Latest KFF Health News Stories
White House Makes Progress On Limits For PFAS In Tap Water
Politico calls the plan for nationwide forever chemical limits a “landmark;” The White House just finished a review of the EPA’s PFAS regulation proposal. Separately, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vice presidential pick voices controversial views on IVF.
Simply Asking ER Patients If They’d Get Flu Shots Lifts Uptake Rate: Study
Plus, adding in a helpful video or printed material to support the vaccinations helps even more, a new study shows. Meanwhile, U.S. tuberculosis rates were found to be at a decade-high level in 2023, and mpox cases are rising again.
New Study Links Dementia Risks To Symptoms Of Delirium
Scientists are focusing in on delirium as a key symptom for flagging dementia risks in older people. Also in the news: risks from secondhand vaping; human milk and the gut microbiome; covid’s impact on heart tissue; and more.
Walgreens Now Set To Close Nearly Half Of Its VillageMD Clinics
The Walgreens-backed business has shut 140 clinics already this year, and now another 20 seem set to join them, totaling about 50% of the original number of VillageMD facilities. Walgreens has lost nearly $6 billion in its second quarter, AP says.
In Texas, Churches Step Up To Help With Mental Health Issues
Meanwhile, in Florida, a grand jury that’s examining issues relating to covid vaccines has asked for a six-month extension. Other health news is from North Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia, and elsewhere.
More Than 7 In 10 Americans Support Medication Abortion Access
A new Axios-Ipsos poll shows overwhelming support from the American public for medication abortions, and also underlines the FDA’s drug-regulating authority. Other reproductive care news is from Kansas and Idaho.
HHS Releases Final Rule Aimed At Limiting ‘Junk’ Health Insurance Plans
The Biden administration’s new regulation reverses a Trump-era policy that allowed expanded access to short-term insurance plans that offer fewer benefits than those sold on the Affordable Care Act’s marketplaces.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss early-onset cancer, Mpox, AI in health care and more.
Research Roundup: Cancer; Heart Disease And Stroke; High Blood Pressure; Gut Microbiota
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
State Department Offers $10 Million To Help Catch UnitedHealth Hackers
Highlighting the scale and impact of the cyberattack on UnitedHealth’s Change Healthcare, the State Department is offering a bounty on information on the “Blackcat” hacker gang. Also, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) pushes for lower Ozempic and Wegovy prices.
Some Hazardous Materials Containers Were Breached In Key Bridge Collapse
The NTSB says that the cargo ship involved in the Baltimore bridge collapse carries dozens of hazardous material containers and that some were breached during the collision. Other public health news is on U.S. preparedness for a smallpox outbreak, STI rates among older Americans, the relationship between exercise and insomnia, and more.
Depression, Epilepsy, And Alzheimer’s Linked With Higher Brain Acidity
A new study says “the culprit here appears to be increasing levels of a molecule called lactate.” Other research-related news covers BPA risk for children with autism and ADHD; preventing hospital-onset C. diff; and more.
UnitedHealth’s Cyberattack Payouts To Care Providers Top $3.3 Billion
Reuters reports that more than 40% of the payouts went to safety net hospitals and federally qualified health centers serving high-risk patients and areas. In other industry news, Moderna wins $750 million to develop flu vaccines; Steward Health Care will sell its physician network; and more.
Governor Vetoes A Bill Threatening School Vax Policies In West Virginia
Gov. Jim Justice, a Republican, vetoed a bill that would have loosened what AP calls “one of the country’s strictest school vaccination policies.” Meanwhile, in Jersey City, Mayor Steven Fulop promised to tackle hospital monopolies if elected governor.
Study Finds That If Covid Hit You Hard, Your Long Covid Risk May Be Higher
The strongest link, a Swedish study found, was between the severity of covid in the early stages of the illness and developing long covid later on. Separately, researchers found the reinfection rate for covid was less than 1%, globally.
Biden Moves To Stem Medicaid ‘Unwinding’: ACA Enrollment Extended, CMS Issues New Rule
The Biden administration is making tandem moves to reach people who may be unenrolled from state Medicaid programs. CMS finalized a new rule aimed at simplifying enrollment and renewal of Medicaid and CHIP coverage. And the White House will extend the enrollment window for healthcare.gov plans to Nov. 30 for people who lose Medicaid.
Appeals Court Sounds Unlikely To Lift Block On Idaho Prosecuting Out-Of-State Abortion Referrals
A federal appeals court heard arguments Wednesday over whether Idaho abortion law allows the state’s attorney general to prosecute doctors who refer patients out of state to get an abortion. There is an injunction against such action in place, and the justices sounded unlikely to lift it.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Abortion Not Settled Yet In US; Here’s Why The ACA Is A Success.
Editorial writers weigh in on medication abortion, Obamacare, and Alzheimer’s.