Latest KFF Health News Stories
Physician Staffing Firm NES Health Folds, The Third To Fail In Recent Years
Also in health industry news: Pontiac General Hospital files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy; health systems are hiring doctors from PE-backed firms; and more.
Patients Lose 20% Of Weight With New Once-A-Month Shot MariTide
A new experimental weight loss drug from Amgen — the first in a growing group of drugs aimed at once-a-month injections instead of once a week — helped patients lose up to 20% of their weight in one year, according to data from a Phase 2 trial. In other news, a new study shows that acetaminophen may in fact cause ulcers along with other health issues. Also: biotech, AI, and more.
Jay Bhattacharya Tapped By Trump To Lead NIH
In yet another sign that the president-elect is looking to overhaul the public health sector, Donald Trump has selected a candidate who has been critical of the agency he would direct.
First Edition: Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: First Edition won’t publish for the rest of the week. Look for it again in your inbox Monday. Happy Thanksgiving!
Ailing Crew, Passenger Aboard Separate Flights Trigger Call To CDC
Delta workers and a person on an Avianca flight all sought medical care after arriving at Boston Logan International Airport. The cause of the illnesses is unknown. Meanwhile, Texas is facing its worst dengue fever outbreak in two decades. Also, a look at lung cancer rates in women.
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
Pharma Analysts Mull Risks Of RFK Jr.’s Proposed Ban On Lucrative Ads
The absence of direct-to-consumer outreach will “almost certainly” cause drug sales to plunge, experts fear. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump is considering Jim O’Neill as deputy secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services. O’Neill has expressed interest in FDA reforms.
Agency That Helps Protect Americans From Medical Debt May Face Overhaul
The Washington Post reports that Republican party leaders want to impose new restrictions on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which shields people from deceptive financial practices. Meanwhile, some government watchdogs are already quitting their jobs.
Trump Might Medically Discharge All Transgender Troops
According to several news outlets, an executive order is being drafted that would immediately discharge all transgender service members — estimated at 15,000 — from the military, a move that would prove to be chaotic at a time when new recruitments are low. Donald Trump’s team did not deny the reports but said no decisions have been made.
Delayed Miscarriage Care Leads To Death Of Third Woman in Texas
Following complications from a miscarriage, 35-year-old Porsha Ngumezi suffered what more than a dozen doctors called a preventable death after not receiving a standard D&C procedure. More abortion news comes from Arizona, New York, Minnesota, and more.
Feds Serve Warrant, Seize Phone Of Former Steward Health Care CEO
The Boston Globe reports on the widening investigation into Steward, including that federal investigators also visited another Steward executive and seized his phone, as well. Separately, the Globe explores how the Steward collapse is worsening ER overcrowding.
‘Disappointing’: Cassava Sciences Ends Study Of Alzheimer’s Drug Simufilam
The company’s future now appears to be in flux, as simufilam was its only drug in clinical trials, The New York Times reported. Also: a Roche lung cancer drug has failed to improve survival; pharma companies’ net zero carbon goals; and more.
Two Years Into Philly’s Sugary Drink Tax, No Major Change In Kids’ Obesity
Among other news: Massachusetts law allows “sick leave” for miscarriages and failed adoptions, and the USDA has rejected Iowa’s request to send out food boxes to low-income families, putting summer food assistance for 240,000 kids in jeopardy.
Biden Proposes Weight Loss Drug Coverage By Medicare, Medicaid
HHS proposed a rule Tuesday that, if enacted, would expand access to anti-obesity medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro to millions of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The regulation would not be finalized before Donald Trump takes office and could be blocked by the next HHS Secretary; nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a critic of such drugs.
First Edition: Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss these public health topics.
Newest Perk On Company Health Insurance Plans: Menopause Benefits
The Washington Post reports on benefits popping up at an increasing number of companies, including time off, access to experts, flexible dress code, and more. Also: PFAS in breast milk, postpartum depression, a Virginia postnatal retreat, and more.
Surgeon General Pick Dr. Nesheiwat Gained Popularity At Fox News
Although Janette Nesheiwat is a family and emergency medicine physician, she has little public health experience. She supports vaccines but criticized government mandates during the covid pandemic. She also is critical of the standards of care for youth with gender dysphoria.
Rollins Is Surprise Choice To Oversee USDA; HUD Nominee Is Ex-NFL Player
Donald Trump has picked Brooke Rollins, his former White House domestic policy adviser, to lead the Department of Agriculture, which runs the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Meanwhile, Scott Turner has been selected to run the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which manages homelessness programs.
Trump’s Health Nominees Lack Infectious-Disease Expertise
The Washington Post reports on how the lack of tested experience among the hastily assembled team of experts for the next administration could be a problem if there is another pandemic or public health emergency.