Latest KFF Health News Stories
Small Change For PT, OT Practitioners May Have Big Effect On Health Systems
As Modern Healthcare reports, CMS has relaxed supervision requirements for physical and occupational therapist assistants from “direct” to “general.” The change could help health systems manage patient volume and reduce Medicare spending.
STI Infections Are Slowing; Health Experts Call For Cautious Optimism
Gonorrhea cases fell in nearly all age groups last year, CDC data show, and a new doxyPEP protocol is being hailed amid a drop in syphilis infections. Also: A Canadian teen hospitalized with bird flu is in critical condition.
Abortion Opponents Intend To Whittle State Protections Backed By Voters
One of their key goals is to either ban or restrict access to mifepristone, which is used in more than two-thirds of abortions nationwide. Meanwhile, women in Idaho are suing to get clarity on when a pregnancy complication is dangerous enough to warrant medical intervention.
RFK Jr.’s Health Targets Extend To Food Toxins, Raw Milk, Stem Cells
While the question of how much influence Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will have on health policy in a new Trump administration is closely watched, news outlets explore the flashpoints on which Kennedy has previously focused, including raw milk, stem cells, heavy metals, fluoride, and food safety.
Trump Picks TV Host Pete Hegseth To Run Defense Department
Hegseth, an Army National Guard veteran, is co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend.” He once led a group that sought to privatize health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, The Wall Street Journal reported. Plus: More health conditions are added to the burn pit list.
UnitedHealth’s Attempt To Gobble Up Amedisys Challenged By DOJ, AGs
An antitrust lawsuit from the Department of Justice and some Democratic state attorneys general contends UnitedHealth’s $3.3 billion purchase of the home care company would limit competition and harm patients who need home or hospice care. Also, the American Medical Association wants greater oversight of nonprofit hospitals.
First Edition: Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers dissect these public health issues.
Pandemic Has Eased, But Heavy Alcohol Consumption Has Not
In other news, doctors are prescribing marijuana to alleviate dementia symptoms; menopausal women are driving an explosion in testosterone therapy; nearly half of Americans have high blood pressure and don’t know it; and more.
BCBS Of Michigan Must Pay $12.7M For Firing Worker Who Refused Covid Vax
Former IT specialist Lisa Domski had worked at Blue Cross for more than 30 years and worked 100% remotely during the pandemic. She said the vaccine went against her Catholic beliefs. The ruling could affect many other cases, including 179 more vaccine requirement cases against BCBSM.
North Carolina Areas Hit Hard By Helene Still Cut Off From Crucial Care
Providers are finding ways to get essential items to rural areas, but residents are still coping with the loss of dental services, which were limited even before the storm. In the mountains, VA teams are still navigating rough terrain as they try to care for veterans.
23andMe Lays Off 40% Of Its Employees, Ends Therapy Programs
As the company restructures, it will pivot to selling genetic tests to consumers and using that data for research. Also: medicinal and tech advancements in cancer care; research monkeys roundup.
Prison Health Care Provider Wellpath Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Bloomberg reports that the H.I.G. Capital-backed firm is dealing with debt and high labor costs. Other health industry news is on Kaiser Permanente, Henry Ford Health’s integrated insurer, St. Vincent Charity Community Health Center, Denver Health, and more.
Demand For Abortion Pills, Birth Control Explodes After Trump Win
Also in abortion news, Wisconsin grapples with its Civil War-era law to end abortion rights. In Florida, the battle continues over its six-week abortion ban. Plus: Missouri’s House speaker is challenged due to support for abortion law, and a Georgia woman suffers through agonizing wait for miscarriage care.
Trump Seeks To Flout Confirmation Rules As He Staffs His Cabinet
Despite Republicans having a majority in the Senate, President-elect Donald Trump wants to bypass that chamber’s responsibility to debate and vote on nominees. Candidates for majority leader are open to the idea. Also, a look at the nominees already tapped for cabinet roles.
RFK Jr. Vetting Candidates For Trump’s Appointees To Top Health Jobs
News outlets report on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s role in the Trump transition reviewing and recommending people to serve in federal health agency posts. Kennedy is eyeing about 600 terminations at the National Institutes of Health and is reportedly crowdsourcing names for possible appointees.
CDC Data: Uninsured Rate In US Steadies At 7.6%
The latest numbers collected from April to June show that about 25.3 million Americans don’t have health insurance — numbers consistent with the 2023 all-time low uninsured rate. Nearly 40% of people are insured under public programs like Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, or military plans.
First Edition: Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Voters Didn’t Tend To US Health Care Needs; The Befuddling Vote For Abortion And Trump
Opinion writers delve into these public health topics.
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 the FDA, the 4B movement, food safety, teen health, and more.
