Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Care Experts Worry Over Sale Of US Helium Stockpile
Health supply chain experts worry over Thursday’s sale by the U.S. government of the Federal Helium Reserve. The rare gas is critical for making MRI machines work. Also in the news: what to know about ordering medication from overseas; C. diff risks from antibiotics and reflux drugs; more.
Real-World Impact Of HPV Vaccine Shown In Cervical Cancer Study
A new study out of Scotland, dubbed historic for its impact, showed that there were no cervical cancer cases for women born between 1988 and 1996 who were fully vaccinated against HPV when young. Meanwhile, in the U.S. a study shows cervical cancer deaths rising in low-income populations.
During Alabama Nitrogen Execution, Prisoner Struggled For 2 Minutes
The execution of Kenneth Smith put the U.S. at the forefront of a debate on the death penalty, the AP says. The controversial nitrogen gas method saw Smith appear to make seizure-like movements and struggle against his restraints. Also in the news: syphilis, drug price gouging, and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on Obamacare, organ donation, vitamins, diphtheria, expensive toilets, and more.
Viewpoints: Why Do We Know So Little About Long Covid?; Biden Was Right About Obamacare
Editorial writers tackle long covid, “Bidencare,” affordability of health care, and more.
Bankruptcies Soared Among Health Care Companies Last Year
News outlets round up a host of stories on the financial pressures currently facing health care systems, hospitals, Medicare insurance providers, and pharmacy giants.
Senators Propose Medicare Hospital Incentives To Relieve Drug Shortages
The Senate Finance Committee released a paper Thursday that floats multiple legislative proposals for fixing the current national crisis over prescription drug shortages, including bonuses to hospitals that take steps to fend off shortfalls. Separately, Sen. Elizabeth Warren is urging the White House to take steps to tackle Medicare Advantage overpayments and denials.
Texas’ Rape Pregnancy Data Show Hollowness Of Governor’s Promise
The Houston Chronicle says new data of an estimated 26,000 rape-related pregnancies in Texas since it enforced an abortion ban is drawing attention to Gov. Greg Abbott’s vow to “eliminate rape.” In Iowa, a new bill would allow medical providers to refuse any care that violates their beliefs.
Snapchat Moves To Support Bill Protecting Young Social Media Users
Snapchat’s owner is publicly supporting the Kids Online Safety Act. Politico says it’s the first big tech platform to do so. Meanwhile, a study has identified social withdrawal as a behavioral risk factor for teen suicide. Separate research found teens from large families may have worse mental health.
CDC Warns Health Providers To Watch For Measles Cases
An increased number of measles cases imported from abroad have triggered the CDC’s new warning. In the U.K. a measles outbreak has seen 216 cases in one region alone since October—in 2022 there were just 53. Separately, research shows covid during pregnancy can cause health issues in babies.
Cardiologists Suggest Health Records Should Note Gender Identity
Since little is known about unique health challenges LGBTQ+ people face, Stat says, researchers are pushing for health systems to record patients’ sexual orientation and gender identity and expression to boost data collection. Also in the news: Medicare Advantage data transparency issues.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Fungal Blastomycosis Infections, Once Thought Rare, Appear Across US
The infection, which can be tricky to diagnose, had been thought to mainly occur in the northern Midwest and parts of the Southeast — but it’s actually more widespread, a new study found. Also in the news, Robitussin products are recalled nationwide over contamination issues.
Ohio Senate Overrides Governor’s Veto, Restricts Trans Care And Trans Athletes
Republican Gov. Mike DeWine had vetoed the bill, which bars doctors from prescribing gender care to people under 18, forces parental consent before diagnoses of gender dysphoria, and blocks trans girls from female sports. Also, in Missouri, a parents’ bill of “rights” would limit bathroom choices.
A Year In Action, CMS’ Rural Pay Model Has Helped Hospitals
Modern Healthcare looks into an effort to help out hospitals in remoter rural areas. Also in the news, a receivership discussion over Steward Health Care’s financial problems; U.S. News sues San Francisco’s city attorney over subpoenas concerning the media outlet’s hospital rankings; more.
Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley’ Linked To Premature Births, Low Baby Weights
A Human Rights Watch report found that for pregnant women living in parts of Louisiana, there’s a much higher risk of premature birth and low birth weight than is found outside the state. The study links the pregnancy risks in “Cancer Alley” to air pollution.
Alabama Execution Today Will Use Controversial Nitrogen Gas
Kenneth Smith survived an earlier execution attempt due to botched IV lines, the Washington Post says. Now he will be executed by an untested, controversial method: nitrogen hypoxia. Also in the news, a St. Louis nursing home endangered residents; medical debt erasure in New York; and more.
Viewpoints: There May Be A Dark Side To New Weight-Loss Drugs; Should THC Levels Be Regulated?
Editorial writers delve into weight-loss drugs, high potency marijuana, abortion restrictions, and prior authorizations.
Research Roundup: Long Covid; Maternal Covid; Breast Milk; Pediatric Bacterial Meningitis
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Red States Drive Record Obamacare Enrollment With 21 Million Signing Up
Nationally, enrollment in an Affordable Care Act plan so far for 2024 coverage increased 31% over last year. Republican-majority states like West Virginia, Louisiana, Ohio, Indiana, and Texas saw even higher percentage increases in people now covered under the law that is still a campaign issue in 2024.