Latest KFF Health News Stories
Audit Finds One Of The Largest PBMs Overcharged Postal Workers Millions
Express Scripts charged USPS employees an extra $45 million for prescription drugs over a five-year window, a federal audit found. Meanwhile, pharmacy trade groups are lobbying for legislation to regulate PBMs, pointing to the closure of community pharmacies across the U.S.
Colorado’s Human Bird Flu Infections May Be Linked To Extreme Heat
The Colorado Sun and Stat report that extreme heat and a dairy cow outbreak may have contributed to bird flu infecting people, including poultry workers. Meanwhile, USA Today covers a report saying the worldwide risk of animal-to-human disease spreading remains high.
New Hampshire Governor Signs Bill Banning Gender Surgery For Minors
Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, also signed a bill banning trans athletes from competing on school sports teams with students that align with their gender identity. New Hampshire is also in the news for relaxing some language rules to boost licensed nursing assistant numbers.
Harris’ Health Priorities Could Take More Progressive Stance Than Biden
News outlets look at the policies a Kamala Harris platform would champion should the vice president lead the top of the Democratic ticket. Progressives support her more liberal views.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Biden Ends Presidential Run, Endorses Harris
News outlets cover President Joe Biden’s historic decision to end his campaign for re-election, which he announced Sunday. Biden also voiced his support for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the party’s nominee.
Viewpoints: Supreme Court Dismissing EMTALA Case Is Dangerous; PBMs Aren’t Lowering Drug Prices
Editorial writers discuss reproductive health care, prescription drug costs, and addiction treatment.
Republicans Tempered Talk About Abortion
After Republican nominee Donald Trump pared back the party’s platform to take attention off his celebrated achievement of overturning Roe v. Wade, Republican National Convention speakers pivot to other topics this week. More news about abortion and women’s health comes from Florida, Kansas, Mississippi, and Alabama.
‘Very Aggressive’ Crackdown On SF Homeless Camps Set For August
The U.S. Supreme Court just three weeks ago granted cities power to evict unhoused people from encampments. More health industry news comes from New York, Massachusetts, Montana, and more.
HIV Success: Stem Cell Transplant Cured Infection In German Patient
While celebrating the breakthrough, experts caution that this type of treatment might not help everyone and that more study is needed. Meanwhile, a pregnant woman’s diet could be linked to her child’s autism risk, research suggests.
San Francisco Cancer Research Nonprofit Gains $125 Million Donation
The Parker Institute of Cancer Immunotherapy will distribute the funds from tech executive Sean Parker and other philanthropists over the next five years to boost cancer research. Abbott Laboratories, Boehringer-GoodRx, Sidecar Health, and more are also in the news.
Health Care Among Industries Struck By Global Technology Outage
A widespread computer error, which began in the middle of the night, is forcing PCs to repeatedly crash with the fabled Microsoft “blue screen of death” issue. Measles, bird flu, and the summer covid surge also are in the news.
Little Health Chatter At Republican Convention
News outlets fact check the few health-related statements made during Day 4 of the Republican National Convention, including in presidential nominee Donald Trump’s speech. On the other side of the ticket, eyes are fixed on Delaware where President Joe Biden contemplates his future.
Psychedelic Mushroom Candies Include Illegal Hallucinogens, Testing Finds
Virginia consumers, including a 3-year-old child, have been falling ill after ingesting products that contain substances that they should not. Also in the news: MDMA clinical trials and cannabis sales.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle home health care, emergency medical services, AI in health care, and clinical trials.
Research Roundup: H5N1 Vaccines; Memory Loss; Psilocybin; Mental Health
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
President Biden Has Covid: Isolating With ‘Mild Symptoms,’ Taking Paxlovid
President Joe Biden’s positive test comes amid another summer surge of the virus. Also, studies look at vaccines and the risk for long covid.
Democrats Would Suspend Filibuster To Codify Abortion Rights If They Win Congress
“We have the votes” to suspend the filibuster to codify Roe v. Wade, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts said Wednesday, announcing the Democrats’ plan if they win the House and Senate in the November elections. Meanwhile, it’s reported that Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance has pushed the Justice Department to crack down on abortion pills via the 151 year-old Comstock Act.
Doctor’s Assessment Weighs Heavily On Whether Biden Will Stay In Race
No doctor has told the president that he is physically unfit to hold office, and Biden believes he has the wisdom and experience to do the job. Meanwhile, GOP nominee Donald Trump is mum about his physical and mental health after he was wounded in an assassination attempt.