Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
First Edition: Friday, November 1, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Antibiotic Therapy; Stem Cell Transplants; Paxlovid; More
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Texas Attorney General Sues Second Doctor Over Gender-Affirming Care
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is pursuing another case under a law prohibiting doctors from providing puberty blockers or hormone therapy to help minors transition.
Study Suggests Failing Heart Valves Should Be Replaced, Stat
New clinical trial data show there is no benefit to waiting when it comes to heart-valve replacement surgery. Other news includes: Ozempic and Wegovy now available, after long shortage; AirPods Pro hearing aids; and more.
CareTrust To Acquire Nursing Homes In Tennessee, Alabama In $500M Deal
The facilities — 30 in Tennessee and one in Alabama — will be operated by CareTrust partners the Pacs Group, the Ensign Group, and Links Healthcare Group. Elsewhere, nurses and other union workers in California and Rhode Island are staging protests over staffing shortages.
More Adults In Their 20s And 30s Are Being Diagnosed With Autism
USA Today reports on a study published Wednesday in JAMA Network Open that says the rate of autism for adults ages 26 to 34 grew more than 450% from 2011 to 2022. Also in the news: daylight saving time, gun violence, vaping, and more.
Viewpoints: Bird Flu Is Moving Faster Than A Potential Vaccine; Why Is Medicare So Hard To Navigate?
Editorial writers dig into these public health topics.
US Confirms 1st Case Of Bird Flu In Pig
Five pigs on a noncommercial farm in Oregon were tested for the virus after other animals fell ill. As NBC News points out, “pigs can become infected with both bird and human viruses at the same time, which can give rise to mutated strains that can more easily infect humans.” Meanwhile, the USDA will start bulk testing the milk supply for signs of the virus.
California Catholic Hospital To Provide Emergency Abortions As Suit Proceeds
Providence St. Joseph Hospital, under fire after allegedly giving a hemorrhaging patient a bucket and towels and sending her to another hospital, agreed to comply with the California Emergency Services Law, which requires hospitals to provide abortions in life-threatening situations.
Speaker Johnson Says Obamacare In For ‘Massive Reform’ If Trump Wins But Denies Repeal Accusation
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson’s comments about the future of Obamacare under a possible Trump administration is becoming campaign trail fodder. Kamala Harris’ campaign seized on them, saying that Republicans will repeal the Affordable Care Act. Johnson called that a “dishonest” characterization, and Donald Trump’s campaign is distancing itself from the speaker’s plan.
First Edition: Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 🎃
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
California County Extends Health Aid To Prisoners Reentering Society
Santa Clara County’s Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative already has 100 youth and adults enrolled in the program, which offers medical and behavioral health services, officials say. Also: Florida’s low flu vaccination rate in nursing homes; Michigan teachers face health care rate hikes; and more.
Workplace Violence Nearly 5 Times More Likely For Health Care Workers
Federal data show that health care workers are 4.9 times more likely to experience workplace violence than private industry workers, due in part to staff and resource shortages. Meanwhile, Walgreens continues with layoffs, cutting 3.6% of its support center team employees.
Hospitalizations Increased After Asthma Med Flovent Was Dropped
ABC News reports a 17.5% increase in asthma-related hospitalization in the three months after Flovent was discontinued and a 24.1% increase in the next three to six months. Other pharma news covers the IV fluid shortage, Eli Lilly’s Alzheimer’s drug Kisunla, weight loss drugs as an employer perk, and more.
Human Bird Flu Cases In Wash. And Calif. Bring Total To 36 Nationwide
Nine new cases of human infection have been confirmed, but according to the CDC, all cases occurred on farms that have been affected by bird flu. In other public health news: respiratory illnesses on the rise; health impacts of climate change; and more.
