Latest KFF Health News Stories
Preserving Health Care? That’s Democrats’ Thing, Say Biden, Harris
AP reports that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are setting up a pro- and con-comparison between Democrats’ and Republicans’ support for health care measures as part of the election campaign — with an emphasis on abortion rights.
Want To Prevent The Next Pandemic? Think Of The Bats, Says Study
NPR highlights the role that viruses leaping from animal populations into human hosts have played in past pandemics, and how the same may be true for the next one. Meanwhile, an mpox outbreak in Congo is worrying experts.
Study: Asymptomatic Kids With Covid Play A Part In Household Spread
CIDRAP reports on the study, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, which found that “10.6% of exposed household contacts developed symptomatic illness within 14 days of exposure” to asymptomatic children. Other research-related news is on the unmet medical needs of kids during the pandemic, gut microbiota composition, a weight-loss tablet from Viking Therapeutics, and more.
Software Company Sets Sights On Providers That Still Use Fax Machines
New document automation software from Tennr targets providers that still rely on outdated fax machine technology, thanks to a funding deal from Andreessen Horowitz. Also: The surprise medical bill law has actually benefitted providers.
Florida’s DeSantis Signs Bill Mandating CPR Training For Youth Coaches
In other developments across the nation, questions about the ongoing measles outbreak in Chicago; the aftermath of the UnitedHealth cyberattack still hitting New Hampshire’s health system; legal marijuana in New York; and more.
Perspectives: Psychedelics Helpful In Behavioral Therapy; SCOTUS Decision Looms Large For FDA
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Weight-Loss Drugs Don’t Help Everyone; We Mustn’t Let Anti-Vax Beliefs Become Normalized
Editorial writers discuss weight-loss drugs, vaccine misinformation, and reproductive health care.
Bird Flu Detected In Some Dairy Cows In US
The Department of Agriculture said Monday that the milk supply is safe due to pasteurization, after samples collected from sick cattle in Kansas and Texas tested positive for the avian influenza virus.
DeSantis Signs Into Law A Social Media Ban For Kids Under 14
The law also requires parental permission for 14- and 15-year-olds to set up accounts on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. It is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025 and is expected to be challenged in court in the interim.
Scientists Warn Of Brain Health Risk From Reused Deep-Frying Oil
Also in the news, a vast archive of ancient brains is in the spotlight for how it may help our modern understanding of mental illness. Scientists also uncover why women are more easily addicted to cigarettes than men.
Study: Insulin Price Caps Alone Are Not Enough To Improve Access
Other research-related news is on brain health risks from common household chemicals, gender- and race-based disparities in heart transplants, a new blood test to detect colon cancer, and more.
States Crack Down On Facility Fees As Part Of Hospital Pricing Push
Modern Healthcare reports that states are tackling high hospital prices by restricting facility fees, despite a “lag” in federal-level policy. Meanwhile, labor shortages and other pressures could force more providers to shed personal care services.
Colorado Price Cap On Arthritis Drug Enbrel Targeted By Amgen Lawsuit
The multinational pharma company is suing Colorado over the state prescription drug board’s plan to cap the price of its blockbuster drug. Also in the news: New Hampshire’s troubled ambulance market; naloxone in Florida; and more.
Future Of Abortion Pill Under Threat As Supreme Court Trial Opens
The Supreme Court will hear arguments today in a case that challenges access mifepristone, one of two drugs used in a medication abortion. News outlets cover what’s at stake for the FDA and drug industry, how abortion could be further limited, and claims that distorted science is playing a role.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: How Much Medical Privacy Do Celebrities Really Have?; SCOTUS FDA Case A No-Brainer
Editorial writers tackle medical privacy, mifepristone, methadone treatment, and laser eye surgery.
West Virginia Bans Smoking In Cars That Are Also Carrying Kids
AP notes that West Virginia, a “heavy-smoking” state, is the 12th to ban smoking in vehicles where children are present. In other news from across the country: an effort to help Florida’s dementia caregivers; Minnesota’s covid shots; and more.
Cancer Diagnosis Of Kate Middleton Spotlights Trend Of Younger Cases
“It’s not only older people anymore,” said one expert on an increasing number of younger people globally who are being diagnosed with certain types of cancer.
Supreme Court To Hear Abortion Pill Case With Big Implications For Drug Industry
Supreme Court justices will hear arguments Tuesday in a closely watched case with broad implications for both abortion access in the U.S. as well as a drug development and research.