium, Lead Levels In Their Bodies
Researchers have found a troubling link between teens who frequently vape and levels of potentially toxic metals in their urine. Separately, a study links e-cigarettes to a higher risk of heart failure — with just one vaping experience having a significant influence on risk.
If Early Death Is Written In Your Genes, A Healthy Life Can Fight It: Study
A new study shows that living a healthy lifestyle can significantly battle increased risk of early death due to genetic predisposition — nearly 2 in 3 people with risky genes can mitigate the risk. Separately, a study links physical fitness to better mental health in young people.
Viewpoints: Interspecies Organ Transplants Could Fix Long Wait Times; Are We Damaging Teens?
Editorial writers discuss organ transplants, mental health in kids, reproductive health care, and more,
California Will Make Available Free Opioid Overdose-Reversal Medicine
First responders and other eligible groups will receive a generic drug to combat overdoses. Elsewhere, as Colorado contemplates prescription drug cost controls, patients and their caregivers fear a future without the meds they need to survive.
WHO Advisers Say Next Covid Vaccine Should Use Monovalent JN.1 Lineage
CIDRAP reports on the advisory group meeting earlier this month, where the experts predicted that in the near term, circulating variants of covid will likely be derived from JN.1. Also in the news about infectious disease: a covid booster’s impact on odds of long covid; what we’re learning about H5N1 bird flu virus infections in cows; and more.
Southerners Soon May Be One Abortion Crisis Away From Financial Ruin
With farther to go and travel assistance funds already under strain, urgent abortion care might become out of reach for many women when Florida’s abortion ban goes into effect this week. Meanwhile, some cities in Texas and California are throwing up more barriers for abortion care.
State Officials, Insurers Push Back At Medicaid Wait Time Reduction Plan
While the White House would like to see Medicaid enrollees not having to wait so long to see a physician, the industry and officials say it’s not realistic. Meanwhile, CMS’ effort to enforce ratios of nursing home staff to residents may end up in court.
Labs Developing Medical Tests Will Now Face Some FDA Scrutiny
Historically, such tests escaped federal regulation because they were considered low risk. But after the Theranos debacle, and as lab-developed tests become more complex and test for important things like genetic conditions, the FDA will start regulating them more. About 12,000 labs are affected, and legal action challenging the change is expected.
State Health Plans Can’t Exclude Gender-Affirming Surgery, Court Rules
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit ruled Monday that North Carolina’s and West Virginia’s denial of health care services for transgender patients by government insurance was discriminatory.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: We Have No Idea How Many Humans Have Bird Flu; Finally, OTC Birth Control Is On Shelves
Editorial writers discuss H5N1 in humans, birth control, veterans’ health care, and more.
Menthol Cigarette Ban Temporarily Dropped In White House Reversal
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has not said when or if the administration will reconsider the controversial ban, Roll Call notes, and did not discuss a similar proposed ban on flavored cigars. Also in the news: Pfizer’s $3.5 million gene therapy price, eye drop superbug affects dogs, and more.
FTC Set To Tighten Rules On Health Apps Sharing Users’ Data
The Federal Trade Commission has finalized its Health Breach Notification Rule, emphasizing that it applies to health apps, in an effort to limit how sensitive user data is shared with other companies. Also in the news: Centene updates prior authorization; growing financial differences between hospitals; and more.
Another Covid-Era Requirement On Hospital Data Collection Ends
Hospitals are no longer required to collect and report respiratory disease data related to admissions and other stats, marking another milestone in the nation’s recovery from the covid pandemic.
Interstate Abortion Access Coming Down To One Thing: How You Vote
Voters in nearly a dozen states will weigh in on whether abortion restrictions should be reversed. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell doesn’t think his colleagues would have enough votes to pass a national abortion ban.
Texas Slipped Up: Bid Data ‘Leak’ Triggered A Medicaid Contract Spat
The Texas Tribune reports on a contractual and legal muddle stirred up when the state Health and Human Services agency mistakenly sent rival health plans’ data to insurance giant Aetna — which was set to win the local Medicaid contract. Meanwhile, Kansas blocked Medicaid expansion.
30% Of Teens Who Denied Suicide Risk During Survey Later Killed Themselves
The study examined youths ages 13-17 who filled out the commonly used Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ), which is used to screen for depression severity. In other news, Norway found that bullying decreased dramatically when schools banned smartphones.
Unusual, Severe Symptoms Reported By Doctors Treating Syphilis
Vision issues, headaches, and hearing loss are among unusual symptoms being reported in the current syphilis surge. Separately, reports detail how St. Louis, facing the highest syphilis rates per capita in any Missouri county, will tackle the outbreak.