Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study Highlights Doctors’ Failures To Give Opioid Addiction Drugs To Kids
The Boston Globe reports on a recent study that showed only 5% of pediatricians surveyed had ever prescribed two common opioid addiction treatments. Also in the news: Changes in methadone treatments are coming.
Biden’s Budget Proposal Reinforces His Health Policy Priorities
The White House released its proposed budget blueprint for FY2025 on Monday. Included health care provisions would: increase HHS discretionary spending by 1.7%; focus on Medicare solvency; invest in federal responses to cyberattacks; address coverage for people in states that did not expand Medicaid; and other measures.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Insurance Companies Can Drop Patients Whenever; Choosing Between Doctor Vs. Urgent Care
Editorial writers examine insurance companies, urgent care, covid, and disabilities in academia.
Republican Lawmakers Refusing To Adjust Unclear Abortion Bans
AP reports on how lawmakers aren’t planning to adjust any abortion bans even though medical professionals complain about risks from unclear exception rules. Stat notes there’s been a failure to even define what abortion is.
Public Health Experts Worry As Trump Ramps Up Anti-Vax Messaging
The former president has been threatening to withhold money from schools with vaccine or mask mandates. Meanwhile, in West Virginia, Republican state lawmakers advanced a bill paring back a strict public school vaccine mandate.
Manufacturer Of Failed ALS Drug Relyvrio Is Considering Withdrawing It
Though the FDA approved the drug less than two years ago, Amylyx’s ALS drug has now failed a large clinical trial. Separately, the FDA is delaying approval for an experimental Alzheimer’s drug so it can examine its effectiveness.
Insurers Are Making It Hard To Get At-Home Ventilators
A report says doctors are complaining that insurers’ delays and denials are impacting patients who need a machine’s help to breathe. Also in the news: UnitedHealth quietly bought lots of outpatient centers, for the most part without announcing it had done so.
Proportion Of US Prisoners Aged 55 Or Over Has Risen Dramatically
NPR notes that the proportion of prisoners who may be defined as “geriatric” is now about five times the 30 years-ago figure, and that prisons aren’t ready for this. Also in the news: organ age, an infant swing recall, and more.
Oregon Governor Will Sign Bill To Reverse Decriminalization Of Drug Use
Three years after adopting the most liberal drug laws in the nation, a new Oregon bill would reintroduce criminal penalties for drug use, while also allowing officials some latitude in pushing for treatment or jail for offenders. Other regional public health news is reported from Maryland, California, Colorado, and Texas.
Medicare To Offer Loans To Providers Feeling Pinch From Change Hack
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced Saturday that it will provide advances to hospital, health groups, and other medical providers that have been financially impacted by delayed payments from Change Healthcare after its system outage caused by a ransomware attack. HHS is also urging UnitedHealth, the parent company, to expedite payments.
Insurers Agree To Cover Cancer Navigators As Part Of Moonshot Program
As part of President Joe Biden’s push to expand his cancer moonshot program, more than six large insurers have agreed to cover services offered by cancer navigators who help patients through the complicated medical treatment options and process.
Covid Pandemic Declared 4 Years Ago Today: It’s Killed Nearly 1.2 Million Americans
News outlets examine the impact covid has had on the U.S. over those last 4 years, including how some patients aren’t getting Paxlovid, how long covid is still hurting many people as the pandemic fades, and how the virus can persist in blood and tissue.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Kansas Extremists Are At It Again; How One Doctor Views Biden’s Fitness For The Job
Editorial writers tackle abortion, aging, psychiatric drugs, and more.
Eli Lilly Ad Calls Out Hollywood Obsession With Ozempic
Drugmaker Eli Lilly, which produces weight-loss drug Zepbound, is criticizing people who prescribe or take such drugs without an obesity diagnosis.
Measles Cases Reported In Midwest While Outbreak Grows In Florida
The first measles case in five years was reported in Chicago, while three cases and the potential for more raised concern in Michigan. Also: news on meningitis, RSV, covid, and more.
ER Visits Rise 420% Among Kids Who Accidentally Ate Melatonin
The Wall Street Journal reports on federal data showing a four-fold rise from 2009 to 2020. Also in the news: domestic violence and brain damage; the effects of daylight saving time on heart health; a new report on female genital mutilation; and more.
Study: 8 In 10 Calls To Florida’s Medicaid Call Center Get Disconnected
A study finds that dropped calls and long wait times are “hindering” access to health care for people with Medicaid coverage. Other regional health news comes from Minnesota, Kentucky, and California.
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 twins, ZTTK syndrome, diabetic retinopathy, and more.