Latest KFF Health News Stories
Panel Looking At Maine Shooting Probes Army Reservists On Gunman
The New York Times reports on the commission that is investigating the October mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine. Other news is on Rear Adm. Ronny L. Jackson, former White House physician; a bill that would allow amputees hoping to join the military to serve in medical personnel fields; and more.
Biden Touts Record On Medicare Drug Pricing And Proposes Expansion
In a preview of his 2024 campaign messaging, President Joe Biden spotlighted his health care priorities during his State of the Union speech. Focusing on drug pricing in particular, he wants to expand the number of medications for which Medicare can negotiate pricing and took aim at “Big Pharma” more broadly.
Abortion Rights And IVF Issues Kick Off State Of The Union
President Joe Biden predicted that voters who support abortion rights would influence Election Day, and said: “If Americans send me a Congress that supports the right to choose, I promise you: I will restore Roe v. Wade as the law of the land again.” One of the invited guests was an Alabama woman whose IVF treatment was disrupted by the Alabama Supreme Court’s frozen embryo ruling.
In Face Of Questions About Age, Biden Delivers ‘Vigorous’ And Rapid Speech
President Joe Biden tackled concerns over cognitive ability during his State of the Union, arguing that with his years comes key experience: “When you get to my age, certain things become clearer than ever.” News reports described the speech as “feisty” and one that went on the offensive against Republicans’ positions.
Going Against Voters’ Wishes, Kansas Advances Another Anti-Abortion Bill
On Thursday, the state House approved a bill that would force abortion providers to quiz patients on 11 questions about why they want to end their pregnancies. Other states have similar restrictions, but none of them had a statewide vote on abortion rights, as Kansas did in 2022, AP reports.
Radiation Exposure By Government Would Be Compensated Under Senate Bill
The Senate approved legislation by a 69-30 vote Thursday that would expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to cover more Americans who were likely sickened by radiation exposure due to government activities. Other news from Capitol Hill focuses on health measure expiring at the end of this year and WIC funding.
Change Healthcare Partially Reopens System More Than 2 Weeks After Hack
Its e-prescribing platform is up and running after a Feb. 21 cyberattack pushed it offline. The company hopes to reactivate two other platforms — for electronic payments and medical claims — late next week.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Surgeons Are Finding Plastic Particles Lodged In Patients’ Arteries
In one study, 58% of 304 patients who underwent procedures in their neck had microscopic and nanoscopic pieces of “jagged-edged” plastic in the plaque lining the blood vessel. Other news is on HIV, exercise, and ketamine.
FDA Warns Of High Lead Levels In Some Cinnamon
The FDA said ground cinnamon sold at discount stores including the Dollar Tree and Family Dollar contains potentially unsafe levels of lead — particularly for children. Meanwhile, a lab found high levels of cancer-causing benzene in acne treatments.
Even Among Health Care Workers, Getting Care For Long Covid Isn’t Easy
CIDRAP reports that some of the health care workers with long covid also said the experience made them feel more empathy for patients. Other covid news is on alcohol sensitivity among those with long covid, ordering your free mail-order tests by Friday, and more.
Staff Shortages Limit Admissions In Half Of Nursing Homes In Survey
The American Health Care Association found many homes facing such severe staff shortages that they had to limit new admissions. Separately, New York’s Mount Sinai Medical Center will shut some units as a staffing shortage impacts patient safety.
Extra Pregnancy Protections End For Government Workers In Texas
A federal law granting extra protections no longer applies to Texas state employees as of Wednesday. Also in Texas, a report shows it’s hard to find the overdose-reversal drug Narcan in pharmacies, even though it’s over-the-counter.
Editorial writers examine hackers in health care, diversity in medical schools, and more.
Research Roundup: Covid; Menopause; Injectable Hydrogel
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Alabama Passes Law To Protect Access To IVF
In the wake of a crisis caused by a “fetal personhood” ruling, Alabama passed a bill to protect fertility clinics and doctors from prosecution over “death” of embryos as part of the IVF process. Two clinics will now resume service.
Biden’s Speech To Focus On Efforts To Reduce Drug Costs
The White House has released an outline of the State of the Union speech President Joe Biden will deliver tonight. It includes several health policy proposals such as expanding the number of medications eligible for Medicare price negotiations from 20 to 50, and capping out-of-pocket prescription drug costs.
House Passes Spending Bill That Addresses Medicare Doc Pay, DSH Cuts
The legislation as passed by the House on Thursday would: delay an $8 billion reduction in Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments for a year; reduce the Medicare physician pay cut; and extend funding for federally qualified health centers for four years. The Senate is expected to take up the measure Friday.
Gunman Behind Deadly Maine Shooting Had Profound Brain Damage
The gunman was a grenade instructor in the Army Reserve; an autopsy found evidence of brain damage similar to that seen in veterans exposed to weapons blasts. Also in the news: cancer worries in military who guarded nuclear weapons.
Study Finds Some Nursing Homes Shunt Profits Off-Book To Hide Them
Some homes were moving the majority of their profits to “related parties,” companies owned under the same umbrella, in an effort to appear less well-off. Meanwhile, private equity in health care is in the spotlight again.