Latest KFF Health News Stories
Nebraska’s Highest Court To Hear Suits Against Abortion, Trans Care Bans
The Planned Parenthood of the Heartland v. Hilgers case will go before Nebraska’s Supreme Court today, challenging the 12-week abortion and minors’ gender care ban. Abortion and Super Tuesday is also in the news.
CDC Director Says Updated Covid Shots Will Come This Fall
Researchers will likely wait until May to pick which strains will be the target for this year’s covid shot. Meanwhile, some long covid patients plan a protest against the CDC’s new covid guidance.
Feds Are Accused Of Downplaying Syphilis Crisis, Treatment Shortage
Physicians and public health experts say delays in getting treatment to pregnant women are preventing them from stopping the spread of syphilis to infants. Meanwhile, there’s progress in curbing syphilis infection after unprotected sex.
More Stick With Opioid Treatment When Covered By Insurance: Study
Other news stories related to the opioid crisis report on overdose prevention methods, the agony of withdrawal, settlement funds, and more.
Appeals Court Hears Appeal Over Obamacare’s Preventive Care Mandate
The Biden administration argued before the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Monday, urging the judges to reverse a lower court’s ruling that threatens the Affordable Care Act’s provision for no-cost cancer screenings and preventive care services. The Hill characterized the panel’s reception as “skeptical.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these topics and more.
In Wake Of Attack, Change Healthcare Offers Alternate System, Financial Help
The UnitedHealth subsidiary opened a temporary version of its Rx ePrescribing service for drugstores, hospital and nursing home pharmacies, and other providers impacted by the ransomware attack on the company, Modern Healthcare reports.
US Enters New Pandemic Phase, With CDC’s New Covid Rules In The Spotlight
Vox examines the controversy over the updated covid guidelines. Meanwhile, The Washington Post explains what you should do if you test positive.
CVS, Walgreens Will Dispense Abortion Pills In A Handful Of States
People seeking abortion medications will soon be able to go to some chain drugstore locations: CVS in Rhode Island and Massachusetts; and Walgreens in certain places in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California, and Illinois.
Growing Number Of Alternative Pharmacies Lack Costlier Generics
A report quoted in Stat says that although alternative pharmacies are popular, many of the more expensive generic drugs may be missing from their shelves and that prices vary. Also: CVS will pay a $1.5 million Ohio fine over understaffing.
Judge Blocks Texas AG’s Demand For Trans Minors’ Medical Records
The block is temporary, but for now, Attorney General Ken Paxton cannot force the disclosure of medical records from an LGBTQ+ organization. Meanwhile, in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis blocked a bill limiting teens’ social media access.
FDA Allows Yogurt Makers To Say Products Lower Diabetes Risk
Yogurts can make a “limited” claim, CNN says, that the food may reduce type 2 diabetes risks — a decision that took five years to make. Separately, researchers find familiar smells could boost happy memories for people with depression.
Study Finds Medicare Advantage Patients Experience Worse Home Care
Compared to people with traditional Medicare, patients on Medicare Advantage had worse outcomes and less home health care. Also: how Advantage costs are rising; virtual mental health company Talkspace aims at Medicare; and more.
Attention Focused On State Supreme Court Races After Alabama IVF Ruling
Separately, The Washington Post reports on how the Alabama frozen embryo ruling’s impact on IVF services is motivating conservative Christian women to become angry, outspoken advocates in favor of the fertility treatment.
ACA’s Provision For No-Cost Preventive Services Faces Key Hearing
In the latest challenge to the Affordable Care Act, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear a case Monday that threatens cost-free preventive care services. The Biden administration is appealing a lower Texas court’s ruling related to HIV-prevention drugs, that if upheld would have larger implications for coverage.
Lawmakers Agree To Hike Medicare Doctor Pay By 1.68%
As part of the federal government spending bills released Sunday, Congress has agreed to bump up payments that doctors get from Medicare through the rest of 2024. A partial shutdown looms Friday if lawmakers can’t push through the package by then.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Rural Patients Suffer Under Stark Law; How ‘Moral Hazard’ Affects Addiction Treatment
Editorial writers discuss the Physician Self-Referral Law, drug addiction, and IVF.
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 Castleman disease, Kawasaki disease, phage therapy, Tribeca Pediatrics, and more.