Latest KFF Health News Stories
Life Expectancy In US Recovering From Pandemic Dive But Has Ways To Go
U.S. life expectancy rose in 2022 for the first time since the covid pandemic started, according to new CDC data. That rebound does not compensate though for the years of life lost to the virus, as well as other causes like drug overdoses, homicides, and chronic illnesses.
More Americans Died By Suicide In 2022 Than Any Year On Record
The CDC says nearly 50,000 lives were lost in 2022 through intentional self-harm — up 3% from 2021’s figure. The CDC data is provisional, too, and the final count may rise.
Biden Campaign, Pelosi Take Aim At Trump’s Call To Repeal Obamacare
President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign is leaning into President Donald Trump’s pledge to overturn and replace the Affordable Care Act if voted back into the White House, enlisting former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to attack that stance.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Too Many People Are Dying From Hepatitis C; It’s Time For Novel Mental Health Treatments
Editorial writers tackle hepatitis C, mental health treatments, lung cancer, and more.
10 States Approach Universal Coverage With Uninsured Rates Under 5%
News outlets report on the tools and the innovations — provided largely under the Affordable Care Act — that states are employing to chip away at the number of people who do not have health insurance in the U.S.
For First Time, New Swine Flu Variant May Have Infected A Person In The UK
News outlets cover what’s said to be the first time a flu strain normally found in pigs has infected people in the United Kingdom. But the story is fuzzy: Authorities, for example, don’t know how the patient became infected and do not know if there is community spread of this exact type of porcine flu.
BA.2.86 Is The New Covid Variant To Be Wary Of
New CDC data show this particular covid variant represents nearly 1 in 10 new covid cases, triple its estimated infection rate from just two weeks ago. Meanwhile the WHO has upgraded BA.2.86, plus subvariants, to a variant of “interest.” Also: U.S. flu hospitalizations are continuing to rise.
Idaho Pushes To Lift Block On Its Strict Emergency Abortion Laws
State law only allows abortions when they’re necessary to prevent death during pregnancy, or when rape or incest was involved. But the Biden administration sued and won, arguing that federal laws allow abortions under a broader health emergency range. Idaho has asked the Supreme Court to reconsider.
You’ll Lose More Weight And Do It Faster With Mounjaro, Data Show
An analysis found that within one year of starting treatment, 42% of those taking tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) had dropped at least 15% of their weight. In the same time, 19% of those taking semaglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic) had done the same.
Ransomware Attack Forces 2 ERs In New Jersey To Divert Patients
Hospitals in Westwood and Montclair, New Jersey had to turn away patients from their emergency rooms after the facilities became aware on Thanksgiving of the probable cyberattack.
Study: Indiana Lost $4.2 Billion In 2019 On Untreated Mental Illness
A new study throws a sharp light on the broader economic impact of a health system not properly addressing mental health needs, with Indiana’s leading crop sales not even equaling the economic cost of untreated mental illness.
New Pennsylvania Law Bans Pelvic Exams On Anesthetized Patients
Beginning in January, medical students are barred from performing pelvic or rectal exams without a patient’s verbal and written consent. Also in the news: a biomarker testing bill in New York; pressure on Texas food banks; delayed wheelchair repairs in Massachusetts; and more.
Biden Invokes Defense Production Act To Target Medical Supply Shortages
The Cold War-era measure allows the president to direct private companies to invest in the manufacturing of medicines or medical supplies characterized as essential to national defense.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Report: State Laws Aren’t Stopping Health Insurers From Denying Claims
ProPublica explains that hundreds of consumer protection laws that are supposed to mandate what insurers must cover aren’t working, as health plans violate them. A case where Cigna denied coverage for a double-lung transplant to a lung cancer patient is also reported.
Sanofi To Seek Approval For Dupixent, Its Promising COPD Drug
Reuters reports that a second large trial of the drug lowered exacerbations of COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, by 34%. Other pharma news is on C. diff, obesity drugs, and more.
Researchers Achieve Breakthrough In Causes Of Eczema Itches
An investigation has linked bacteria for the first time to itches in skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis, possibly leading to new treatments. Other research news includes the dangers of air pollution from coal-fired plants; “zoom fatigue;” whole grains may help battle dementia; and more.
Editorial writers examine weight-loss drugs, AI and robots in health care, covid public mistakes, and more.
Texas Tries $2 Billion Effort Against Rural Mental Health Care Gaps
A $2.26 billion effort in Texas aims to help state hospitals and decrease suicides in the state, the Texas Tribune explains. Also in Texas, a new Sugar Land nursing program will welcome its first students in January. Other news is from Tennessee, Massachusetts, Florida, and elsewhere.