Latest KFF Health News Stories
FDA Tells Court It Should Allow Graphic Images As Cigarette Warnings
The Biden administration is pressing a federal appeals court to allow a new regulation requiring graphic cigarette package health warnings to take effect — tobacco companies had challenged the rule. Also, strong lobbying efforts from critics are delaying the ban on menthol cigarettes.
Consumer Drug Prices Likely Won’t Fall, Despite CVS’ Simpler-Pricing Plan
Drug pricing experts, Stat reports, are dubious that the company’s plan to simplify its drug pricing methods will lower consumer costs and instead may merely pad its profits. Axios, though, suggests that the move may point to a bigger industry movement toward more transparent pricing.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
US Sewage, Water Systems Under Attack By Iranian Cyberhackers
Authorities are aware of a campaign of hacks targeting multiple drinking water and sewage systems across the country, Bloomberg reports, with efforts underway to limit the impact. Also in the news: the global climate summit and a fight against tropical disease; polio; e-cigarettes; and more.
Editorial writers discuss sickle cell disease, seasonal sickness and addiction.
CMS Issues Medicaid Unwinding Enforcement Rule, Including Penalties
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says that states that don’t comply with federal policies as they proceed with unwinding people from Medicaid rolls are at risk of reduced federal funding. The rule takes effect Wednesday, and includes helping states with the process.
Supreme Court Appears Divided Over Purdue Opioid Settlement
The complex Purdue Pharma bankruptcy case is the focus of many news outlets, with the Supreme Court’s position appearing split on the matter of protecting the Sackler family. The impact of the case on payouts to victims, and future bankruptcy suits are under the legal spotlight.
Arizona Judge Recuses Himself From Case Impacting Future Of Abortion
The Arizona Supreme Court judge who once accused Planned Parenthood of committing genocide has stepped away from an upcoming case on abortion law. Separately, Democrats see the case as pivotal in the state’s Senate race. Other abortion news is from California, Ohio, Wyoming, and elsewhere.
Hackers Get Data On 6.9 Million People From 23andMe
The data included some personal information, such as health details, ancestry trees, and geographic locations. 23andMe said it had not heard of any “inappropriate use” of the stolen data, but the company is requiring all users to change their logins and setup more secure two-factor protections.
Study Says Earlier Approval Of Covid Boosters Would’ve Saved Many Lives
Researchers from Northwestern University, using Israel as a model, found that through June 2022 some 29,000 people would have been saved if the U.S. had moved faster to approve covid boosters. Separately, worries rise that vulnerable Americans are going unprotected against covid.
Second Death Now Blamed On Panera Bread’s ‘Charged Lemonade’
A Florida man who had an unspecified chromosomal deficiency disorder died of a fatal cardiac arrest after drinking three of the caffeinated drinks, a new lawsuit says. In other public health news, reports say brain implants have helped five people with moderate to severe brain injuries recover.
Philadelphia Nonprofit Uses Religious Rights Argument For Safe Drug Sites
Safehouse, with area faith leaders on its board, argues the federal government is infringing their rights by blocking their effort to open a safe drug-taking site. Meanwhile, in New Jersey the knock-on effects of a cyberattack are easing; lawmakers focus on legal marijuana in Ohio; and more.
CVS To Shift To Simpler Model For Pricing Prescription Drugs
The Wall Street Journal reports that CVS will move away from complex formulas and instead set prices based on the amount it pays for drugs, plus a small markup and flat fee. A change by the nation’s largest drugstore chain to a “cost-plus” pricing model would likely shake up the pharmacy industry.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Nurses In New Jersey Reach A Deal With Hospital To End 4-Month Strike
The strike, which NJ.com calls “bitter,” began on Aug. 4 over pay, benefits, and enforceable nurse-to-patient ratios similar to those mandated in California. Personnel news is also reported for Kapiolani Medical Center, HCA in West Florida, Northwestern University, and more.
Connecticut Agrees Labor, Delivery Services At Windham Hospital Will End
Meanwhile, in Florida, Community Health Systems sold three hospitals to Tampa General Hospital, and HCA Healthcare in Houston acquired 11 area emergency departments Friday. Also in the news: new CDC data show health care-associated infections at U.S. hospitals fell in 2022.
Wegovy Maker Paid $25.8M To US Doctors, Experts Over Past Decade
A Reuters analysis finds that Novo Nordisk spent at least $25.8 million over the past decade on U.S. medical professionals to promote its two anti-obesity drugs. They money was party of the drugmaker’s campaign to convince U.S. doctors to prescribe Wegovy and persuade insurers to pay for it.
Analysis: Few States Stop Gun-Buying After Mental Health Hospitalizations
An investigation by The Trace found that only 5 states have some form of gun ban after emergency mental health hospitalizations that are not followed by court-ordered commitments. Separately, RemArms will close a historic gun manufacturing plant in New York.
$1 Million In Tax Dollars Will Support West Virginia Anti-Abortion Centers
The West Virginia Pregnancy Center Coalition was chosen to run the new West Virginia Mothers and Babies Support Program to encourage people not to end their pregnancies. Also in the news, Tennessee’s penalties for HIV-positive people, infant suffocation deaths in Missouri, and more.
Editorial writers examine autoimmune disorders, pediatric cancer, senior care and more.