Latest KFF Health News Stories
Research Roundup: TB; Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria; Covid
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Drug Shortages Hit Record For The First Three Months Of This Year
In the first quarter of this year, 323 drugs were low in supply, according to data from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, compared with 320 in 2014. Meanwhile, reports highlight how prior authorizations are also worsening the growth hormone shortage.
Neurorights Group: In Today’s Techy World, Brain Data Needs Protections
Stat reports on efforts to prevent consumer technology companies from Hoovering-up data from users’ brains, including a new bill to expand the relevant privacy protections in Colorado. Meanwhile, a dispute between Epic Systems and startup Particle Health over data-sharing is in the news.
Some Doctors Add Gun Safety Questions To Wellness Visit Checklist
During a doctor visit, patients are accustomed to lifestyle questions regarding exercise or substance use that can impact overall health. Now some physicians are adding gun safety to that list. Also: the long road to recovery for gun violence survivors.
High Brain Cancer Rates Found In Kids At New Mexico Air Force Base
Military.com reports on a new Air Force study that seems to point to a higher-than-normal rate for rare brain and spinal cord cancer among service members’ children at Cannon Air Force Base. Separately, more communities across the U.S. are removing fluoride from water.
At Least 4 States Hit By 911 Outages; Services Restored In Some Areas
Landlines and mobile phones were unable to connect to the emergency phone line in parts of South Dakota, Nebraska, Texas, and Nevada on Wednesday, with service now partially restored. The cause is being investigated.
GOP Again Quashes Efforts To Restore Abortion In Arizona
The state Senate might vote in the next few weeks to reverse the near-total abortion ban, but it’s not certain the House will approve the measure.
Report: Every State Shows Racial, Ethnic Inequalities In Health Care
News outlets note that this is true even for states with “robust” health systems, and the best health outcomes, new data from the Commonwealth Fund shows. Also in the news: botched executions for Black prisoners, toxic water supply in a majority Latino city, and more.
Texas’ Planned Medicaid Changes Could Upend Coverage For 1.8 Million
Under the proposal, three top nonprofit children’s health plans would be bounced as the state looks to shift coverage to more for-profit companies.
Hospitals’ Trauma Care Prices Differed Wildly In 2023: Study
A new study found prices were so unpredictable between hospitals that some insured patients needing trauma care even ended up with more bills than uninsured people did. Stat, meanwhile, covers tech startups who are making money out of hospital price transparency rules.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Missouri Must Put Abortion Up To Voters; Kids Online Safety Act Is A Necessity
Editorial writers tackle abortion, safety rules for social media, viral hepatitis, and more.
HIV Drugs May Also Be Effective Alzheimer’s Treatment; Antibiotics May Make Cough Last Longer
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Elevance Health Partners With Private Equity For New Primary Care Company
The insurer has partnered with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice to build a new company that’s focused on primary health care. Meanwhile, the FTC’s effort to block Novant Health’s $320 million acquisition of two hospitals is backed by North Carolina.
Obesity Drug Is Promising For Patients With Sleep Apnea, Eli Lilly Reports
In other news, a trade association issued new labeling guidelines for melatonin following a CDC report that children were requiring medical care after taking the dietary supplement.
House Committee Alleges China Is Helping To Fuel US Fentanyl Crisis
A special House committee released a report that alleges the Chinese government is subsidizing core materials used in the production of fentanyl to fuel the ongoing drug crisis in the U.S. Meanwhile, news reports say San Francisco officials want to expand methadone access to help combat addiction.
For Now, Transgender Children In Ohio Can Access Care After Ban Is Blocked
Franklin County Judge Michael J. Holbrook ordered a hold on the law for at least two weeks, pending a possible longer-term order to stop the ban from being implemented. Also: How Idaho’s ban on youth gender care has affected families.
Mine Safety Group Sets Stricter Rules To Guard Against Black Lung Disease
The Mine Safety and Health Administration acted, NPR reports, after investigative reporting exposed a “once-hidden epidemic” of severe, deadly black lung disease affecting miners. Other research shows that younger adults are aging faster than ever, and that trend is linked to early-onset cancers.
UnitedHealth Skips Hearing Focused On Change Ransomware Attack
Members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee raised questions about UnitedHealth Group’s cybersecurity practices, whether the insurer paid the ransom, and on the risks of industry consolidation. But the company did not send a representative to answer those queries.
Montana Group Begins Signature Drive To Put Abortion On November Ballot
Montanans Securing Reproductive Rights must get 60,000 signatures by June 21 to qualify. Meanwhile, Arizona lawmakers on both sides of the aisle set their sights on repealing the state’s antiquated near-total ban.