Latest KFF Health News Stories
Senators from Pennsylvania and Texas jabbed and dodged their way through debates Tuesday. Plus: Why a district race in Tennessee could play a pivotal role for Democrats in the November election.
First Edition: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Naloxone Access Likely Helping Decline In Opioid Overdose Deaths: Study
A study finds that the increased administration of naloxone by non-medical bystanders could be contributing to the 2023 decline in opioid overdose deaths. News outlets look at how that trend is playing out in Western states.
Kids’ Lead Poisoning Rates 2 to 3 Times Worse In Cleveland Than In Flint, Mich.
A study showing elevated lead poisoning rates, shared Monday in Cleveland’s lead poisoning hearing, caused municipal leaders to call for a revision of City Hall’s landmark 2019 lead-safe law. Meanwhile in Missouri, lawmakers plan to study and regulate the effect of nuclear weapons production in the St. Louis area.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
20% Of US Adults Say They Feel Lonely On A Daily Basis
The Gallup survey did not ask respondents why they were feeling that way. It’s the highest rate over the past two years but lower than the 25% peak during the pandemic years. Also: facing dementia alone, addressing gambling addiction in Massachusetts, co-responder programs in Colorado, and more.
Health Systems Face New Challenges In The Wake Of Hurricane Milton
Hospitals have been tested this month after back-to-back hurricanes, causing them to reevaluate what it means to be prepared. Meanwhile, water shortages and sewage leaks raise fears of potential spikes in illnesses and disease, and lead to some health services being cut.
California Tests 5 More People For Bird Flu Amid Outbreak
In other news, whooping cough is on the rise nationwide, with more than 5 times as many cases so far this year compared with the same time frame last year. Also, 10 million pounds of meat are recalled due to listeria concerns, and scientists prove our sense of smell is not the “slow sense” once thought.
Odds Of Developing Type 2 Diabetes Is Greater In Kids Who Catch Covid
The risk of being diagnosed with the metabolic disorder was even more pronounced among children who were hospitalized with an infection, a study has found. More covid-related news examines why young ones are largely spared severe infection and how cancer diagnoses might have been missed.
Former CEO Of Chicago Hospital Charged In $15M Embezzlement Scam
Several others, including Loretto Hospital’s CFO, also have been charged in the scheme in which the administrators are accused of directing contracts to a particular businessman’s companies and accepting bribes to do so. More industry news is about layoffs and health system financial woes.
Helene-Hampered Baxter Begins Bringing In IV Solutions From Abroad
The medical supply company is leaning on its plants in Canada, China, Ireland, and the U.K. to shore up reserves hurt by flooding of its North Carolina plant.
Medicare Open Enrollment Kicks Off: Be Aware Of Plan Changes For 2025
Enrollment in a 2025 Medicare plan opened for beneficiaries today. News outlets focus on an array of changes that could lead to “benefit disruption” which consumers should know about, in particular around Medicare Advantage choices and the prescription payment plan.
With Employer Insurance Costs Spiking, Workers Will Feel The Pinch
From premium cost increases to limits in doctor access, news outlets examine the ways that employers may modify their offered health insurance plans to adjust for the big bump in costs they are feeling from insurers.
After Releasing Her Own Health Summary, Harris Challenges Trump To Follow Suit
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris is reported to be in “excellent” health, according to a letter from her doctor released Saturday. A group of over 230 medical professionals also wants the 78-year-old Republican nominee to release his full medical records.
Trump Says National Abortion Ban Is ‘Off The Table’ For Now
Meanwhile, Florida’s Office of Election Crimes and Security says it has found “fraudulent petitions” used to get abortion measure on the ballot. Also, the American Hospital Association urges a federal appeals court to allow exceptions to the Idaho abortion ban to save women’s lives.
First Edition: October 15, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Microsoft, Epic To Build New AI Tool Targeting Nurses’ Workload
Microsoft and Epic Systems are partnering on new AI tools geared toward nurses, in the hopes that the effort could lead to better quality care and less staff burnout. Studies show understaffed hospitals cause more health care-associated infections. Meanwhile, the AHA reports overall safety improvements.
Medicare Advantage Plans’ Quality Ratings From CMS Fall Again
Only 40% of Medicare Advantage health prescription drug plans achieved a four-star rating or higher under the current criteria used by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to grade quality. The federal health agency has sought to make it harder to win top scores — in 2022, 68% of plans were four stars or higher.
A Third Of HS Students Experience Racism, Affecting Mental Health
A CDC study found that nearly 1 in 3 U.S. high school students reported experiencing racism at school. Researchers found those experiences led to a greater number of mental health issues and a higher risk of suicide and substance use. Also in public health news: a recall over listeria, a recall of Fisher-Price Snuga Swings, and more.
15.5 Million US Adults Have ADHD; Most Struggle To Access Treatment
Also in research-related news, the neurons in children with autism are different from in children without; an effort to improve the accuracy of Parkinson’s diagnoses; the progress of vaccines designed to prevent cancer; and more.