Latest KFF Health News Stories
Over $600 Million In Medicaid Funding For Special Ed Program Cut In Texas
The move is expected to worsen already strained care budgets for low-income students with disabilities in the coming year. More than 775,000 students receive special education services in Texas, though not all through Medicaid. In other news: California wants to ban slavery; mental health hotline for first responders; and more.
VR Treatment For Hallucinations Shows Promise In Ongoing Trial
In a new phase 2/3 trial, virtual avatars are being used to treat auditory verbal hallucinations, especially in people with schizophrenia (which affects 24 million people globally). Also: new health technology, health tracking apps, AI, and more.
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
Near-Premature Organ Procurement Incident Prompts Donors To Reconsider
Registries in America and abroad are suffering after people became spooked when a man in Kentucky was declared dead and sent to have his organs harvested.
Biden Administration Amps Up Signature Cancer Moonshot Policy
The government is calling for greater cooperation among hospitals, nonprofits, and wholesalers to alleviate pediatric drug shortages. Other cancer news looks at cancer vaccines, rising lung cancer rates, colon cancer testing, and more.
Harris Or Trump? Grieving Parents Split On Who Can Fix Fentanyl Crisis
The issue of border security is a priority, regardless of which candidate they support. In other election-related health news: abortion, rural hospital closures, RFK Jr.’s role in a Trump administration, and more.
1 Death Reported In Iowa From Lassa Fever, An Ebola-Like Virus
The resident had recently returned from West Africa. Iowa health officials say the risk of transmission is “incredibly low.” Also in the news, locally acquired malaria, “walking pneumonia” in children, bird flu in California, and more.
First Edition: Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Health Care Access Hampered By Helene
In the aftermath of hurricane Helene, North Carolinians struggle to fulfill their health care needs, volunteers from other states arrive to help. Also: more environmental stories and the challenges faced by rising heat and storms across the country.
Louisiana Must Stop Homeless Sweeps Without Proper Notice, Judge Rules
Homeless encampments were cleared ahead of Taylor Swift’s concerts this weekend. In other news, mental health initiatives from across the country, accidental THC in pizza, and more.
FDA Approves New UTI Drug For Women Who Have Run Out Of Options
The drug, Orlynvah, treats uncomplicated urinary tract infections in adult women and will be available around mid-2025. Also in the news: chemotherapy, Ottimo Pharma, a blood-sugar monitoring app, and more.
How Much Will Insured Medicines Cost? Most Americans Haven’t A Clue
Pharmaceutical group’s survey examines prescription drug costs as the industry calls for more transparency from insurers and PBMs. Other health industry news looks at the False Claims Act, Massachusetts hospital closures, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas’ break with MD Anderson Cancer Center, and more.
Dozens More E. Coli Cases Linked To McDonald’s; Quarter Pounders Back On Menu Already
The number of people infected in the outbreak has risen from 49 to 75, the FDA said Friday. The burgers will be sold without onions, which are thought to be the source of contamination. Plus: updates on listeria outbreaks, bird flu, covid, and more.
Abortion Opponents Seek High Court’s OK For In-Your-Face Interactions
Activists want the 8-foot protest-free zone around abortion clinics lifted. Also, The New York Times breaks down Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s stance on abortion quote by quote.
If Elected, Trump Says He’ll Give RFK Jr. Carte Blanche Over Medicine, Health
GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump said Sunday that he’d let Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “go wild” on nearly every health-related topic in America except when it comes to oil. Trump also unveiled a new tax credit for caregivers who take care of a parent, echoing a proposal by Democrat Kamala Harris.
First Edition: Monday, Oct. 28, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
121 Whooping Cough Cases Seen In Maryland This Year, A Tenfold Increase
Officials say pertussis numbers have returned to pre-pandemic levels across Maryland and the U.S. this year, The Baltimore Sun reports. News from across the nation also comes from Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota, and California.
Wearables, Apps, And AI To Shape The Future Of Health Devices
The HLTH conference in Las Vegas this week provided hints at where the future of health technology is headed. Gadgets and tech demonstrated included an app that can provide vitals with just a face scan, earrings that can track health metrics, and a AI-powered stethoscope.
Diagnostic Errors Afflict 7% Of Patients In Hospital Setting, Study Finds
Researchers led by Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston also found that most of those mistakes can be prevented, noting: “It is paramount to note that it is not one individual or process that is at fault.” Other news is about lead paint exposure, app addiction, IV fluid supply, and more.
