Latest KFF Health News Stories
Global Sperm Count Decline Linked To Common Food Pesticides: Study
A new analysis of studies over the past 50 years says that the roughly 50% fall in sperm concentration is linked to the use of organophosphates and N-methyl carbamates. Also: a stalled rate of progress against childhood cancer among Black and Hispanic youth; new thinking on torn ACLs; and more.
Proposals From CMS Aim To Improve ACA Enrollment On State Exchanges
Among the proposed changes: State exchanges would have to establish open enrollment periods that mirror the sign-up period on federal exchanges, from Nov. 1 to at least Jan. 15.
CMS Finalizes Rule That Nursing Home Owners Must Disclose More Info
Homes will have to reveal their owners and other affiliated businesses to federal authorities. Also in the news: the Biden administration’s plan to tackle staffing minimums at nursing homes; U.S. News’ list of the best nursing homes; eldercare startup Papa; and more.
Senate Passes Bill That Puts A Few More Months On The Shutdown Clock
The House and Senate have now both approved a stopgap funding measure that avoids a federal government shutdown around the holidays. Health care program extensions largely fall under the earlier of the two next deadlines imposed by the measure.
Legal Abortions In Indiana Drop From 700 In July To Zero In August
Indiana’s near-total abortion ban took effect in August, dropping the number of procedures performed that month to zero, according to new data. Other abortion access news is reported from Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee.
Biden, Xi Agree To Crack Down On Fentanyl Production
President Joe Biden said Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday agreed to take steps to curb companies in China that produce chemicals used in the production of fentanyl that is eventually exported to the U.S.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Why Are Patients Now Being Called Consumers?; Be Careful What You Flush
Editorial writers discuss these health topics and more.
Perspectives: It’s Time To Rethink Incentive System For Drug Patents
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Israeli Military Raids Biggest Hospital In Gaza At ‘Epicenter’ Of Fighting
Israeli forces on Wednesday stormed Shifa Hospital in Gaza, a facility that has been at the center of fighting. Hundreds of patients, including 36 newborns, are still in the hospital. The World Health Organization has lost communications with health personnel inside. Israel’s military says it found weapons and evidence of hostages at another hospital.
New Hampshire’s Dartmouth Health Calls Gun Deaths A Public Health Issue
Dartmouth Health is the state’s largest health system, and in the aftermath of the Maine shooting, its leaders are saying that preventing gun deaths shouldn’t be a political issue. Also in the news: a conference tackles mental health for those who own guns; Amazon’s One Medical; and more.
Many Children With Flu Not Being Prescribed Antivirals; Drop In Covid Vaccine Sales Is Costing Jobs
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
UnitedHealth Sued Over Coverage Denials
The insurance giant uses an artificial intelligence tool to allegedly deny post-acute care coverage to Medicare Advantage members, a newly filed lawsuit says. Separately, the Justice Department is dropping an antitrust case against a UnitedHealth Group affiliate over hiring agreements.
Cigna Express Scripts Will Simplify Its Pricing Structure Next Year
The move is following Mark Cuban’s playbook, Bloomberg explains, where the billionaire sells drugs through his startup Cost Plus Drugs at a set markup. Meanwhile, pharmacists say that the Biden administration’s efforts to limit PBMs aren’t working, and may be hurting independent drugstores.
American Heart Association Removes Race From Cardiac Risk Algorithm
Scientists use several medical and demographic indicators as part of a widely used cardiac risk prediction, but now they have ruled out race from the equation because it’s not a biological risk factor. Separately, a study found U.S. suicide rates were highest in elderly men, and mostly involve guns.
House Passes Bill To Keep Government Running — For Now
The legislation now goes to the Senate. But health and food programs aren’t in the clear — “laddered” deadlines included in the bill mean some programs are at risk of expiring in January or February.
Updated Covid Shots Are In The Arms Of Around 36 Million Adults: CDC
The CDC figures also show that around 3.5 million children have had the updated vaccines. For reference, the U.S. population is around 333 million. Also, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal filed by New Jersey nurses over the state’s now-rescinded health worker vaccine mandate.
Biden, Xi To Announce Deal For China Crackdown On Fentanyl Trade
The production and export of fentanyl is expected to be one of the discussion items for President Joe Biden and China’s leader Xi Jinping when they meet in San Francisco — a city hard-hit by the opioid epidemic. Bloomberg reports a deal is being finalized for China to crack down on chemical companies making the drugs.
Oklahoma’s Supreme Court Decides To Keep Abortion Bans On Hold
Throughout legal challenge to the state’s strict abortion bans the measures have been temporarily banned, and the court reiterated the state constitution guarantees a woman’s abortion rights when medically necessary. In Ohio, Republicans’ efforts to thwart an abortion rights amendment may falter.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.