Latest KFF Health News Stories
Tenn. Gov. Sent Bill Requiring Anti-Abortion Group’s Video Shown In Schools
If signed, Tennessee would become the latest state to require that the “Baby Olivia” video, or equivalent, is watched by public school kids. The video has been criticized as political propaganda, and its accuracy is debated. Separately, a state court is weighing a request to block Tennessee’s abortion ban during pregnancy complications.
As Bird Flu Spreads To More Cows, Top Expert Explains Threat To Humans
“We have never seen this scale of infections in mammals, and in such diversity of mammals,” Dutch virologist Ron Fouchier, a leading expert on H5N1, told STAT. “Adaptation of virus to mammals is not a good thing.”
CMS: 2025’s Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization Standards Are Set
Modern Healthcare says regulators will enhance Medicare Advantage “marketing, prior authorization, and network adequacy standards.” The publication also reports that higher fines are working to make more hospitals disclose pricing.
Scientists Find Cell-Squeezing Is Clue To Lung Damage From Asthma
Cells lining the airways can be damaged to destructive levels by constriction caused during an asthma attack, a study found, giving a possible new route to prevent asthma lung damage. Separately, experts warn of a prostate cancer “surge.”
Hospitals Along Eclipse Path Prepare For Traffic Accidents, Eye Damage
Though millions of Americans will enjoy the upcoming total eclipse, increased traffic flow and potential “mass casualty events” mean that hundreds of hospitals have to be on high alert. Also in the news: a CPAP replacement, risks from junk food, and more.
Opill Contraceptive Covered At Zero Cost For Some By CVS Caremark
The birth control pill will be added to CVS’ PBM subsidiary’s list of preventive services oral contraceptives so it will be available for free to many plan sponsors. Separately, a new study found over 1 in 8 new mothers said they’d experienced mistreatment during childbirth.
Amylyx Pulls ALS Drug From US Market After Study Shows No Benefit
Amylyx Pharmaceuticals announced Thursday that it is voluntarily halting sales in the U.S. and Canada of Relyvrio, a drug contentiously approved by the FDA for patients with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. A recent clinical trial showed the medicine failed to extend life or improve symptoms.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
In 2022, New Hepatitis C Cases Fell In The US: No One Knows Really Why
Experts aren’t sure if the slight drop, reversing a decade-long trend of upticks in cases, is a statistical blip or actually a meaningful change. Separately, scientists find that kids are at disproportionate risk for spreading bacteria that causes pneumonia.
First Patient With A Transplanted Pig Kidney Is Discharged From Hospital
The patient has done so well after the transplant procedure that he is able to go home just two weeks after the landmark surgery. Also in the news: another possible treatment for Alzheimer’s; treating Parkinson’s disease with a similar drug to Ozempic; and more.
Research Roundup: Pediatric Mental Health; Covid Vaccines; YKT6
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: What Country Had The Best Covid Outcomes?; Comstock Act Is A Threat And Must Be Repealed
Editorial writers discuss covid, reproductive rights, trauma, and more.
Judge’s Order Supports Challenger To Moderna In Covid Shot Patent Suit
Arbutus’s case against Moderna was given some support by U.S. District Judge Mitchell Goldberg, who interpreted parts of the patents in Arbutus’ favor. Also in the news: a Chinese drugmaker’s Ozempic biosimilar; Walmart Health’s health center expansion; and more.
North Carolina Looks Set To Finally Launch Special Medicaid Plans In July
Specialized Medicaid plans for people with complex needs have had multiple delays, North Carolina Health News notes, but now they appear ready to go live in July. Meanwhile, the New York Times looks at questions of Medicaid expansion in red state holdouts.
Biden, Sanders Share A Podium To Promote Low Drug Prices Effort
President Joe Biden was joined by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I) at the White House Wednesday to speak about the problem of high prescription drug costs, with an emphasis on asthma inhalers — including mention of how pharmacy benefit managers can stymie efforts to get lower-price drugs to patients.
Worries Over Litigation Forcing Alabama Hospital To Halt IVF Treatment
Mobile Infirmary said it won’t offer IVF treatments past the end of 2024 because of the precarious legal situation for IVF caused by a controversial state Supreme Court ruling. Also in the news: abortion care in Florida after the six week ban.
Human Bird Flu Case Provides CDC With Information On Virus
The CDC released details Wednesday from its analysis of samples taken from the person in Texas who contracted bird flu from exposure to an infected animal. CDC Director Mandy Cohen tells NPR that the agency will monitor potential virus changes but for now there is no instance of human-to-human transmission.
Congress’ Budget Chaos Disrupts Rural Providers, Community Health Centers
The annual budget battle in Washington, D.C. seems to get draw out longer every year, and that uncertainty has a real-world toll on health care practices and professional, Modern Healthcare reports. Other impact from government health policies relates to tensions between hospitals and insurers, and telehealth access.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Too Many Americans Can’t Afford Health Insurance; Why Is Lyme Disease So Ignored?
Editorial writers tackle health insurance, Lyme disease, Dengue fever, and more.