Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Fungal Blastomycosis Infections, Once Thought Rare, Appear Across US
The infection, which can be tricky to diagnose, had been thought to mainly occur in the northern Midwest and parts of the Southeast — but it’s actually more widespread, a new study found. Also in the news, Robitussin products are recalled nationwide over contamination issues.
Ohio Senate Overrides Governor’s Veto, Restricts Trans Care And Trans Athletes
Republican Gov. Mike DeWine had vetoed the bill, which bars doctors from prescribing gender care to people under 18, forces parental consent before diagnoses of gender dysphoria, and blocks trans girls from female sports. Also, in Missouri, a parents’ bill of “rights” would limit bathroom choices.
A Year In Action, CMS’ Rural Pay Model Has Helped Hospitals
Modern Healthcare looks into an effort to help out hospitals in remoter rural areas. Also in the news, a receivership discussion over Steward Health Care’s financial problems; U.S. News sues San Francisco’s city attorney over subpoenas concerning the media outlet’s hospital rankings; more.
Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley’ Linked To Premature Births, Low Baby Weights
A Human Rights Watch report found that for pregnant women living in parts of Louisiana, there’s a much higher risk of premature birth and low birth weight than is found outside the state. The study links the pregnancy risks in “Cancer Alley” to air pollution.
Alabama Execution Today Will Use Controversial Nitrogen Gas
Kenneth Smith survived an earlier execution attempt due to botched IV lines, the Washington Post says. Now he will be executed by an untested, controversial method: nitrogen hypoxia. Also in the news, a St. Louis nursing home endangered residents; medical debt erasure in New York; and more.
Viewpoints: There May Be A Dark Side To New Weight-Loss Drugs; Should THC Levels Be Regulated?
Editorial writers delve into weight-loss drugs, high potency marijuana, abortion restrictions, and prior authorizations.
Research Roundup: Long Covid; Maternal Covid; Breast Milk; Pediatric Bacterial Meningitis
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Red States Drive Record Obamacare Enrollment With 21 Million Signing Up
Nationally, enrollment in an Affordable Care Act plan so far for 2024 coverage increased 31% over last year. Republican-majority states like West Virginia, Louisiana, Ohio, Indiana, and Texas saw even higher percentage increases in people now covered under the law that is still a campaign issue in 2024.
Nearly 65,000 Pregnancies From Rape Estimated In States With Abortion Bans
A new study estimates that nearly 520,000 rapes were associated with 64,565 pregnancies across 14 states with abortion restrictions — many of which don’t allow for exceptions in cases of rape and incest. The highest number was in Texas, which accounts for 26,313 of the total.
New York City Labels Social Media A Hazard To Public Health
The move makes New York the first city in the U.S. to take this step, and Mayor Eric Adams explained it was all about combating a mental health crisis driven by social media platforms. Meanwhile, in Florida, the House OK’d a ban on social media for children.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Here’s How We Prepare For The Next Pandemic; Red States Are Seeing The Advantage Of ACA
Editorial writers tackle pandemic preparedness, ACA expansion, adult ADHD and more.
Perspectives: Social Media Influencers Promoting Meds Need Regulations; Should Drug Info Be Digital?
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Scientists Find Workaround For Troubled Prostate Cancer Treatment
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
FDA Endorses Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide As Medical Device Sterilizer
Ethylene oxide has long been the go-to for sterilizing medical devices, but the chemical is dangerous and a known carcinogen. Meanwhile, the FDA told several drugmakers that their CAR-T cancer therapy drugs’ boxes should carry a warning that the treatment may add to cancer risks.
Data Suggest Covid Variant JN.1 Is Not More Severe, But Infections Are Surging
Wastewater testing indicates a new possible wave of covid infections, saying that potentially a third of Americans are expected to be infected by late February. Other covid news covers the Corbevax vaccine; long covid and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome; and more.
States Are Bargaining For Medicaid Waivers To Divert Cash To Other Needs
New York recently became the latest state to receive a Section 1115 Demonstration waiver from the federal government, with a goal of narrowing health disparities and reducing long-term spending. Meanwhile, Republican-controlled states are pushing for employment requirements in Medicaid.
New Partnership Aims To Further Instacart’s Health Care Push
A new partnership between grocery tech firm Instacart and DispatchHealth has a goal of furthering Instacart’s efforts to move into the health care market — via prescribed “food interventions.” Also in the news; Careismatic’s bankruptcy; human longevity research; and more.
Gene Therapy Breakthrough Gives Deaf 11-Year-Old Ability To Hear
The boy in question was born deaf and had never heard a sound — but after becoming the first person to be treated with gene therapy in the U.S. for congenital deafness, he can hear. In other news: Racism is linked to health risks in minorities; energy drinks are linked to sleep problems; more.