Latest KFF Health News Stories
Election Stress Can Be All-Consuming. Here Are Ways To Help Folks Cope
Experts and ordinary people offer advice on information hibernation to get through this anxiety-inducing period in U.S. history. If their tips aren’t enough, simply text ELECTION to 741741 to speak with someone from the Crisis Text Line.
Pandemic Preparedness, WHO Involvement: Global Health Hangs In The Balance With Today’s Election
Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump are polar opposites on health care policy. As Americans head to the polls, the rest of the world waits and worries about what this election might mean for them.
First Edition: Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Deadly Fungal Infections Have Been Trending Upward, Worrying Scientists
The global spread of candida auris is worrisome because the fungi’s mutations are able to dodge drugs that stave off serious infection. Elsewhere in the world, mpox is leveling off in Congo, and five countries see uptick in polio infections.
Maryland Will Participate In ‘AHEAD Model’ That Promotes Health Equity
In other news: a Kansas prisoner sues over health care; the FDA warns against contaminated compounded weight loss drugs; bird flu; tuberculosis; and more.
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.
