Latest KFF Health News Stories
Death Toll From Extreme Heat Nears 30
The bulk of heat-related deaths are in California and Oregon, states that have seen a string of triple-digit temperatures. Meanwhile in Texas, where Hurricane Beryl blew through, officials have opened NRG Arena to hospital patients who have been discharged but cannot safely return home just yet.
Medicaid Coverage For Unhealthy ‘Medically Tailored’ Meals Questioned
A report in Stat says that some “dietitian-approved” meals that are being delivered to homes of seriously ill people are actually salty and packed with fat, throwing their “medically tailored” label into sharp contrast. Meanwhile, Medicaid taxes on hospitals are helping cover state budgets.
Feds Plan To Sue CVS, UnitedHealth, Cigna Over Drug Rebates: Source
A person familiar with the investigation who asked not to be named said the complaint is still being drafted but could be filed this month, the Los Angeles Times reported. In other pharmaceutical news: the price of Ozempic, updates on the Abbott trial, tanning pills, and more.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Newest Pitch To Resistant Dairy Farmers: Anonymous Bird Flu Testing
Public health officials, hoping to get a bigger picture of the spread of the spread of the H5N1 virus, think anonymous testing might encourage fearful farmers, Axios reports. Covid, plague, measles, and Jamestown Canyon virus are also in the news.
Rural Hospital Networks Are Sprouting, This Time In North Dakota
The Rough Rider High-Value Network is made up of 23 critical access hospitals in the state and aims to improve treatment and coordinate care, Modern Healthcare reported. A similar collaboration recently launched in rural Minnesota.
Historic Second Pig Kidney Transplant Patient Has Now Died
At the end of May, the 54-year-old New Jersey woman had to have the organ removed after just 47 days because it was damaged by inadequate blood flow from a heart pump she’d received before the genetically modified pig kidney. Also in the news: a larynx transplant, acupuncture, and more.
Hidden Costs Of Extreme Heat Landed California With $7.7B Bill
A new report says a decade’s worth of indirect costs from heat waves, such as lost productivity and health care for heat-related injuries, totaled more than $7.7 billion in California. Separately, the Sacramento Bee reports on how California police are spending $50 million on wellness care.
Editorial writers tackle AI’s role in aiding diagnoses, the overdose crisis and the anti-abortion movement.
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Shortage Of Chemo Drug Cisplatin Ends; Troubled Norovirus Vax Is Discontinued
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
In Closer Look At PBMs, FTC Faults Them For Driving Up Drug Costs
The agency’s sharp criticism of these drug middlemen has not led to lawsuits or other actions, but it might provide Congress and states with incentive to amp up regulations.
CMS Unveils Dementia Care Program; Researchers Find Sign Of Early Decline
Research from the New York Federal Reserve and Georgetown University shows that a person’s credit score, on average, starts to fall in the five years ahead of a dementia diagnosis, CBS News reported.
Senate Version Of ‘Must-Pass’ Defense Bill Restricts Troops’ Trans Care
Provisions tacked onto the policy bill include limitations on the military paying for surgery for trans troops and also on how military members’ trans children can access gender care. Separately, the VA is in the news for dropping mandatory overtime for claims processors and a hack attack.
Physician Burnout Rate Dips Below 1 In 2 For First Time Since Covid Hit
The American Medical Association annual survey has good news for the medical industry in the form of lower stats for physicians reporting at least one burnout symptom. The Los Angeles Times, meanwhile, covers LGBTQ+ “medical refugees” and health care workers fighting for trans rights.
Falsified Data: Hundreds Of Popular US Generic Drugs May Have Safety Issues
The FDA has learned that a research company in India falsified the data used in key studies to gain approval of their medications, which include the generic versions of Viagra and Lipitor, Bloomberg reported. The findings could have major implications about whether the drugs are safe to take and whether insurers will retroactively decide not to cover them.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Scientists Find Unique Gut Microbiome Markers In Children With Autism
The discovery could form part of a tool for diagnosis, researchers say. Meanwhile, Apple’s smart Watch is increasingly being recommended by physicians to patients to help manage and monitor their health conditions. A frozen chicken recall due to listeria risk is also in the news.
Viewpoints: Abortion Must Be Legalized Nationwide; A New Way To Discuss Gender Identity
Editorial writers tackle abortion, gender identity, non-profit hospitals, and more.
Biden’s Neurological Exams Were Just Routine, White House Doctor Says
Official visitor logs show an expert on Parkinson’s disease visited the White House eight times, including at least once for a meeting with the president’s physician. Officials say that this was part of his usual care and that other visits were to address military personnel issues.