Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Study: Childhood Cancer Survivors Face Big Physical, Mental Health Risks Later

Morning Briefing

As if surviving cancer as a child isn’t difficult enough, a new analysis shows how experiencing cancer or its treatment is also highly linked to serious physical and mental health challenges later in life — with a 95% chance of developing a problem by age 45. In more upbeat news, some U.S. cancer drug shortages are lessening.

Best Buy To Start Selling Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor

Morning Briefing

This is the latest move into selling prescription-based medical devices by the big-box retailer. Among other news: The FDA has rejected a request from Alnylam to expand approval of a gene-silencing heart disease medication; Mark Cuban’s low-cost pharmacy is racking up collaborators; and more.

People Drank Their Way Through The Pandemic. Now Liver Disease Is Soaring

Morning Briefing

Perhaps inevitably, after the pandemic the rates of alcohol-associated liver disease to the point of needing transplants are said to be “skyrocketing.” In other news, California scientists have found high levels of bacteria in self-serve soda fountains.

CDC Data Show Long Covid Rarely Affects Children

Morning Briefing

Only a small minority of kids who have covid are affected by the lingering effects of long covid, new data show. Meanwhile, a separately study highlights the possibility of “long cold” symptoms, contrary to common ideas about the short duration of colds and the flu. Also in the news: updated covid shots.

Teens Experienced More Depression During Covid

Morning Briefing

Newly published research shows that teen depression rose during covid, with about 20% of adolescents having major depressive disorder symptoms in 2021 — the first whole pandemic year. But less than half who needed treatment received any, and even fewer minority adolescents did.

Freshly Signed California Law Moves Toward Universal Health Care

Morning Briefing

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill Saturday to move California toward care systems such as single-payer ones. Meanwhile, Newsom’s signature on new laws also banned red dye No. 3, other potentially harmful food additives from consumer goods, and required pharmacies to report prescription errors.

American Heart Association Warns Of New ‘CKM’ Obesity-Linked Heart Disease

Morning Briefing

The newly identified cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome reflects strong links between obesity, diabetes, and heart and kidney disease. Also in the news: A judge dismisses a lawsuit from Novo Nordisk over compounded versions of Ozempic and Wegovy; more about weight-loss drugs.

Financial Struggles Threaten More Hospitals; Rural Providers Seek Help

Morning Briefing

The financial difficulties facing some hospitals and health centers is in the spotlight as a Kansas facility shutters and a Connecticut hospital nears negative cash flow. And rural health providers are urging lawmakers to step in to help shore up their practices.

Walgreens Pharmacy Workers’ Walkout Shutters Some Stores

Morning Briefing

Work stoppages are planned through Wednesday by several hundred pharmacists, technicians, and support staff to protest working conditions. The walkouts forced some stores to close Monday while others operated on skeleton staffs.

Kaiser Permanente Strikes End For Now As Bargaining Talks Extended

Morning Briefing

More than 75,000 Kaiser Permanente employees are back at work after an historic 3-day strike, without any new contract agreement. Labor unions say that they will give the talks the next 3 weeks before a second strike.

Mifepristone Starts To Become Available At Some Pharmacies

Morning Briefing

GenBioPro, the maker of generic mifepristone, published a list of 19 pharmacies in nine states that are now certified to dispense the abortion pill, the result of a Biden administration rule change.