Latest KFF Health News Stories
Obamacare’s History Back In Public Eye
While Republican JD Vance tried to sell viewers on the notion that Donald Trump sought bipartisanship changes to the Affordable Care Act, Democrat Tim Walz reminded them that the GOP’s repeated efforts to repeal and replace the health care law failed, starting with the late John McCain’s thumbs-down vote.
JD Vance, Noting Voters Don’t Trust His Party On Abortion, Does An About-Face
The Republican vice presidential nominee projected a softer stance on the debate stage and parroted Donald Trump’s view that abortion legislation is a state issue. Citing his actions as Minnesota governor, Democrat Tim Walz affirmed his support for women and their doctors to decide what’s best.
First Edition: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
‘Silence In Sikeston’ Episode 3 Asks, What Happens To The Children?
Our “Silence in Sikeston” project, a multimedia collaboration from KFF Health News, Retro Report, and WORLD, explores the impact of a 1942 lynching and a 2020 police shooting on a rural Missouri community. Today, Episode 3 of our podcast explores the death of a young Black father and how children process loss.
Even Vaccinated Kids Are Falling Ill As Whooping Cough Spikes
Reporting on the outbreak, Bloomberg reminds us that pertussis vaccines are not long-lasting and explains how delayed testing and diagnoses are contributing to the outbreak. In other news: Breast cancer continues to rise in younger women.
Viewpoints: More Doctors Treat Obesity As Prevention; Health Crises Shouldn’t Hit Your Credit Score
Editorial writers dissect these public health issues.
Arkansas Sues YouTube, Alphabet Alleging Harms To Kids’ Mental Health
The state says the video-based social media platform YouTube is deliberately addictive and is thus contributing to the mental health crisis among young people.
California Bans ‘Forever Chemicals’ In Tampons, Other Menstrual Products
Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, on Monday signed the bill that outlaws the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl in feminine products. Other news from around the country is on dengue fever in California, inmate medical records in Arizona, and more.
CVS To Lay Off 2,900 Staff, Looks At Breakup Option Amid Investor Pressure
CVS Health may be about to undergo dramatic changes in the face of pressure to cut costs and boost its performance — upheaval starts with 2,900 job losses mainly among corporate roles. Also in the news: Sentara Health, Houston’s St. Joseph Medical Center, J&J, and more.
Steward Health Care CEO Sues To Stop Contempt Charges Against Him
In the lawsuit, Ralph de la Torre contends he is being punished “for invoking his Fifth Amendment right not to ‘be compelled … to be a witness against himself.’” The embattled chief refused to comply with a subpoena to testify to a Senate committee.
Medical Manufacturing Facility Closes In NC After Helene Causes Damage
Analysts are hopeful that other companies will be able to provide products typically made by Baxter International, which supplies intravenous and peritoneal dialysis solutions. Also, how medical providers are weathering the storm’s aftereffects and helping those in need.
Georgia Judge Voids Abortion Ban
In ruling that the six-week abortion ban violates the state’s constitution guaranteeing the right to bodily autonomy, the judge’s decision means the procedure will be allowed until about 22 weeks of pregnancy as the case winds through the court system.
First Edition: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: RFK Jr. In Public Health Would Be Disastrous; We Need An Outbreak Warning System
Editorial writers explain these public health issues.
Opioid Overdose Deaths Down In DC
The data from the nation’s capital is in line with what officials are seeing across the nation: The fentanyl crisis is ebbing. Also, news from Indiana, Massachusetts, and elsewhere.
California Mandates Coverage For IVF
In a bill signed Sunday, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom also expanded health care coverage to LGBTQ+ families, saying “California is a proud reproductive freedom state — and that includes increasing access to fertility services that help those who want to start a family.”
Texas Maternal Mortality Panel Wants Access To Death Data Tied To Abortion
“We can’t make comments about what caused an increase in maternal death in our state if we’re not really reviewing all of them,” the committee’s chair said. This comes as the state’s attorney general takes action to block Austin from helping women seeking out-of-state abortions.
How Cancer Drugs Helped Jimmy Carter Become A Centenarian
USA Today reports on how the former president benefitted after a diagnosis that just years prior would have been terminal. Cancer therapies have enabled him to celebrate his 100th birthday this week.
Embattled CEO Of Steward Health Care Is Stepping Down
Ralph de la Torre will resign Tuesday. Other health industry news is on layoffs at Beth Israel Lahey Health and Brightline, the spread of ransomware attacks, and more.
Americans Increasingly Dependent On Government Aid, Research Shows
An exclusive Wall Street Journal report shows how government support is taking an evermore central role in many Americans’ lives, with programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid at the core. Separately, CMS said Medicare Part D and Advantage premiums will decline next year.
