Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study Links Newly Identified Bacteria With Aggressive Colon Cancer
The discovery could pave the way for future treatments that target the bacteria, which is said to shield tumor cells from the actions of cancer drugs. Also in the news: the struggle of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alabama Lawmakers Advance ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Law For Schools
The proposed legislation would prohibit classroom discussions or instruction on gender identity or sexual orientation issues in public schools through 12th grade, when kids are typically aged 17 to 19, up from the current 5th grade ban.
Research Roundup: Covid Vaccines And Infections; AMR
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
California’s Mental Health Bond Proposition 1 Passes With Thin Margin
Now it’s been passed, the San Francisco Chronicle explains Prop. 1 will see a $6.4 billion bond fund used to boost mental health services in the state. AP also reports California wants to up doctor’s payments for seeing Medicaid patients.
US Life Expectancy Rises, But Overdose Deaths Rise As Well
Politico reports on an increase in U.S. life expectancy, after a two-year dip, while Stat reports on a record number of overdose deaths — yet, there are “signs of leveling off” for the U.S. overdose rate. Global fertility rates are also in the news.
House Advances Bill That Aims To Reduce Burnout For Health Workers
The House is working on legislation that targets burnout and mental health challenges for medical professionals. A separate bill would revise the time periods under which CBO would score preventive care legislation.
Social Security Capping Overpayment Clawbacks At 10% Of Monthly Benefit
Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley said Wednesday that in addition to the monthly limits beneficiaries will not have to prove that they weren’t at fault for the overpayments, and that waivers will be easier to request.
Doctors Warn Climate Change Is Fueling Infectious Diseases
Shorter, milder winters, warming oceans, and other conditions caused by a warming planet are contributing to the spread of infectious disease, according to experts. Meanwhile, news reports cover shigella cases, the measles outbreak, hepatitis deaths, syphilis, and more.
Cyberattack Insurance In The Spotlight After UnitedHealth Hack
Meanwhile, UnitedHealth Group said its Change Healthcare subsidiary’s systems for handling medical claims were back online, about a month after the attack. Also in the news: Medicare Advantage, hospital staff shortages, and more.
Pharma Industry Aims To Keep Orphan Drugs Exempt From Price Limits
Stat reports the pharma industry and “allies” are pushing back at state efforts to cap drug costs with a plan to keep drugs that combat rare diseases exempt from price caps. Separately, Wegovy may be on the Medicare price negotiation list.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
FTC To Refund Consumers Who Bought Fake Health Plans From Benefytt
The refunds total nearly $100 million and seek to help consumers who fell for fake health plans offered by Benefytt Technologies under various names. Also in the news: UnitedHealth in New York, insurer participation in ACO REACH, and more.
New Digital Stethoscope Boosts Heart Exams With AI
AI tech built into a new digital stethoscope helps raise detection levels for heart valve problems, which can be hard to detect using a regular stethoscope. Separately, a California doctor’s plan against needle pain is in the news.
Voters Seek Extra Count In California Ballot On Mental Health Bond Issue
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Proposition 1 measure, targeted at mental health care in California, is said to be hanging on a razor-thin majority, prompting a call for a corrective count of disqualified ballots from both backers and detractors.
Study Links Experiencing Homophobia, Discrimination To Cancer Risks
The research from the American Cancer Society was a first-of-its-kind study, and linked certain issues to higher cancer risks for LGBTQ+ individuals. Meanwhile, experts worry about state-level anti-LGBTQ laws impacting transgender people.
Study Links Baby Aspirin To Reduced Liver Fat In Liver Disease Sufferers
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Viewpoints: We Need To Rethink What ‘Women’s Health’ Is; Crash-Test Biases Put Women At Risk
Editorial writers tackle women’s health matters, female crash test dummies, nurse sabbaticals, and more.
With Deal Struck, Lawmakers Rush Spending Bills Before First Deadline
A brief weekend partial government shutdown may be possible as the clock ticks down to Friday’s deadline. News outlets cover what’s in, and what’s out in the new spending deal announced Tuesday.
Arizona Lawmaker Opens Up About Abortion Plan For Nonviable Pregnancy
Arizona state Sen. Eva Burch talked in a floor speech about her journey and the implications of abortion restrictions. “It was an opportunity for me to highlight what we’re experiencing here in Arizona and how the laws that we pass in Arizona actually do impact people in practice and not just in theory,” she told the AP.
NIH Ceases Offering Covid Treatment Guidance
NPR calls it a “pandemic milestone.” Separately, a new report says the Department of Transportation and the Treasury have yet to create a preparedness plan for future infectious disease outbreaks, despite a 2015 GAO recommendation to do so.