Latest KFF Health News Stories
Being Hospitalized For Covid Cost You More As The Pandemic Went On: Study
New research shows that even though vaccines and new treatments arrived throughout the course of the pandemic, and variants changed the virus’ risks, the cost of hospital treatment for covid in the U.S. rose by 26% from 2020 to 2022. Also in the news: BrightSpring Health, health care hacking, and more.
Citing Debunked Risks, Florida’s Top Health Official Says MRNA Covid Shots Should Stop
Scientists have debunked a claim that using mRNA-based vaccines could harm a patient’s DNA, but that hasn’t stopped Florida’s Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo from issuing a new state bulletin calling for a halt of the shots. News outlets, meanwhile, chronicle the ongoing covid surge.
Study Links Acetaminophen Use In Pregnancy With Language Delays
News coverage of the study, which came from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, notes that children of moms who took acetaminophen during pregnancy had smaller vocabularies and shorter sentence lengths. That was especially pronounced when it was taken during the third trimester. Also in the news: hearing aids as a lifesaver, the Mediterranean diet wins again, and the reason urine is yellow.
After Fast Closure Of Missouri Nursing Home, One Resident Is Still Missing
The Northview Village Nursing Home in St. Louis made headlines when it abruptly shut last month, leaving residents and families scrambling: and one former resident still hasn’t been located, prompting a the issuance of a silver advisory. Other news is from California, Texas, and elsewhere.
Worries Rise Pentagon Abortion Access Policy Could Be Forced To Change
A former Pentagon undersecretary argued in an op-ed that the Defense Department’s abortion policy could be changed at the whim of an incoming administration. An Arkansas Air Guard Commander recently resigned in protest over the policy.
Novel Roche Antibiotic Works Against Dangerous Drug-Resistant Bacteria
The new zosurabalpin drug proved able to fight carbapenem-resistant acinetobacter baumannii in mice. The drug-resistant bug, also known as CRAB, kills in as many as 60% of cases. It’s top of the WHO’s hit-list for pathogens that need new drugs.
CVS Will Soon Recommend Biosimilars Instead Of AbbVie’s Humira
CVS Health will drop the rheumatoid arthritis drug Humira from some of its lists of preferred drugs for reimbursement as of April 1 in favor of rival biosimilars. Separately, news outlets report on how more Americans will pay just $35 a month for insulin treatments now that the price cap is in effect.
Cigna Is In Advanced Talks To Sell Its Medicare Business
The Wall Street Journal explains the deal is an about-face for the giant health insurer, which has been expanding its footprint in the sector. The deal for Medicare Advantage is said to be with Health Care Service Corp. and worth up to $4 billion. Also in the news: problems for some asthma patients from new Medicaid rebate rules.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Did Zika Disappear?; Surprise Support For Trans Rights In Ohio
Editorial writers discuss the Zika virus, transgender health care, hospital billing, and other health issues.
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Study: Nirsevimab Helps Prevent Hospitalization For Infants With RSV
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
CDC Data Show Long Covid Has Caused Thousands To Die In US
Covid is known to be a killer illness, but new CDC data show that the long version of the infection is also claiming an alarming number of lives. Meanwhile, experts advise it’s time to check your covid test’s expiration date. Covid variant JN.1 is also on the rise, comprising up to 30% of U.S. cases.
Blue Shield Of California To Lay Off 165 Workers By Jan. 31
The largest cuts will hit offices in Oakland, Modern Healthcare reports. Also in the news, BJC HealthCare of St. Louis and Saint Luke’s Health System of Kansas City successfully closed their $10 billion merger. Separately, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will aim to curb hospitals suing patients.
2 Catch Legionnaires’ Disease, 1 Dies After Visiting A NH Resort
News outlets report on Legionnaires’ disease cases in two people who’d recently stayed at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in New Hampshire. Among other news: at least 22 people hospitalized in Utah after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning; radon exposure in Pennsylvania homes; and more.
First Partial Heart Transplant Deemed Success After Nearly A Year Of Working
The world’s first partial heart transplant happened nearly a year ago when a newborn received transplanted valves and arteries, and the organs are functioning well and growing with the child’s heart. This means the procedure is deemed successful, paving the way for future surgeries.
Study Shows US Food Insecurity Fell During Pandemic, But Rose By 2022
Thanks to government programs including SNAP, CIDRAP explains, food insecurity among low-income U.S. adults fell during covid. But then rose again. Meanwhile, warnings rise that more than 225,000 low-income Texas women and young children are in danger of losing federal nutrition assistance.
Appeals Court Rules That Texas Can Ban Life-Saving Emergency Abortions
Contrary to federal regulations under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit sided Tuesday with Texas, which challenged the rule that emergency rooms must perform emergency abortions.
Increased FDA Approvals Of Novel Drugs Could Spur Biotech Investment
The FDA’s increased pace of approvals in 2023 over the prior year may lead to increased investment in biotech firms in 2024, Reuters reports. In another outlook on the new year, The Wall Street Journal offers consumer tips on keeping a lid on prescription drug costs.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.