Latest KFF Health News Stories
1,700 University Of Illinois Hospital Nurses To Strike Nov. 13
If the strike is not averted, it will be the second one since August. Other health industry news is on New Jersey’s CarePoint Health, Zoom, Boston Children’s Hospital, and more.
Mifepristone Challenge Is In Wrong Court, Government Argues In Lawsuit
Idaho, Kansas, and Missouri lack standing to pursue their case in a Texas court, the FDA contends as it seeks to have the lawsuit dismissed. Also, as voters in several states weigh in on abortion ballot measures, physicians and patients in Texas and Florida grapple with the fallout of Roe’s end.
Election Outcome Could Upend Medicaid, Transgender Care Policies
Republicans envision slashing Medicaid funding, making it harder for low-income Americans to get the care they need. They also have designs on giving the federal government — not states — say over transgender care.
On Eve Of Election, Trump Campaign Floats Bans On Fluoride, Some Vaccines
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said he’s “OK” with a proposal by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to tell “all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water.” And in an interview with NBC News, Trump also said he’ll “make a decision” on banning certain vaccines — he didn’t say which ones — based on advice he receives from RFK Jr.
CMS Releases Final Medicare Reimbursement Rules for 2025
Among the many new rules are physician reimbursement cuts of 2.9%, and hospital outpatient department boosts of 2.9%. Congress braces for a post-election lobbying fight. In other Medicare news: rural health care, star ratings, and more.
Viewpoints: The Battle Against Mifepristone Carries On; Overturning Roe Is Killing Women
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
First Edition: Monday, Nov. 4, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on Kamala Harris’ mom, dietary guidelines, drugs, and more.
US Could Learn From Canada’s Rx For Easing Drug Shortages: Study
Canadian officials show that reviewing emerging supply chain issues and taking steps to limit potential problems worked in its favor. Also in the news: noncompete bans, schizophrenia drugs, baby formula, and more.
Louisiana Sued Over Its Law Controlling Drugs Used In Abortions
Misoprostol and mifepristone are commonly used for other reproductive health care emergencies, and the lawsuit contends that the red tape providers must go through before the meds can be administered endangers patients. Also, ProPublica details the case of a woman who died after pleading for help during a miscarriage. “This is how these restrictions kill women,” one physician said.
Texas Requires Hospitals To Track Cost Of Treating Undocumented Patients
In a move that contrasts with the Biden administration’s immigration policy, Texas is requiring all hospitals to ask about patients’ immigration status, and track cost of care for those without legal status. Notably, medical care cannot be denied based on a patient’s answer.
Amid Shortages, IV Fluid Manufacturing Restarts at Baxter
On the heels of an October survey where nearly 90% of providers said they were experiencing an IV fluid shortage, Baxter has announced that it is restarting production of IV solution. Albeit slowly, solutions are expected to ship out later this month at the earliest.
Working Long, Lonely Hours, Family Caregivers Reach For Support
NPR looks at one woman’s struggle with isolation as she navigated caring for her mother. Also in public health news: the effects of sitting too much, nicotine pouches, sugar limits, and more.
TB Back On Top As World’s Deadliest Infectious Disease, WHO Reports
“The fact that TB still kills and sickens so many people is an outrage, when we have the tools to prevent it, detect it and treat it,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. Meanwhile, a Georgia high school student sick with tuberculosis might have infected hundreds.
Abortion And Transgender Rights In Spotlight In Closing Days Of Election
Democrats are leaning into reproductive rights issues as the election clock ticks down. Meanwhile, abortion-rights groups raise more money than opponents on ballot measures. Also, Republicans and the Trump campaign are hanging their closing arguments in part on transgender rights issues.
Viewpoints: ER Equality Desperately Needed; Your Doctor Is Probably Judging You
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
ACA Reemerges As Campaign Issue: Harris Warns Trump Would Slash Law; Trump Says He Wouldn’t End It
The Affordable Care Act is once again kicking up campaign fodder in the final days of this year’s presidential election. Kamala Harris warns that Donald Trump would slash Obamacare if reelected. Trump says he never wanted to end the law. The debate raises broader questions about what health agencies and policy face under a possible second Trump White House.
‘Whether They Like It Or Not’: Trump’s Vow To ‘Protect’ Women Seized By Harris
As both presidential candidates try to appeal to women voters, Kamala Harris says Donald Trump’s assertion he will “protect” them is “offensive to everybody.” Other campaign issues in the news include immigrant health policies and paid leave.
RFK Jr. As Health Czar? Possible Roles In A Trump Administration Floated
HHS Secretary. White House health czar (including working on women’s or children’s health). There’s a lot of speculation over the role Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would play in a possible Trump administration, with the campaign now floating jobs that don’t require Senate confirmation.
Obamacare Enrollment Begins Today
Americans, now including DACA recipients, may sign up for plans through Dec. 15 at HealthCare.gov. Despite the ACA being a sticking point among Republicans, insurers are opening up more plans in traditionally red states.
