Latest KFF Health News Stories
Biden Campaign Seizes On Trump’s Threat To Cut Medicare, Social Security
President Joe Biden will hold more than 13 news conferences through Friday across key swing states, all focused on protecting the entitlement programs, the Hill reports. Meanwhile, Politico reports that the CDC might also shrink if former President Donald Trump is elected.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle health care cyberattacks, measles, CRISPR, and Pharmacy Benefit Managers.
Scientists Now Say A Second Flu Strain Could Be Forced Into Extinction
Recently, one flu strain was found to have gone extinct during the covid pandemic, influencing this year’s flu shots. Scientists say it may be possible to eradicate a second strain, of the total four, too. Also in the news: early ovarian cancer detection.
CDC To Assist With Measles Outbreak At Chicago Migrant Shelter
The Chicago Department of Public Health reports 3 more cases at the shelter, prompting a team of CDC experts to join efforts to stem infections. Measles cases in California are in the news, as well as the impact of growing vaccine delays or hesitancy.
IVF For Injured Single Vets, Same-Sex Couples To Be Covered By VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs had faced legal challenges alleging its IVF coverage was discriminatory. Meanwhile, in Minnesota, Democratic lawmakers push to boost coverage rules and protect access to IVF treatments.
Health Providers Urge CMS To Extend Hospital-At-Home Waiver Program
Johns Hopkins, Henry Ford Health, and the American Medical Association were among groups who signed a letter sent to congressional leaders Monday. Other news is on Steward Health, the VA’s EHR system, a nurse’s strike in Chicago, and more.
Walgreens Settles Charges Of Infant Formula Price Inflation In New York
New York Attorney General Letitia James had accused Walgreens of inflating prices after the Abbott Labs recall led to a formula shortage. Also in the news: A child died from flu in Michigan; 10 states sue over a “sham” women’s cancer charity; and more.
Lawsuit Settlement In Florida Unwinds Some ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Rules
The settlement says teachers and students can discuss LGBTQ+ matters and “largely” cancels impacts of signature legislation from Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Washington Post says. His office noted the law is still in effect.
Study Highlights Doctors’ Failures To Give Opioid Addiction Drugs To Kids
The Boston Globe reports on a recent study that showed only 5% of pediatricians surveyed had ever prescribed two common opioid addiction treatments. Also in the news: Changes in methadone treatments are coming.
Biden’s Budget Proposal Reinforces His Health Policy Priorities
The White House released its proposed budget blueprint for FY2025 on Monday. Included health care provisions would: increase HHS discretionary spending by 1.7%; focus on Medicare solvency; invest in federal responses to cyberattacks; address coverage for people in states that did not expand Medicaid; and other measures.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Insurance Companies Can Drop Patients Whenever; Choosing Between Doctor Vs. Urgent Care
Editorial writers examine insurance companies, urgent care, covid, and disabilities in academia.
Republican Lawmakers Refusing To Adjust Unclear Abortion Bans
AP reports on how lawmakers aren’t planning to adjust any abortion bans even though medical professionals complain about risks from unclear exception rules. Stat notes there’s been a failure to even define what abortion is.
Public Health Experts Worry As Trump Ramps Up Anti-Vax Messaging
The former president has been threatening to withhold money from schools with vaccine or mask mandates. Meanwhile, in West Virginia, Republican state lawmakers advanced a bill paring back a strict public school vaccine mandate.
Manufacturer Of Failed ALS Drug Relyvrio Is Considering Withdrawing It
Though the FDA approved the drug less than two years ago, Amylyx’s ALS drug has now failed a large clinical trial. Separately, the FDA is delaying approval for an experimental Alzheimer’s drug so it can examine its effectiveness.
Insurers Are Making It Hard To Get At-Home Ventilators
A report says doctors are complaining that insurers’ delays and denials are impacting patients who need a machine’s help to breathe. Also in the news: UnitedHealth quietly bought lots of outpatient centers, for the most part without announcing it had done so.
Proportion Of US Prisoners Aged 55 Or Over Has Risen Dramatically
NPR notes that the proportion of prisoners who may be defined as “geriatric” is now about five times the 30 years-ago figure, and that prisons aren’t ready for this. Also in the news: organ age, an infant swing recall, and more.
Oregon Governor Will Sign Bill To Reverse Decriminalization Of Drug Use
Three years after adopting the most liberal drug laws in the nation, a new Oregon bill would reintroduce criminal penalties for drug use, while also allowing officials some latitude in pushing for treatment or jail for offenders. Other regional public health news is reported from Maryland, California, Colorado, and Texas.
Medicare To Offer Loans To Providers Feeling Pinch From Change Hack
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced Saturday that it will provide advances to hospital, health groups, and other medical providers that have been financially impacted by delayed payments from Change Healthcare after its system outage caused by a ransomware attack. HHS is also urging UnitedHealth, the parent company, to expedite payments.