Latest KFF Health News Stories
White House Clarifies Where It Stands On Gender-Affirming Care For Children
“We believe these surgeries should be limited to adults,” a White House spokesperson told The 19th in an email Tuesday. “We continue to support gender-affirming care for minors, which represents a continuum of care.”
US Preps For Possible Pandemic, Taps Moderna To Make Bird Flu Vaccine
As the virus spreads to more cattle and poultry, the government also enlisted commercial labs to help amp up its supply of tests that would detect the H5N1 bird flu in humans. Meanwhile, as covid cases soar in Western states, the NIH begins testing its nasal covid vaccine.
DOJ Opens Investigation Into Potential Fraud At Prospect Medical Holdings
In other industry news, UCSF must continue charity care, stick to price growth caps and more to allow its $100 million takeover of St. Mary’s Medical Center and Saint Francis Memorial Hospital; Walmart has been looking for buyers for its shuttered medical clinics; and more.
FDA Bans Brominated Vegetable Oil In Foods Over Safety Concerns
The chemical, which is used as a flavor additive but is also used separately in fire retardants, is no longer considered safe. Meanwhile, the CDC and FDA have said the salmonella outbreak in cucumbers has been linked to a Florida grower.
Massachusetts Bill Takes Steps Against Sexual Assaults By Medical Staff
The bill would also cover clergy members and is aimed at protecting patients who suffer inappropriate contact or assault. Meanwhile, Boston has ended funding for a needle collection program, and West Nile virus was detected in the state for the first time this year.
FDA Approves Second Drug Aimed At Slowing Progression Of Alzheimer’s
The FDA approved Tuesday Eli Lilly’s early Alzheimer’s treatment. The monoclonal antibody donanemab, which will be sold under the name Kisunla, is designed to clear amyloid in the brain.
Survey Of People Disenrolled From Medicaid Found Cost, Access Troubles
A survey of Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas residents who lost Medicaid coverage once states began reviewing eligibility following the pandemic found that at least half of them were uninsured at the end of 2023. The loss of benefits also led to higher costs for health care or more limited access.
Health Care Agencies Reeling After Supreme Court Stunners
The end of the Supreme Court’s term delivered a series of shocking decision that will have longterm impact on the health care industry as well as federal agencies’ ability to protect public health.
Providers Must Render Emergency Abortion Aid, Feds Reiterate
Whether providers offer stabilizing medical care themselves or secure alternate out-of-state care, patients are protected under federal law, the Biden administration says. Separately, abortion ban news from Wisconsin, Arizona, and Texas.
PEPFAR Funding To Be Cut At Least 6% Amid Budget Fight Over AIDS Program
A senior official for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) told Politico about the cuts, which the State Department confirmed. The State Department will soon announce its final country-by-country budgets, the State Department spokesperson said.
Here are today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: KFF Health News’ First Edition will not be published July 4-5 in observance of Independence Day. Look for it again in your inbox on Monday. Happy Fourth!
Potassium Chloride Capsules Recalled For Irregular Heartbeat Risk
Included in the voluntary recall are 114 batches of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals extended-release capsules. In other news: Only 18% of eligible Americans are up to date on lung cancer screenings; hoarding disorder rises; an anti-noise advocacy group sues the EPA; and more.
Parsing Policy: The Real Reason Medicine Costs So Much; Why Fewer Docs Want To Be A Pediatrician
Opinion writers discuss these topics and others.
National Protections For Workers In Extreme Heat Proposed By Biden
The Biden administration released a proposal that would put in place the first-ever national protections for people who work in extreme heat. The measure, if finalized, would require rest breaks and access to shade and water.
FTC Investigating Teva Over Contested Patents On Inhalers
The Federal Trade Commission has ordered Teva Pharmaceuticals to provide internal documents about its patents on asthma and COPD inhalers. The move is part of a larger dispute over minor tweaks made by pharmaceutical companies to products to fend off generics competition, resulting in higher prices for patients.
Nebraskans Call Out Sneaky Language On Abortion Petitions
The Secretary of State’s office has received a slew of affidavits from voters who want their names removed from petitions. The majority stem from a petition by Protect Women and Children, which wants the 12-week abortion ban codified in the constitution. In Kansas doctors challenged a law requiring they collect data on patient’s reasons for abortions.
That Bout With Covid Might Cause Myriad Ailments Later On, Study Finds
Scientists suspect inflammation is at least partly responsible for IBS, mini strokes, and a host of other issues that begin years later, even if a person had only a mild infection. Separately, although the threat of bird flu in humans is low, scientists warn that could change rather quickly.
Not-For-Profit Hospital In Pennsylvania Hacked By Ransomware Gang
The group behind the hack of the 114-bed, not-for-profit Wayne Memorial Hospital claimed it had data that it would leak soon. A data breach at Geisinger, meanwhile, is now expected to have affected the personal info of more than 1.2 million people.
Biden Administration Allocates $206M To Address Shortage Of Geriatricians
The money will go toward academic programs that focus on training doctors to care for the elderly. Family members and caregivers also may benefit from initiatives to help them care for aging loved ones. Meanwhile, news moms are suing for the right to breastfeeding pump breaks.
Wyoming’s Ban On Transgender Minor Care Takes Effect
Puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender youth are now restricted in Wyoming. Meanwhile, in West Virginia, students on university and college campuses are allowed to carry guns. In Mississippi, a law restricting young people’s social media use was blocked.