Latest KFF Health News Stories
Idaho Enacts ‘Abortion Trafficking’ Law For Minors, The First Of Its Kind In US
The law, signed by Republican Gov. Brad Little, bans anyone from helping a minor get abortion pills or an abortion out of state without parental consent. A conviction could bring a punishment of up to five years in prison. Separately, health groups are suing the Idaho attorney general over an interpretation of the law that would punish providers who refer patients out of state for abortions.
Dementia Risks May Be Increased By Air Pollution Exposure, Analysis Finds
Harvard researchers say their analysis of 16 studies links chronic intake of toxic microscopic particulates known as PM 2.5 to conditions like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The EPA has been considering regulations to reduce that pollutant. Separately, the agency is limiting mercury emissions.
Covid Origins: Updated Chinese Study Confirms Presence Of Raccoon Dog
Wednesday’s study, published in the journal Nature, “confirmed the existence” of the animal and others susceptible to the coronavirus at the Wuhan market, The New York Times reported. But researchers stressed that they found no direct evidence that a raccoon dog was infected and have not ruled out a scenario in which people gave the virus to animals.
Wars Not Linked To Spikes In Soldier Suicide Rates: Study
A study reported by the Military Times shows that even though there was an uptick in U.S. service member suicides during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, historically combat is not solely accountable for surges in troop suicide numbers. Separately, worries over mismanagement of military traumatic brain injuries.
White House Moves To Crack Down On Medicare Advantage Care Denials
Final regulations issued Wednesday mean Medicare Advantage plans won’t be able to reject coverage of care that would otherwise be covered for those enrolled in the traditional Medicare program, Stat explains. Nursing home payments, hospital executive compensation, and more are also in the news.
Michigan Officially Repeals Unenforceable 1931 Abortion Ban
A state constitutional amendment meant the old ban was no longer in effect, but Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other Democrats wanted to be on the safe side. Meanwhile, in New Mexico, the Democratic governor signed a bill protecting abortion providers from prosecution or extradition.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Johnson & Johnson Sets A Record With $8.9 Billion Talc Settlement Offer
The deal goes hand in hand with a second bankruptcy reorganization plan that will be presented to a judge as soon as May 14, according to the court filing. Despite the settlement, J&J denies any wrongdoing.
Some Prisoners Were Allowed Home During Covid. Now Most Can Stay.
A Justice Department rule change is allowing federal inmates who qualified for home confinement to remain and serve out their terms in the same way they did during the covid emergency. In news on covid vaccines, federal regulators “flip flop” and are allowing a second omicron booster for some vulnerable people.
Second Hospital In Idaho Stops Delivering Babies
Officials at Valor Health — a small, county-owned hospital in Emmett, Idaho — said in their announcement that it has been “unsustainably expensive to recruit and retain” nurses. The announcement comes just weeks after Bonner General Health in Sandpoint said it would stop its labor and delivery services. Bonner blamed staff shortages as well as the state’s anti-abortion climate.
National Institute On Aging Sets Sights On Boosting Alzheimer’s Research
CNN covers an effort to “transform” Alzheimer’s disease research, starting with building a real-world disease database. AP, meanwhile, reports that $200 million has been pledged by the Estée Lauder family to the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation.
ER Room Treatments Spark Tension Over Responsibility For Opioid Misuse
A report in Axios says that as more hospitals offer opioid addiction treatments in emergency rooms, tension is rising over who’s “really responsible” for tackling the underlying problem. Separately, Narcan and fentanyl test strips will soon be available in vending machines across D.C.
Air Force Says It Will Accept Recruits With More Body Fat
Male recruits can have up to 26% body fat, compared with the previous 20%. Female recruits can have 36% body fat, up from 28%. Separately, some lawmakers might block the rollout of the VA’s electronic health records program. Also in the news: flu cases, prebiotic sodas, and that everlasting question: Is playing golf a real workout?
In Some States, Anti-Trans Laws Advance Like Never Before
Bloomberg explains that barely a day has passed in 2023 without some state lawmakers introducing what it labels as “anti-LGBTQ” bills that curtail trans people’s lives in some way. New York Magazine argues that anti-trans activists are using the same tactics as those who targeted abortion rights.
Nevada Senate To Vote On Allowing Medically Assisted Death
A bill that would allow administration of prescription medicine to allow terminally ill patients to end their lives was approved by Nevada’s Senate Health and Human Services Committee and is set for a state Senate vote. Also: Medicaid in Connecticut, food assistance and Medicaid in Iowa, and more.
Editorial writers discuss childhood obesity, climate change and rural hospitals.
Antibiotic Resistance In Humans And Animals Closely Linked
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Perspectives: Who Shouldn’t Take Ozempic?; More Than Narcan Is Needed To Overcome Opioid Addiction
Read recent commentaries about drug issues.
Wis. Abortion Laws To Be Shaped By State’s Now Liberal-Leaning High Court
Judge Janet Protasiewicz was elected Tuesday to fill the open seat on Wisconsin’s Supreme Court, in a closely watched race. Her win shifts the court’s idealogical makeup to the left, which makes it more likely that a contested abortion ban could be struck down.
Washington State Is First To Stock Up On ‘Insurance Supply’ Of Mifepristone
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, says that the state has bought 30,000 doses — an estimated 3-year supply — of the key abortion drug in anticipation that access could be limited due to court challenges.