Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: FDA Can Make Healthy Eating Easier; Fetal Personhood Ruling Opens Pandora’s Box
Editorial writers discuss nutrition labels, reproductive rights, addiction, and more.
Perspectives: Weight Loss Drugs Make An Impact Globally; FDA’s Outdated Rules Thwart US Treatments
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Flu Vaccines Set To Change Because Some Strains May Be Extinct
Meanwhile, Stat reports that Florida health officials aren’t being forthcoming with data on measles cases. Also in the news: a plea deal in a case over 2012 fungal meningitis deaths from mold-tainted drugs; spreading avian flu; and more.
About 1,000 Minneapolis–Saint Paul Nursing Home Staff Go On Strike
CBS News notes it’s one of the biggest strikes seen in the industry in Minnesota. In Connecticut, Gov.Ned Lamont and the state’s largest health workers union announced a deal for a 26% rise for home care aides.
New Study Links Sleep Issues With Increased Diabetes Risk
Having too few hours of sleep may contribute to increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, scientists say. Separately, Allegheny Health Network is trying a new cognitive behavioral therapy treatment for chronic insomnia.
Fledgling New York Hospital Could Get $84 Million Cash Injection
CBS News reports on a fraught town hall meeting to discuss the Nassau University Medical Center’s financial challenges. Separately, Salesforce’s CEO donated $150 million to two Hawaii hospitals to allay worries over his land buy-ups.
After Getting 217 Covid Shots, German Man Becomes A Walking Experiment
The 62-year-old got the shots on purpose over 29 months. The “hypervaccination” didn’t harm his health but also didn’t boost his immune response.
FDA Allows First Over-The-Counter Continuous Glucose Monitor
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
CMS To Assist Providers Squeezed By Ransomware Outage At Change
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced processing and financial steps to help hospitals, health systems, and pharmacies to navigate continued disruptions at UnitedHealth subsidiary Change Healthcare. The company’s network is still offline following a ransomware attack.
Federal Agencies Jointly Investigating Private Equity Health Investments
The Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission, and Health and Human Services Department launched the probe Tuesday, requesting information on the impact of investments and acquisitions by private equity or corporate-investor backed companies on health care businesses.
WIC Program Might Get Funding Boost As GOP Reels From IVF Controversy
The program for Women, Infants, and Children provides grocery benefits, breastfeeding support, and more. Meanwhile, Alabama lawmakers advanced bills Tuesday that would protect the IVF process.
San Francisco Voters Back Measure To Drug-Test Welfare Recipients
The public wants to see progress in tackling the city’s drug crisis, the San Francisco Chronicle says. Also in the news, two Uvalde law enforcement officials criticized for poor response to the school shooting won their GOP primaries.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Calif. Lawmaker Proposes Longer Mental Hospital Stays For Violent Offenders
A California lawmaker released a bill that would allow the state to provide longer treatment to people with mental illness who commit violent crimes. Other state health news is reported from New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Illinois.
Deep Brain Stimulation Helps Find Four Disorders’ Sources
DBS helped scientists pinpoint dysfunctions in the brain contributing to Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and Tourette’s syndrome. Also in the news: Lynch syndrome, diet and atrial fibrillation, more.
Pennsylvania Care Home Shuts Down Abruptly In Staffing Crisis
Delayed paychecks drove Jefferson Hills Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center staff members to walk off the job last week, and the care home has now shut. Separately, Kaiser hospitals will lay off “dozens” in the Bay Area.
Editorial writers tackle hospital price disclosure, Florida’s measles outbreak, reproductive health care, and more.
White House To Announce Federal Health Care Costs Task Force
The Biden administration’s next “corporate greed” target is set to be the high cost of health care. Meanwhile, in the Medicare price negotiation process, all of the affected drugmakers are trying to bargain with counteroffers.
HHS Urged To Step In After Hack At Change Healthcare
The American Hospital Association and American Medical Association say federal help is needed as the cyberattack at Change Healthcare disrupts care. The AHA also blasted UnitedHealth’s financial help offer.
Opill Maker Starts Shipping First OTC Birth Control Pill In US
Perrigo says it’s started to send supplies of the pill to major retailers and pharmacies. One month’s supply costs about $20. Also in the news: using weight-loss drugs before pregnancy, IVF, and more.