Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Friday, Oct. 4, 2024
TGIF! Here are today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Cancer; Drug-Resistant TB; Ovarian Cancer; Long Covid
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
A Hurricane’s Potential Death Toll Ticks Up Long After The Storm: Study
The study, published in the journal Nature, found that hurricanes and tropical storms can cause 7,000 to 11,000 excess deaths in the 15 years following the storm event. Also: News outlets report on hospital functioning during and in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
Outbreak Of Marburg Virus In Rwanda Causes Concern Over Potential Spread
Stat reports that the outbreak is one of the biggest on record, and there are no licensed vaccines to fight the disease. The spread of bird flu, and the tick-borne disease Rickettsia parkeri are also in the news.
Vaccination Rates For School Entry Slip Below Pre-Covid Levels
Federal data show vaccination levels dropped 2.3 points below the recommended 95% coverage level for kindergarteners, making it more likely that a single infection can cause an outbreak. Meanwhile, vaccination exemptions rose.
Viewpoints: Can You Ignore A Medical Bill?; Families Rushing To Use IVF Before It’s Too Late
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
CDC Issues Warning On Knockoff Meds From Illegal Online Pharmacies
People should be wary of companies that don’t require a prescription and offer deep discounts, the agency said. The warning comes several days after the Justice Department sued illegal online pharmacies selling counterfeit prescription pills that it says frequently contain fentanyl.
Study Links Black-Color Plastic In Toys, Kitchenware With Banned Chemicals
A particular plastic material commonly found in household goods like kitchen utensils may contain flame retardants that have been long banned. Meanwhile, a separate study found Southern California urban zones are exposed to chronic levels of “plasticizer” chemicals in the air.
Humana Shares Plummet After Feds Slash Rating
Humana’s stock took a tumble after the provider admitted to the SEC that only about 1 in 4 of its members were signed up to Medicare Advantage plans rated four stars or more. Meanwhile, CMS is making it harder in 2025 for insurers to get top marks, due to changes in the way stars are calculated.
Vance’s Vision For Health Care Calls For Experimenting With Risk Pools
The Republican vice presidential candidate’s suggestion to tinker with the ACA raises fear that folks with chronic health conditions would pay more. Policy experts note his contradicting statements. “Anything that separates out pre-existing conditions is doomed to utter failure,” one said.
Gilead Permits Low-Cost Form Of HIV-Prevention Med For Poor Countries
The decision to allow generic versions of lenacapavir, which would go to countries with the highest rates of infection, has the potential to bring about an end to the HIV pandemic.
CMS, Drugmakers Will Have More Time To Haggle Over Medicare Drug Prices
In changing the negotiation process, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is encouraging more back and forth before making initial offers on medicines pegged for lower costs.
First Edition: Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
KP.3.1.1 Covid Variant Is Now Behind Majority Of New Cases In US
CDC data also show that subvariant KP.2.3 is responsible for around 1 in 10 new cases. The two “KP” variants are part of a covid variant group known as “FLiRT.” Meanwhile, Brigham researchers revealed a drug-free nasal spray that may block covid infections, and also flu and colds.
Florida Cities Wrestle With State’s Strict Anti-Homelessness Law
As of Tuesday, it’s illegal in Florida to sleep on sidewalks, in parks, on beaches, or in other public spaces. Other news from around the nation is on medical marijuana in Arkansas, accusations of bias against Walmart, and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Five Key Health Insurers Reveal 2025’s Medicare Advantage Plans
The announcements by Cigna, CVS, Humana, Centene, and UnitedHealth were made ahead of the beginning of Medicare Advantage enrollment, which begins Oct. 15. Among other news, a top California health plan will offer one of the world’s top-selling drugs, Humira, for free to show how skirting middlemen can improve drug affordability.
Consumer Watchdog Spotlights Illegal Medical Debt Collection Tactics
In related news, the Debt Fairness Act went into effect Tuesday in Minnesota. Also, Chinese and U.S. health officials agree to increase cooperation on global health affairs, and more.
What’s Most Important To Voters? According To A Poll, Medicare And Health Costs
Respondents in the Gallup Poll of more than 3,600 adults ages 18 and older also said health care isn’t getting as much attention as it should. In other election news, Kamala Harris goes on an ad blitz, and Donald Trump downplays troops’ brain injuries as “headaches.”
Viewpoints: Pelvic Exam Rules Need A Revamp; Should Marijuana Use Affect Chances For Transplant?
Editorial writers tackle these public heath issues.
Federal Abortion Ban Is Off The Table, Trump Pledges During VP Debate
The Republican presidential nominee, who has previously dodged such a commitment, said he would veto any measure that takes away states’ responsibilities. His announcement came after his running mate, J.D. Vance, conceded that Republicans are losing ground on the issue.
