Latest KFF Health News Stories
A Spotlight On Chemical Incidents, As Texas Leads List For Number This Year
A USA Today analysis shows an increase in hazardous material spills in the Midwest, while the Texas Tribune reports that 25 hazardous chemical incidents have happened in Texas so far this year. AP covers efforts to investigate chemical exposure in Ohio after the East Palestine train crash.
Viewpoints: Home Hospital Care Is A Win For All; Medicaid Disenrollment Numbers Are Unacceptable
Opinion writers discuss the latest in health care.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Ohio Abortion Ballot Measure Clears Threshold For November Vote
State officials certified Tuesday that backers of a proposal to establish a right to abortion in the Ohio Constitution submitted enough valid signatures to put the measure on the November ballot. An Aug. 8 special election will decide if such a ballot measure must get 60% of votes to pass.
Heat-Related Deaths And Illnesses Rising, CDC Data Shows
NPR compares regional data on heat-related health over the last 5 years. As the heat wave continues in some areas and expands to others, news outlets report on how government and community groups are trying to keep people safe.
Biden Aims At ‘True Mental Health Parity,’ Targets Insurers
News outlets report on “sweeping mental health changes” proposed by the Biden administration, pressing insurers to cover mental health to the same level as physical health. During the announcement President Joe Biden drew parallels between breaking an arm and needing mental care: “It’s health.”
Trans Patients Sue Hospital That Gave Their Medical Data To Tennessee’s AG
Two transgender patients are accusing Vanderbilt University Medical Center in a lawsuit of violating their privacy over records sent to the attorney general. The AG’s office is reported as saying the records were needed to look into medical billing fraud.
‘Pass It’: Biden Wants Movement On Kids Online Safety, Privacy Bills
A Senate committee is due to vote this week on measures to require better online protections for children. President Joe Biden says he’s pushed for action on the issue for over 2 years: “Pass it, pass it, pass it.” Other news from the Biden administration and Congress is on Medicare, hospital billing practices, health care “poison pills” in the spending bills, and more.
High Cost Drives A Third Of Rural Americans To Skip Medical Care
News outlets cover new data showing the impact of high health care costs on rural Americans. Axios reports high costs are driving more Americans overseas in search of affordable fertility treatments. Also in industry news: 911 centers are understaffed, Biogen to slash 1,000 jobs, and more.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Lawmakers Urge Federal Worker Protections During Extreme Heat
Over 100 congressional Democrats are urging President Joe Biden to task OSHA with establishing stronger heat safety regulations for people who work both indoors and outside as the nation wrestles with record heat. Separately, new research links heat and pollution to higher heart attack risks.
Abortion Politics Fuel Messaging Ahead Of Ohio’s August Ballot Measure Vote
Next month’s vote that could make it harder for initiatives to make Ohio ballots is entwined with abortion politics. And a new survey finds that such a measure on abortion rights would be supported by voters. Meanwhile, another survey shows shifting national attitudes on state abortion laws.
Poll Finds Majority Support Universal Background Checks For Gun Owners
A survey finds that 86% of American adults support Congress mandating background checks for all firearms sales and transfers. A majority also support gun license test-taking and an assault weapons ban. Meanwhile, a new study reports that Black Americans are more likely to be mass shooting victims.
Researchers Link Adult Depression To Higher Dementia Risk Later
News outlets cover a new study that suggests a depression diagnosis in adulthood could more than double your risk of developing dementia in older age. Meanwhile, Stat covers the race to develop ways to detect Alzheimer’s earlier. Also in the news: aspirin, alcohol addiction, gene therapy, and more.
Pfizer Warns Some Drug Supplies May Be Affected By Tornado Strike
Though the tornado that hit the company’s plant in North Carolina last week mainly affected warehousing, some drug supplies — including lidocaine, morphine, and fentanyl injectables — may be disrupted. Also in health industry news: a huge deal with Roche, new investments in blood testing tech, and more.
Trans Advocates Say Florida Consent Forms Are Inaccurate, Transphobic
New Florida Boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine consent forms required for access to gender affirming care are inaccurate, intentionally vague, and have transphobic language, critics say. Meanwhile, in California Republicans push to end a tax on health savings accounts.
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Lower Covid Vaccine Uptake Linked To Excess Republican Deaths In Florida, Ohio: Study
Researchers have found that in the months after the covid vaccine was released that Republicans in Florida and Ohio experienced “significantly higher” excess death rates than Democrats, when compared to the rates before vaccines were available.