Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these topics and others.
Scientists Zero In On Milking Machines As Conduit For Bird Flu Spread
Virologists say this is good news, but halting transmission of the virus poses “a real logistical problem” for farmers. Elsewhere, two more people in Pennsylvania have contracted the virus, which also has been detected in San Francisco wastewater.
Data On 800,000 People Leaked In Lurie Children’s Hospital Cyberattack
The attack compromised such personal health information as names, drivers’ license numbers, medical conditions and diagnoses, and Social Security numbers. In other industry news, Optum’s bid on Steward Health’s physician group; Ascension’s hospital selling; rural telehealth; and more.
Critical Patients Missed Out On Lung Transplants Due To Algorithm Error
The Chicago Tribune reports that a new system to help fair distribution of donor lungs was built on a flawed algorithm which harmed some sick and dying patients. Meanwhile a researcher was indicted on research fraud charges related to an Alzheimer’s drug candidate.
FDA Has New Powers Over Cosmetics Regulation Starting Today
It’s part of a phase-in of a 2022 law allowing more oversight of the industry. In other news, a study links anxiety in older people to a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. Also: brain damage found in Navy SEALs who died by suicide.
Massachusetts On Track For Local Record With Over 50 Dengue Cases
Also in Massachusetts, as well as New Hampshire, residents are warned of potential measles exposure from an international traveler. Also in state health news: credit agencies barred from medical debt data in Connecticut; gun violence in Baltimore drops; and more.
House Republican Leaders Demand Investigation Of Alleged ACA Fraud
Several high-level House committees want the Government Accountability Office and Health and Human Services inspector general to look into separate reports from KFF Health News and conservative think tank Paragon Health Institute.
Abortion Rights Measure Will Be Put To Nevada Voters In November
As efforts to enshrine abortion protections gain steam in Nevada, Florida maneuvers to stop any ballot initiatives. Meanwhile, Iowa’s high court allows the state’s six-week abortion ban to stand.
White House Signals It Opposes Gender Surgery For Trans Minors
Meanwhile, in Texas, the Supreme Court upheld a gender care ban for transgender youth. Also: LGBTQ+ people say their mental health is boosted when states have protective laws.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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 menopause, food as medicine, the telehealth industry, and more.
Florida Governor Snubs Public Health Advisory On Gun Violence
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also vetoed a bill that would have allowed the Department of Health to close contaminated beaches and pools. He argues such a measure would usurp local authority. Colorado and Delaware also are in state health news.
Walgreens To Shutter ‘Significant’ Number Of Stores Over Next 3 Years
Citing an unsustainable pharmacy retail model, Walgreens says 25% of its store locations are underperforming and will be considered for closure over the next three years.
Health Care Fraud Probe Leads To 193 People Charged In $2.75B Schemes
The charges stem from the illegal distribution of stimulants, improper billing for treatment, and filing false claims for telemedicine, the Justice Department says. In other news, public health entities and providers have been cautioned about the potential for phishing and ransomware attacks.
House Panel OKs Bill To Expand Medicare Coverage Of Weight Loss Drugs
Four bills advanced Thursday out of the House Ways & Means Committee would increase Medicare’s coverage of pricey weight loss drugs and cancer screenings but with more restrictions than previously proposed legislation. A measure would also allow greater discretion by Medicare for covering FDA-approved medications and devices.
Viewpoints: Should Insurance Cover Weight-Loss Drugs?; Pentagon Created Anti-Vaccine Nightmare
Editorial writers tackle these issues and more.
Supreme Court’s Purdue Ruling Tosses Curveball Into Opioid Settlements
Following the decision to nix the bankruptcy deal, which would have shielded the Sackler family from future claims, Purdue Pharma and many of the state attorneys general who sued the company over its role in the opioid crisis pledged to restart negotiations on a new settlement agreement.
This Isn’t Over: Both Sides Pressing On For Clarity On Emergency Abortions
The Supreme Court’s ruling that preserves federal “necessary stabilizing treatment” rules in a case out of Idaho should apply nationwide, some contend. Others argue states’ rights should prevail.
Biden, Trump Swap Exaggerations On Abortion, Medicare, Insulin At Debate
But President Joe Biden’s age (81) and physical performance at Thursday night’s debate — he often struggled to find the right words — overshadowed all of the health topics the two men discussed.