Latest KFF Health News Stories
Experts Say Health Industry Isn’t Spending Enough On Cybersecurity
The industry isn’t spending enough to prevent future hacking attacks like the one that impacted Change Healthcare recently, cybersecurity professionals say. Meanwhile, UnitedHealth Group is increasing loan offers to help with the aftermath.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Texas Is Now Going After Teen Contraception; How Did Covid End Up In Antarctica?
Editorial writers tackle contraception, covid, and colonoscopies.
Intermittent Fasting Hurts Heart Health, Researchers Say
A Chinese research team found restricting eating to a less than eight-hour-a-day window increased a person’s risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Meanwhile, another study linked sugary drinks to higher atrial fibrillation risks.
AstraZeneca Announces $35 Monthly Price Cap For Inhalers
The British drugmaker said it was aiming at helping vulnerable patients with asthma or other breathing conditions. Separately, a gene therapy for a genetic neuron disorder that affects children won FDA approval.
Federal Appeals Court Considers If Opioid Distribution Is Public Nuisance
The question was posed by a federal appeals court to West Virginia’s highest court on Monday, in a case targeting three major U.S. drug distributors. Separately, the methadone clinic system for treating addiction is in the spotlight.
129,000 Chicago Kids Under 6 Have Had Lead-Contaminated Drinking Water
The new study into lead contamination also found that Black and Latino populations are disproportionately exposed to contaminated water. Also in the news: Colorado and Canadian-sourced drugs; social media bills in Florida; and more.
Abortions Rose To Over A Million In 2023 With 60% By Medication: Report
Abortions in the U.S. rose to a decade high of 1,026,700 in 2023, according to a report by the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights. About 642,700 of those were provided by medications.
EPA Bans Most Common Form Of Asbestos And Only One Still Used In US
The Biden administration announced Monday that it is prohibiting the import and use of chrysotile asbestos, a cancer-causing material that was not previously banned due to decades of pushback from companies that use it in manufacturing.
UnitedHealth Has Spent $2 Billion Helping Providers Hit By Cyberattack
The attack on UnitedHealth subsidiary Change Healthcare continues to have an impact on health providers across the country. Reports say health providers are complaining insurers could help more, however.
If You’re Taking Toddlers Abroad, Get MMR Jabs, CDC Advises
The vaccine advice comes amid rising U.S. and international cases of measles. But it’s also norovirus and flu season, and influenza B in particular is surging, USA Today reports.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Idaho May Ban Public Funding For Any Gender-Affirming Care
The ban under consideration would even bar state employees from using work health insurance for gender-affirming care, and include adults covered by Medicaid. Other Medicaid news is from Colorado, Missouri, and elsewhere.
Law Enforcement Had Cause To Detain Maine Gunman Before Shooting
A report found that law enforcement officers could have taken away Robert Card’s weapons on grounds he posed a threat of harm. Meanwhile, mental health news is reported from Massachusetts, Colorado, and elsewhere.
Viewpoints: Harvard Tackles Public Health Misinformation; Alabama IVF Ruling May Be More Nuanced
Editorial writers discuss health misinformation, IVF, generative AI in health care, and more.
Biden Will Order Expansion Of Research Into Women’s Health Conditions
President Joe Biden is expected Monday to announce more than 20 actions from federal agencies outlining ways they will prioritize research on women’s health. Other administration news focuses on drugs and the upcoming elections.
Lawmakers Fail To Deliver Plan Over Weekend To Avert Shutdown
Last-minute disagreements over a stopgap bill for the Department of Homeland Security delayed unveiling a government funding deal on Sunday, as originally targeted.
Supreme Court Set To Consider Free Speech Issues Around Covid Misinfo
The question is on of suppression of free speech, when incorrect or misleading commentary was removed from social media during the pandemic. USA Today notes covid misinformation is still hurting Americans’ health.
Covid Tracking: Unpredictable Funding Could Jeopardize Sewage Surveillance
Wastewater testing is one of the most reliable ways to track the spread of the novel coronavirus. Currently, covid infections are on the decline across the U.S., but the flu remains elevated.
Medical Students Fill Record Number Of Residencies On Match Day
Increased state and health system efforts and funding may have played a part in this year’s record residency filling, with numbers up 3% from 2023. Separately, although America is aging, concerns rise over a lack of senior care specialists.