Latest KFF Health News Stories
Dangerous Winter Weather Has Killed Dozens Of People Across US
At least 72 people have died, state officials say, and the number is likely to climb. Other state health news is from Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Montana, Missouri, Florida, and elsewhere.
Viewpoints: Which Is The Right Way To Eat Healthy?; TRAP Laws Make Abortion Care Dangerous
Editorial writers discuss healthy eating, abortion care, chemotherapy, and more.
FDA Eyes End Of Year As Deadline For Inspection Procedure Overhaul
The reorganizational push at the agency comes in the wake of the infant formula crisis. Other FDA news is on manufacturing problems at an Eli Lilly plant, rules to trace foodborne illness outbreaks, and a Novartis breast cancer treatment TV ad.
Nearly Half A Million Georgians Have Been Dropped From Medicaid Rolls
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Medicaid serves about a quarter of the state’s population, with 2.8 million on the rolls at the start of redetermination. Some 488,000 are now said to have been dropped. Meanwhile, in Florida, new data show a growing number of kids without health insurance.
Efficiency Study Finds VA Facilities Are The Best
A new study compares bureaucratic problems that beset private-sector hospitals to the more efficiently run Veterans Health Administration system. Also in the news: A major Brooklyn teaching hospital will shut; a medical helicopter crash kills three crew members in Oklahoma; and more.
Blue Cross Insurers Will Be First To Cover New Sickle Cell Gene Therapies
Also in the news, Wagner’s TLPO cancer vaccine with minimal side effects is nearing phase 3 clinical trials; the rise of telehealth sales of Ozempic; overdose calls for Ozempic and Wegovy are spiking; and HHS has banned Elizabeth Holmes, founder of blood test firm Theranos, for 90 years.
Republican Lawmakers Propose New 14-Week Abortion Ban In Wisconsin
The bill would reduce the window for legal abortions in the state by six weeks. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has already promised to veto the bill. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris is kicking off her tour to talk about abortion access across the country.
At Anti-Abortion Rally, Most Marchers Kept Mum On Plans For National Ban
The 19th reports that at this year’s March for Life in D.C., one topic was notable: Most avoided discussion of plans for a federal ban on abortion. The New York Times said marchers this year found themselves “grasping to advance their cause” after some serious political defeats.
On Anniversary Of Roe V. Wade, Biden Campaign Pushes For Abortion Rights
Fifty-one years after the Supreme Court handed down its original ruling in Roe v. Wade, President Joe Biden will today convene Cabinet members in an abortion-rights task force for the fourth time since the Dobbs decision that struck down Roe. A key campaign strategy: tying former President Donald Trump to the detrimental effects of abortion bans.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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 women’s health, mental health, “forever chemicals,” potatoes, and more.
Editorial writers discuss antibiotic resistance, American loneliness, educating kids about fentanyl, and more.
Researchers Find Protein Clues In Blood Samples Of Long Covid Sufferers
The causes of long covid are proving elusive, but a possible breakthrough may have come via research into the changed mix of proteins in the blood of people who have long covid. A Senate HELP hearing heard patients and experts talking about the illness this week.
CMS Is Testing New Community-Based Mental Health Service Model
The goal of the new behavioral health services system is to boost access and quality. Meanwhile in New Jersey, a new law lifts one barrier for providing online therapy in hopes of aiding the mental health crisis. Serious police failures during the Uvalde mass shooting are also in the news.
Biden-Harris Election Campaign Will Champion Abortion Rights
President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign will highlight abortion rights in the lead up to the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade case, and warn that a Republican-led White House could try to enforce a national abortion ban.
To Tackle Financial Distress, Hospitals, Health Systems Are Turning To Mergers
Modern Healthcare looks into the phenomenon of rising health care mergers and acquisitions being driven by financial pressures on health providers in the aftermath of the pandemic. Separately, Stateline explains how private equity-backed hospitals can see cutbacks and closures.
Another Study Finds Zika Virus Could Be Used To Treat Cancer
Researchers found that the deadly virus can be successfully used to tackle cancerous tissue in mice, and, stunningly, the treatment had very highly efficacy, and required just one injection. Separately, research into Zika infections in people found that reinfection is actually possible.
Insurance Marketplace Sign-Ups In Missouri Are Up 35% Over Last Year
Data on the record enrollments come from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Similarly, a record number of Marylanders signed up for coverage through the Maryland Health Connection, and ACA sign-ups during open enrollment in Connecticut are also at record highs.
Congress Passes Stopgap Bill That Funds Health Agencies Until March
Funding for federal health care programs was extended until March 1 or March 8 by the temporary spending measure passed by the House and Senate Thursday, including HHS, FDA, VA, community health centers, special diabetes programs, some medical education programs, and more.
Drugmakers Raise Retail Prices On 775 Drugs Like Ozempic, Xolair, Shingrix
Drugs and vaccines for weight loss, asthma, shingles, heart disease, osteoporosis, and other conditions were among the medications for which prices will be hiked the most. The price of a handful of drugs will be dropped including some insulin products and antidepressants.