Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: November 1, 2023
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
In ‘Tokelahoma,’ Once-Booming Medical Pot Industry Is Dwindling
At its peak, Oklahoma had nearly 14,000 licensed medical marijuana businesses. But one veteran says the industry is “struggling” and predicted two-thirds of current businesses could soon shut down.
Editorial writers tackle cancer, nursing homes, and gun violence.
FDA Panel Meeting Today To Review Proposal For Sickle Cell Gene Therapy
A FDA advisory panel will hear proposals Tuesday from Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics in an all-day meeting. USA Today examines the potential and high cost of using gene therapy to treat diseases.
Hold That Sneeze — This Year’s Flu Season May Not Hit So Hard
Doctors and scientists note that positive signs from the Southern Hemisphere’s flu season point to a potentially milder season in the North, too. Also in the news, the Biden administration has acknowledged problems with the transition from government to private control over the covid vaccine program.
Trump: ‘Mental Institutions’ Should Return — To Tackle Homelessness
The kind of state-run psychiatric hospital that former President Donald Trump called for faded in the mid-1900s, and they were associated with inhumane practices. Their return, Trump said, would “get the homeless off our streets.” Also in the news: dementia and slow-wave sleep loss; your Halloween haikus, and more.
Maine Gunman’s Mental Health Issues More Serious Than First Disclosed
Law enforcement was explicitly warned about the declining mental health of Robert Card many months ahead of the Maine shooting, news outlets report.
Kansas Judge Blocks New Abortion Pill Law, 24-Hour Abortion Waits
A 2022 statewide vote in Kansas affirmed support for abortion access under the state constitution, AP reports, and the new ruling supports this by also blocking older abortion restrictions, including a forced 24-hour wait window. Other abortion news is from Arizona, Tennessee, and elsewhere.
Biden Uses Executive Order To Push For AI Health Care Standards
President Joe Biden’s executive order invoked the Defense Production Act to establish standards on using artificial intelligence in health care and other industries — while trying not to stifle innovation in the field. Other news includes HHS digital info blocking rules, GSK and 23andMe, and more.
Study Finds How Dramatically Health Plan Rates Vary County To County
One of the first studies of insurer price data shines a sharp spotlight onto health care pricing and how where you live in the U.S. impacts how much you pay. Among other news, Healthpeak Properties is set to buy Physicians Realty Trust; a report on costs of unnecessary stents; and more.
3-Day ‘Pharmageddon’ Pharmacist Walkout Begins
Organizers have estimated that about 4,500 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are participating from several store chains, including CVS and Walgreens. The impact of the walkout on pharmacy services is currently unclear.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
This Week, Private Insurers Take Over Paying For Covid Drugs
The transition begins Nov. 1, marking a shift from the government paying for covid treatments to private insurers and drugmakers. Notably, the uninsured and those on Medicare or Medicaid will be able to access Paxlovid for free until the end of 2024. Meanwhile, a new covid variant — HV.1 — is spreading.
FDA Warns 26 Eye Drop Products Could Cause Dangerous Infections
People are being urged to stop using the over-the-counter items on the FDA’s list because of the worry that they could lead to vision loss. Among other news, an active tuberculosis case in California; rising cases of strep throat; and worries that STDs, including syphilis, are on the rise, too.
Effects Of Redistricting Could Have Big Impact On Abortion Vote In Virginia
Candidates across the state are running in new legislative districts that resulted from the redistricting process, Insider reports. Republicans hope it will strengthen their chances to impose a 15-week abortion ban. Meanwhile, ahead of Ohio’s abortion vote, misinformation is flowing.
Insurers Push Back On White House Proposal For Mental Health Coverage
Requirements proposed by the Biden administration aim to reduce out-of-pocket costs for mental health treatment. But insurers say that they would drive up prices instead and that the standards are unrealistic amid a shortage of providers.
Biden Admin Proposes Changes To Dispute Resolution In No Surprises Act
The dispute resolution process has been controversial and has been heavily litigated. The new proposal is supposed to increase communication between insurers and providers, and streamline the dispute process. Also in the news: the start of ACA sign-up season; Prospect Medical; and more.
All Schools Should Carry Naloxone, Train Staff On Its Use: White House
The Biden administration is asking all schools to stock opioid overdose reversal drugs and train staff members and students on how to use them. Other news on the opioid crisis is from Kentucky, San Francisco, and elsewhere. The tragic death of actor Matthew Perry, who was candid about his addictions, is also in the news.
A Month Ago, Maine Police Tried To Do Mental Health Check On Gunman
Law enforcement allegedly visited the home of Robert Card in September, but they gave up looking for him after he didn’t turn up. A month before that, Card tried to buy a gun silencer but was refused after disclosing on a form that he had mental health issues.
Walgreens Staff Plan ‘Pharmageddon’ Walkout To Protest Unsafe Conditions
A nationwide work stoppage is planned Monday through Wednesday by some pharmacy workers from Walgreens and other drugstore chains, CNBC reports.