Latest KFF Health News Stories
As FDA Ponders MDMA Approval, Questions Linger Over Drug Trial Data
Some people who took part in the studies for a PTSD treatment reported worsening thoughts of suicide — a side effect that wasn’t included in the study’s final results.
Warnings Issued For Eastern Equine Encephalitis In Mass. And Vibrio In Texas
Also in the news: chronic wasting disease, mpox, covid test shortages, and more.
Almost 1,250 Workers Will Lose Jobs In Steward Hospital Closures In Mass.
The company, which is in bankruptcy proceedings, says it is “acutely aware” of the hardships the laid-off staffers will face. Modern Healthcare, meanwhile, notes that the health industry mergers and acquisitions business is picking up.
To Improve Care Access, Drugstores Are Experimenting With New Designs
The Chicago Tribune reports on drugstores across the country trying out smaller locations and other tricks to tempt shoppers. It’s a bid to boost access to care and build better customer connections. Separately, the FDA says all doses of Eli Lilly’s diabetes and weight loss drugs are available.
Study: People With Chronic Pain Aren’t Given Mental Health Help They Need
An analysis found that these patients’ needs were underserved “at almost every point” in the U.S. health system, The Washington Post reports.
Challenge To Abortion-Rights Ballot Initiative Renewed In South Dakota
At issue is whether the group that collected signatures to get the measure on the Nov. 5 ballot acted in accordance with state law. Ballot initiatives in Arkansas and Montana also are in the news. Elsewhere, maternity care deserts expand in Iowa, while New Mexico courts doctors from Texas.
Maternity Homes, Aimed At Halting Abortions, Expanding Across US
The network of transitional care homes has increased 23% since Roe v. Wade was overturned. Meanwhile, as states tighten restrictions on abortion, some low-income women are finding it hard to secure affordable birth control. Also, a look at Louisiana’s new laws.
Officials Try To Keep Medicare Part D Premiums Steady As Elections Loom
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reports on nurse visits that are less about treating Medicare Advantage recipients and more about allowing insurers to get more government cash.
Viewpoints: Performance-Enhancing Drugs May Be Placebos; End Rumors Of Secondhand Fentanyl Overdoses
Editorial writers tackle these issues and others.
First Edition: Monday, Aug. 5, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss youth suicide and guns, ACL tears, caregiving, and liquid biopsy.
VA Slip-Ups Made During Full Disability Claim Assessments Cost $100M
An inspector general’s report found that about 75% of claims were improperly processed. More military health news is on delayed claim payments and a burn pit registry.
2 Texas Farmworkers Had Bird Flu; Flies In Japan May Be Spreading Virus
The flies involved are a type of blowfly that is attracted to rotting meat and active in winter. The flies are suspected in the bird flu deaths of nearly 2,000 wild cranes in southern Japan.
Popping An Aspirin Regularly Might Lower Colorectal Cancer Risk: Study
The benefits are especially pronounced for people who live unhealthy lifestyles. Also in the news: FDA approval for an immunotherapy treatment for rare sarcomas; the shortage of blood culture bottles; Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug shortage; and more.
Experimental Medicaid Waiver Program Begins In New York
Crain’s New York Business reports on the “1115 waiver” program that kicks off this month. Medicaid cash will be used in new ways, such as paying for housing, nutrition, and transportation. In Florida, meanwhile, Medicaid enrollment numbers went down another 59,000 in June.
As Heat Deaths Rise, Air Conditioning Is A Health Necessity, Expert Says
Researchers examine energy inequality and the effect it has on public health. Meanwhile, Death Valley — already the hottest place on Earth — just registered the highest average July temperature ever recorded anywhere: 108.5 F. Other reports note that wildfires are causing unhealthy, smoky conditions across much of Colorado.
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 childhood obesity, the Paris Olympics, CRISPR, and more.
Abortion Still Allowed In Utah As Legality Of Trigger Law Gets A Look
In Arizona, with an 1864 abortion ban put on hold, the attorney general contemplates taking the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Meanwhile, an Equity Forward analysis found that states have increased spending on anti-abortion centers by almost $500 million.
Feds Offer Potentially Huge Rewards For Health Care Fraud Whistleblowers
Under a pilot program from the Justice Department, whistleblowers might receive up to 30% of the first $100 million in net proceeds forfeited in a case and up to 5% of proceeds between $100 million and $500 million, Becker’s reported.
More Hospitals Performed Badly In CMS’ 2024 Star Ratings Than In 2023
In other news, Medicare reimbursements for inpatient hospital care will go up 2.9% in fiscal 2025, higher than the 2.6% that was proposed in April. Plus: updates on Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, Steward Health Care, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, and more.