Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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Perspectives: Weight Loss Drugs Make An Impact Globally; FDA’s Outdated Rules Thwart US Treatments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.