Latest KFF Health News Stories
Editorial writers discuss the new sickle cell treatment, the farce of abortion ban exemptions, LGBTQ+ health and more.
States Are ‘Pulling All The Levers They Can’ To Stop Medicaid Enrollment Slide
Under increased scrutiny from the White House, state Medicaid officials are trying harder to prevent eligible people from losing coverage. One of the biggest challenges is simply finding them, and states are having to get more creative in their efforts.
Justices Refuse Challenge To Washington ‘Conversion Therapy’ Ban
The Supreme Court refused, by majority, to take up a challenge to a Washington state law that protects LGBTQ+ youngsters from so-called “conversion therapy.” The challenge came from a Christian marriage and family counselor who argued it infringed free speech rights.
Arizona High Court To Consider Reinstating Abortion Ban From 1864
The ban is from when Arizona was still a territory, and it would essentially ban abortion in the state. The current ban is for abortions at 15 weeks or later. News outlets cover the case, which starts today, and consider its impact on U.S. reproductive rights battles and 2024’s election race.
Kroger Pilots In-Store Clinics For Primary Care For Seniors
Eight of the Little Clinic sites in Atlanta are transitioned to focus on primary care for seniors, as well as their regular services — a test of a strategic shift for the company. Also in the news: a Best Buy Health, Biobeat partnership; a Norton Healthcare data breach; and more.
Supreme Court Throws Out Cases On Covid Shot Mandates For Troops
The federal employee vaccine requirement was rescinded by President Joe Biden in May, and the Pentagon similarly withdrew a mandate for troops, but cases challenging the mandate for executive branch employees and military service members had rumbled on.
CRISPR Sickle Cell Treatment To Be Offered At 9 Hospitals
Now that the FDA has approved the first use of a CRISPR gene-editing therapy to treat sickle cell disease, the company has announced 9 facilities that will initially offer it.
House Passes Health Package With PBM Reforms, Site-Neutral Policy
The Lower Costs More Transparency Act of 2023, passed by the House 320-71 on Monday, would institute new transparency and pricing rules on PBMs and hospitals, and spare hospitals from some funding cuts while likely imposing others. The measure is unlikely to pass the Senate as currently written but signals bipartisan openness to the policies.
Big Pharmacy Chains Give Customers’ Records To Police Despite No Warrants
The Washington Post reported that officials with America’s eight biggest pharmacy giants — Walgreens Boots Alliance, CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid, Kroger, Cigna, Optum Rx, and Amazon Pharmacy — told congressional investigators they required only a subpoena to share the records. Investigators began probing the practice in the aftermath of the Dobbs abortion decision.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Michigan Attorney General Warns Of Medical Brace Scamming Issue
The issue stems from seniors being offered medical supplies they don’t need, and then finding themselves stuck with the bill. Also in state health news: the Ozempic side effects lawsuit; CAR-T helping autoimmune patients; rising sales of antibiotics for food animals; and more.
Adventist, Blue Shield Contract Talks May Affect Many Californians
Contract negotiations between Adventist Health and Blue Shield of California fell through last week, and now the San Francisco Chronicle is warning thousands of Californians may have to pay out-of-network medical costs at their nearest hospital.
Cigna Abandons Merger Talks With Humana
Unenthusiastic stakeholders and a lack of progress in negotiations over price and other financial matters have led Cigna Group to give up on the idea of combining with Humana, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Access, Affordability Concerns Follow FDA OK Of Sickle Cell Gene Therapy
The FDA authorized on Friday a pair of gene therapies for sickle cell disease, one of which is the first to gain such approval using the CRISPR gene-editing system. News outlets report on costs and paths to patients for the treatments.
Supreme Court Weighs Hearing High-Stakes Abortion Pill Case
Supreme Court justices were expected to discuss on Friday whether to hear a case that would counter or uphold federal approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. If the court fails to take up the appeals, a lower court decision to limit the availability of the drug by mail would go into effect.
Minnesota’s First RSV Death Of The Season Was A 1-Year-Old
Amid rising RSV, Minnesota’s first death for this season was tragically young. Meanwhile, in California, Riverside County officials reported two flu-related deaths, and L.A. County reported one. Separately, researchers are making progress toward treating long covid symptoms.
CDC Issues Travel Warning After 3 Die From Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
The disease is spread by infected brown dog ticks. Other news is on a continuing outbreak of salmonella spread through cantaloupe, and chronic wasting disease.
Biden Demands Congress ‘Step Up’ To Deal With Gun Violence Epidemic
After the UNLV shooting, President Joe Biden on Friday stepped up his demands for action against gun violence. USA Today covers college professors calling the issue a “national menace.” Meanwhile, Wyoming Public Radio reports on how stigma prevents gun owners from seeking mental health help.
Editorial writers discuss the RSV vaccine, sickle cell treatment, long covid and more.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.