Latest KFF Health News Stories
Enrollment For 2024 Medicare Plans Now Open
As Medicare open enrollment kicks off — running from Oct. 15 to Dec. — media outlets round up this year’s changes and other information that shoppers should know.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine organ transplants, vaccines, and abortion.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on aging, lobotomies, Down syndrome, and more.
The Number Of At-Home Births Is Rising, Hitting Highs In 2020-21
The at-home birth figures for 2021 reportedly reached the “highest level since at least 1990.” Similarly, CDC data show more midwives joined the profession. Among other news, an app helps Black parents report bias in birth and delivery care; and birth rates have fallen in Arizona and Washington state.
Scientists Unveil Most Detailed Map Of Brain Yet
The effort is part of the $3 billion government-funded Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies initiative. The map offers insights into brain function, and could result in clues to future treatments. Also: the American Academy of Neurology updates its guidance on brain death.
Walgreens To Shut 60 Underperforming VillageMD Clinics To Save Costs
The closures are part of a $1 billion cost-saving push, which could also see some stores’ opening hours changed and other nonessential projects shuttered. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk is warning of a surge in counterfeit versions of its Wegovy and Ozempic drugs being sold online.
Research Finds Some Cancer Cells Can Siphon Energy From T Cells
The new study shows how some cancerous cells tap mitochondria for energy from the immune system’s T cells. In other research, a study found young women get lung cancer at higher rates than men. Also: the FDA approved Pfizer’s Braftovi and Mektovi against some non-small cell lung cancers.
Insurance Dispute Could Kick Nearly 200,000 Patients Out Of Network In NC
UNC Health and UnitedHealthcare are in the middle of a contract negotiation and said in a letter to patients that the two parties are far apart on reimbursement policies and rate increases. In other news, Kaiser Permanente has resumed contract talks with its workers.
Medicare Premiums Will Go Up 6% Next Year, CMS Announces
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced a 6% hike in premiums for Medicare Part A and B in 2024. Meanwhile, open enrollment for next year’s plans starts this weekend.
Lawmakers Optimistic For Action This Year On Bills Cracking Down On PBMs
Capitol Hill denizens and industry stakeholders tell Modern Healthcare that there’s a good chance for passing reforms related to pharmacy benefit managers in 2023. Meanwhile, Stat reports on state efforts to control prescription drug costs.
As Of Wednesday, 7 Million Americans Have Had Updated Covid Shots
The figure is roughly 2% of the population. Meanwhile, CDC Director Mandy Cohen visited a Bay Area covid vaccine clinic and urged people, especially seniors, to get the updated covid shots.
Philip Morris Mounts Lobbying Push Against WHO’s Anti-Vape Efforts
Philip Morris is perhaps best known as the maker of Marlboro cigarettes, but reports reveal it’s attempting to accuse the World Health Organization of attacking vapes and similar products. Meanwhile, the FDA on Thursday blocked six flavors of British American Tobacco’s main vape brand.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Iron Deficiency And Depression; Infection Control; Covid
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Different Takes: Taxpayers Must Foot The Bill For Florida’s Secret Covid Data
Opinion writers weigh in on covid, nutrition, abortion, and other topics.
India Says Cough Syrup Factory Linked To Child Deaths Can Reopen
Most production at a Marion Biotech factory can now restart. The firm is one of several that the WHO linked to over 100 child deaths since the middle of last year. In Israel, the health minister has instructed the country’s public hospitals to turn away wounded Hamas members.
In 2020, Assaults Were 6% Of All Injuries Treated In Emergency Rooms
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics data doesn’t include sexual assaults but does highlight the impact of violence on the health system, Axios notes. Also in the news: an AI tool for spotting brain tumors during surgery; kidney disease links to cardiac arrest risks for Hispanic adults; and more.
Wisconsin Assembly Set To Vote On Banning Gender Care For Youths
Bills before the assembly also seek to ban trans women and girls from competing on women’s sports teams. Meanwhile in North Carolina, a doctor and a family with a transgender child are suing to challenge a new state law banning gender care for trans minors.
Grocery Delivery Service Instacart Expands Its Health Partnerships
The goal is to enhance patient access to nutritious food and promote a healthy lifestyle, Becker’s Hospital Review explains. Among other news items, the process for settling billing disputes between insurers and providers is still a mess.