Latest KFF Health News Stories
In Storm-Ravaged North Carolina, Necessities Of Life Difficult To Come By
Many thousands of residents in the western part of the state have no clean water, as well as no electricity or gas with which to boil water. People were collecting wood to build fires for cooking. Millions of others underwater in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and elsewhere wondered how and when life would return to normal.
CDC Investigating Possible Human-To-Human Transmission Of Bird Flu
Seven people in Missouri — including six health care workers — developed flu symptoms after direct exposure to a patient with avian influenza. While none has tested positive for bird flu, the CDC is testing antibodies to see if they came from the virus.
First Edition: Monday, Sept. 30, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Ideas To Remedy The Nursing Shortage; Fentanyl Overdoses Only Declined In Some Areas
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
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 pain, aging, food portions, disability data, and more.
Report Highlights Missing Health Authority Role In Cannabis Policy
The AP covers a new report that says a more health-focused strategy is needed, with the CDC taking an expanded role in cannabis policy as more Americans are using ever-stronger weed. Meanwhile, Kentucky awarded the first business license as part of its startup medical cannabis program.
California Officially Apologizes For Harms Caused By Slavery And Bias
Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, also signed legislation related to newborn DNA samples. Also: Alabama has executed another prisoner using the method of nitrogen asphyxiation.
Anti-Trans Laws Linked With Spike In Suicide Attempts Among Trans Youth
A study from The Trevor Project found that in states that passed anti-trans legislation directed at minors, suicide attempts by transgender and non-binary teens went up by as much as 72% in subsequent years. Also in the news, a “sanctuary city” for transgender people, pardons for gay veterans, and more.
Antipsychotic Drug Cobenfy Wins FDA Approval For Schizophrenia Treatment
The Bristol Myers Squibb medicine is said relieve symptoms without causing some of the harsh side effects of drugs already in use. Meanwhile, thousands of patients allege in a lawsuit that drugs used for diabetes and weight loss have caused other health problems.
Covid Tests Are Yours For The Taking
The government again is offering free kits to each household ahead of the respiratory virus season at covidtests.gov/. Tests might come in handy after the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases found that only 26% of Americans plan to get updated covid vaccines.
OIG Reports Reveal 3 Health Insurers’ Medicare Advantage Overcharges
Humana, HealthAssurance Pennsylvania, and EmblemHealth are accused of overcharging taxpayers to the tune of $140 million by exaggerating the severity of Medicare Advantage members’ illnesses.
Vance Sheds Light On Trump’s ‘Concept Of A Plan’ For Health Care
GOP vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance has elaborated on some specifics during the past week. As Roll Call reported, Vance said people who use the health care system frequently would be on a different plan from those who are healthy and don’t go to the doctor as often.
Senate Bill Lays Out Cybersecurity Standards For Health Care Industry
The measure offers a timeline for companies to upgrade their IT systems, which will come with financial aid, and proposes penalties for those who don’t comply. But one industry spokesperson countered: “Penalizing hospitals that are the victims of sophisticated criminal behavior diverts resources away from improving patient care.”
First Edition: Friday, Sept. 27, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Research Roundup: Mpox; Covid; Genetic Variants; Autism
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Lower Opioid Overdose Rate Noted Among Diabetic Semaglutide Users
Although the new findings are “unclear,” researchers are curious to see if appetite suppressants could be used for addiction treatment. A separate study found that fentanyl users trying to kick the habit benefited from taking higher doses of buprenorphine, a medication to reduce side effects.
Texas Disenrolled People From Medicaid Faster Than Other States
The Texas Tribune and ProPublica report that after the pandemic-era Medicaid agreements expired, Texas moved faster in kicking more people from Medicaid rolls than other states, ignoring guidance and warnings. Separately, Kaiser Permanente stays on as a Maryland Medicaid provider.
FDA To Consider Approving First New Schizophrenia Drug In Over 30 Years
During clinical trials, Bristol Myers Squibb’s KarXT was said to offer better treatment with fewer side effects. Meanwhile, Pfizer’s sickle cell disease treatment Oxbryta was withdrawn from all markets over concerns about the risk of a painful complication and death.
Starting January, Hospitals Will Report Quality Data On Older Patients’ Care
The effort, which will give compensation to hospitals providing quality data to support “age friendly” medical care, is designed to boost private-sector efforts to pivot toward care for an aging population. Exeter Hospital, Mount Sinai Health System, Guardian Pharmacy, and more are also in the news.
