Latest KFF Health News Stories
Biden Wants Supreme Court Overhaul; Immunity Ruling Has Odd Tie To Roe
Any of President Joe Biden’s calls for reform would require congressional approval and would likely go nowhere before his term ends in January.
State Lawmakers Aim To Protect Health Providers From Hack Liability
Politico reports on growing attempts to legally insulate health care organizations from class-action suits after data breaches are caused by cyberattacks. Separately, reports say the Biden administration is overhauling its health IT bureaucracy amid cyberthreats and evolving AI tech.
Slow Medicare Coverage Legislation Leads To Telehealth Disruption Alerts
Stat notes telehealth provider Kivo Health will soon have to warn older patients that their sessions may not be covered by Medicare in 2025 as legislation to extend telehealth flexibilities granted during the pandemic is moving far too slowly through Congress.
FDA Warns That Copycat Weight-Loss Drugs May Have Incorrect Doses
The knockoff drugs are causing harm and have resulted in some people needing hospital care, health regulators are warning. In other news, Abbott Laboratories lost a $500 million case after allegedly hiding dangerous bowel disease risks of its premature-infant formula.
Blood Test Gives Alzheimer’s Diagnosis With 90% Accuracy: Study
The blood test significantly outperformed cognitive tests and CT scans. Other public health news is on tongue-tie surgeries for infants, systolic blood pressure, vegetable recalls due to possible listeria, and more.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these issues and others.
After Trump Election, A Rise In Poor Birth Outcomes For Women Of Color
The findings are “likely explained by a combination of stress and policy impacts,” the study’s lead author says. Meanwhile, Nature Medicine examines how politics affects a person’s physical and mental well-being. Also, a look at what a Kamala Harris administration might do for science.
California Governor Kicks Off Homeless Encampment Cleanups
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order follows the Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to ban sleeping outside in public spaces. Meanwhile, West Virginia asks the Supreme Court to consider its case against Medicaid coverage for trans surgeries.
With Novel Artificial Heart Implant, Texas Institute Eyes Long-Term Use
Surgeons hope the rotary-powered, hand-sized device, being tested in patients who are in end-stage heart failure, will negate the need for a transplant at all.
Huge Mental Health Care Effort For Olympic Athletes Begins
Vast mental health resources are available to help 2024’s elite athletes, sparked by the issues that beset star U.S. gymnast Simone Biles. Plus: other health coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
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 babies, alcohol, disabilities, cancer, and more.
Three More Poultry Farm Workers In Colorado Have Bird Flu
The total number of human cases of bird flu in the U.S. this year has now hit 13. Meanwhile, the CDC has said that a problem with its bird flu test system hasn’t hampered its response to the outbreak. Measles, long covid, and whooping cough are also in the news.
Senate Panel Subpoenas Steward Health CEO Over Bankruptcy Filing
After refusing to testify voluntarily, Dr. Ralph de la Torre now will appear Sept. 12 in an investigation related to the company’s practices. Also in the news: Optum layoffs, Brigham and Women’s nurses strike, hospital sales, and more.
US Nabs Drug Kingpin ‘El Mayo,’ Whose Cartel Is No. 1 Trafficker Of Fentanyl
According to news reports, U.S. authorities fooled Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada into boarding a Texas-bound private plane. There he was taken into custody, alongside Joaquin Guzmán, who is the son of famed drug lord “El Chapo.” Zambada’s Sinaloa cartel is believed to the biggest supplier of fentanyl to the U.S., and the two men were among the top-wanted drug dealers in the world.
Texas Is Fighting Title X Decree That Allows Kids Confidential Contraception
The rule stipulates providers “may not require consent of parents or guardians for the provision of services to minors.” A lawsuit argues that violates parental rights. Separately, a melt-in-your-mouth birth control pill wins FDA approval. Also, Michigan Advance breaks down abortion misconceptions.
$10 Million Reward Offered For Info On North Korean Ransomware Hackers
The State Department wants details on the location of members of a ransomware gang that targeted health care systems. Also in the news: HHS renames its office of health information technology.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Connecticut Gov. Faces Pushback Over Medicaid ‘Managed Care’ Possibility
Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat, is reportedly facing pushback after exploring the idea of switching the state Medicaid program back to a model that some legislators say increased costs and reduced access. Also in the news: Michigan Gov. Whitmer outlaws gay, trans “panic” defenses; heat protections in California; and more.
Research Roundup: Physician PTSD; Hospital Infections; Progeria; More
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.