Latest KFF Health News Stories
Big Health Plan Formularies Do Provide ‘Fair Access’ To Treatments: Study
An investigation into how some of the largest health plans’ formularies provide access to 18 treatments for some serious diseases showed positive results, but did note that transparent coverage info was sometimes lacking. Meanwhile, this year’s ACA enrollment, freshly open, has an easier sign-up.
Data Show 10 Million Were Disenrolled From Medicaid Over 6 Months
The latest tracker data on Medicaid enrollment show that over 10 million people have lost Medicaid coverage since the redetermining of eligibility began in April (notably, this is about 1 in 34 of the population, or around 3%.) Among other news, the cost of the health care minimum wage in California, and more.
Hospital-Acquired Infection Rates Fall Back To Pre-Pandemic Levels
A new report finds that preventable infections acquired in a hospital — which worryingly rose during the covid pandemic — have decreased. News outlets report on regional ratings.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into mental health post-pandemic, celebrity endorsements, veterans, and more.
As Weight-Loss Drugs Help People Drop Pounds, Their Makers Make Bank
Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are reporting booming sales from their diabetes treatments that have found use as weight-loss drugs — Novo’s quarterly revenues were up nearly 30% on year-ago figures. Among other news: a new antibiotic for gonorrhea; radiation therapy; and more.
More Than 4 In 10 Adults Don’t Know They Have High Cholesterol
Over 40% of U.S. adults aren’t aware their cholesterol levels are too high and thus aren’t receiving treatment, a new study found. Meanwhile, as daylight saving time comes to an end, doctors are warning that seasonal affective disorder may start to grip more people.
TB Exposure Warning Issued For California Casino’s Staff, Customers
A Pacheco casino in Contra Costa County is the source of possible public exposure to tuberculosis over a five-year window, news reports say. Meanwhile, a second dengue case has also been confirmed in California, this time involving a patient from Long Beach.
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 mental health, diabetes, the opioid crisis, anorexia, and more.
Senate Proposes Tackling Risky Fake Pills From Mexican Pharmacies
If a Senate appropriations proposal is approved, Secretary of State Antony Blinken would have 90 days to draft a report that would reveal, for the first time, key data on overdoses from fake pills sourced in Mexico. Also in the news: drug overdoses in schools; fentanyl deaths in Kansas City; more.
Indiana Supreme Court Reprimands AG For Remarks On Abortion Doctor
The court found Attorney General Todd Rokita violated lawyer professional conduct rules when he called Dr. Caitlin Bernard, the physician who performed an abortion on a 10 year-old Ohio rape victim, an “abortion activist acting as a doctor.” Rokita then doubled-down on his criticism of Bernard.
Congressional Panel Suggests How To Lower Ambulance Costs
The committee’s suggestions include banning surprise bills, limiting patient cost-shares, and making bills easier to understand. Meanwhile, in Minnesota, a new law means hospitals have to check if a patient is eligible for financial help before referring medical debt to collections.
Authorities Say 17 Poisoning Deaths In Pennsylvania Linked To Former Nurse
A former nursing home worker is reportedly facing more murder charges after being initially accused of killing two patients with doses of insulin. Separately, the American Nurses Association told Congress this week that violence prevention laws could help tackle the nursing staff shortage.
Fewer High Schoolers Vape, But More Middle Schoolers Use Tobacco
A CDC report released Thursday said 10% of high school students said they had used electronic cigarettes in the past month, down from 14% last year. The report also noted that about 90% of students who vaped said they used flavored products. Among middle school students, the rate of tobacco users increased from 4.5% to 6.6%.
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.