Latest KFF Health News Stories
Election Stress Can Be All-Consuming. Here Are Ways To Help Folks Cope
Experts and ordinary people offer advice on information hibernation to get through this anxiety-inducing period in U.S. history. If their tips aren’t enough, simply text ELECTION to 741741 to speak with someone from the Crisis Text Line.
10 States Will Decide Future Of Abortion Access
News sources examine the measures — for and against abortion, or constitutional protections — in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, and South Dakota.
Regardless Of Who Wins The White House, Abortion Clinics Are In Trouble
As The New Republic explains, a lack of investment in the infrastructure of abortion care over decades is speeding up the closure of reproductive health clinics. Plus: How abortion factors into elections for West Virginia governor and the Arkansas Supreme Court, and more.
Fungal STI Showing Up In New York
Four men have been diagnosed with Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII since spring. Also, whooping cough cases — almost 20,000 — are almost back to pre-pandemic levels; California and Washington report more suspected bird flu cases.
Doctors, Hospitals Bemoan Inadequate 2025 Medicare Payment Rates
In other news: In a breakthrough for digital therapeutics companies, under the 2025 Medicare rules, clinicians can bill for some mental health apps. Plus: Insurers fear losing out on millions; Medicaid counseling on firearms; and more.
PPE Innovation: Disposable Hijabs For Health Care Professionals
Two respiratory therapists in Minnesota are creating disposable, hygienic hijabs for Muslim women in hopes of making them feel more empowered and included in the workplace. Also: investments, acquisitions, cancer treatments, and more.
First Edition: Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Election Outcome Could Upend Medicaid, Transgender Care Policies
Republicans envision slashing Medicaid funding, making it harder for low-income Americans to get the care they need. They also have designs on giving the federal government — not states — say over transgender care.
Mifepristone Challenge Is In Wrong Court, Government Argues In Lawsuit
Idaho, Kansas, and Missouri lack standing to pursue their case in a Texas court, the FDA contends as it seeks to have the lawsuit dismissed. Also, as voters in several states weigh in on abortion ballot measures, physicians and patients in Texas and Florida grapple with the fallout of Roe’s end.
1,700 University Of Illinois Hospital Nurses To Strike Nov. 13
If the strike is not averted, it will be the second one since August. Other health industry news is on New Jersey’s CarePoint Health, Zoom, Boston Children’s Hospital, and more.
Maryland Will Participate In ‘AHEAD Model’ That Promotes Health Equity
In other news: a Kansas prisoner sues over health care; the FDA warns against contaminated compounded weight loss drugs; bird flu; tuberculosis; and more.
Deadly Fungal Infections Have Been Trending Upward, Worrying Scientists
The global spread of candida auris is worrisome because the fungi’s mutations are able to dodge drugs that stave off serious infection. Elsewhere in the world, mpox is leveling off in Congo, and five countries see uptick in polio infections.
CMS Releases Final Medicare Reimbursement Rules for 2025
Among the many new rules are physician reimbursement cuts of 2.9%, and hospital outpatient department boosts of 2.9%. Congress braces for a post-election lobbying fight. In other Medicare news: rural health care, star ratings, and more.
On Eve Of Election, Trump Campaign Floats Bans On Fluoride, Some Vaccines
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said he’s “OK” with a proposal by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to tell “all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water.” And in an interview with NBC News, Trump also said he’ll “make a decision” on banning certain vaccines — he didn’t say which ones — based on advice he receives from RFK Jr.
Viewpoints: The Battle Against Mifepristone Carries On; Overturning Roe Is Killing Women
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
First Edition: Monday, Nov. 4, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on Kamala Harris’ mom, dietary guidelines, drugs, and more.
Viewpoints: ER Equality Desperately Needed; Your Doctor Is Probably Judging You
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Abortion And Transgender Rights In Spotlight In Closing Days Of Election
Democrats are leaning into reproductive rights issues as the election clock ticks down. Meanwhile, abortion-rights groups raise more money than opponents on ballot measures. Also, Republicans and the Trump campaign are hanging their closing arguments in part on transgender rights issues.
TB Back On Top As World’s Deadliest Infectious Disease, WHO Reports
“The fact that TB still kills and sickens so many people is an outrage, when we have the tools to prevent it, detect it and treat it,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. Meanwhile, a Georgia high school student sick with tuberculosis might have infected hundreds.