Latest KFF Health News Stories
Only Half The Women And Kids Eligible For WIC Got Food Assistance In 2021
A USDA report finds that only 6.2 million of the eligible 12.1 million people received benefits from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children in 2021. The SNAP program is separately in the news as the new House speaker has been part of the push to overhaul the anti-hunger program.
CMS Releases Final Rule That Would Cut Doctor And Hospital Pay Next Year
The final regulation is in line with proposed payment cuts that were published over the summer. Many doctors can expect to see a decrease in their reimbursements, unless Congress steps in. CMS also released another Medicare rule that moves forward with a plan to claw back funds from some hospitals to compensate for 340B overpayments.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine birth control, obesity drugs, CRISPR and more.
Research Roundup: Diabetes; Paxlovid; MIS-C; Healthy Air On Cruise Ships
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
The Pandemic Has Faded, But A Survey Shows Vaccine Misinfo Is Still Rife
The survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania also shows the percentage of Americans who believe approved vaccines are are safe dropped 6 points since April 2021 to 71%. Separately, Moderna posted a quarterly loss, thanks to impacts from unused covid shots.
Lawsuit Raises Energy Drink Safety Questions After Death Of 21-Year-Old
The lawsuit was filed last week after the death of a 21-year-old who suffered a heart condition. In other news, a new study linked race factors to depression among college students who are minorities at both predominantly white and Black institutions.
8 Opioid Overdoses In 3 Weeks Hit A Single Virginia High School
The overdoses among students at a high school in Sterling, Virginia, show how dramatic the opioid crisis has become — all of them required medical intervention of some sort. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has been asked for the first time to block anti-trans youth care laws in Tennessee.
Idaho Mom, Son Kidnapped Girl To Get Her An Abortion: Prosecutors
The complex case unfolded amid Idaho’s strict anti-abortion laws, which include a ban on helping minors without their parents’ consent, and centers around a young girl who was living with her boyfriend’s family and then taken out of state to get an abortion.
‘Buyer Beware’ Also Applies To ACA Insurance Coverage: Experts
Now that it’s time to pick health coverage for 2024 on the ACA’s marketplaces, experts are reminding buyers to research which plans they’re choosing to avoid expensive surprises.
‘Pharmageddon’ Staff Walkout Had Low Impact, Say CVS And Walgreens
Most stores remained open during the three-day walkout action among some pharmacists, the companies said. In other pharma news, Nostrum Laboratories will pay up to $50 million to settle allegations of underpaid Medicaid rebates; Apple’s long-term plans to revolutionize health care; and more.
American Cancer Society Updates Guidelines For Lung Cancer Screenings
People ages 50 to 80 who smoke now or used to smoke and have at least a “20 pack-year” history of smoking should get an annual low-dose CT scan, the group says. A “pack-year” is defined as equal to smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for a year.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle climate change, social media, medical-assisted suicide and more.
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
A Majority Of Doctors Worry Over AI’s Role In Diagnoses, Treatments
Only 36% of physicians surveyed by Medscape said they weren’t “very” or “at all” concerned about the influence of AI on diagnoses and treatment decisions. In other news, Eli Lilly is buying gene-editing tech from Beam Therapeutics; strong sales of RSV vaccines lift GSK’s profits; and more.
Ban On Businesses’ Covid Shot Mandates Heads To Texas Governor
Under the law, private companies that punish workers for refusing a covid shot could get a $50,000 fine. Meanwhile, Houston Independent School District nurses are voicing their anger at a plan to have them staff two covid clinics without extra pay. Other news is from California, Florida, Long Island, and elsewhere.
Public Isn’t Taking AMR Seriously; Protein That Causes Clotting After Covid Vaccine Identified
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Teens’ Internet Use Is More Worrying Than Drugs To Parents: Survey
The risks of cyberbullying and addiction are more worrying to parents of teen children than the notion the youngsters will abuse drugs. Separately, millions of people say they’ve used the 988 mental health crisis line but the majority say they won’t use it again.
Hospitals Brace For Influx Of Kids With RSV, With Drug In Short Supply
Widespread access to a new antibody drug is currently lacking, which may mean a surge of children with RSV. Among other news, a focus on the sugar content of popular Halloween candy; a study into coulrophobia — the fear of clowns; the high U.S. gun violence rate; and more.