Latest KFF Health News Stories
Lawsuit Accuses Epic Systems Of Monopolist Practices In EHR Market
In addition to seeking damages in its lawsuit, Particle Health wants Epic to discontinue its alleged anticompetitive practices in regards to patient data.
New Yorker Infected With EEE Dies; Vt. Mosquito Testing Shows Improvement
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, on Monday announced ways the state will try to curb the disease’s spread, including making mosquito repellent available to visitors at state parks and campgrounds.
Citing Fraud And Device Misuse, HHS Seeks Check On Remote Patient Care
As more patients switched to remote patient monitoring, the cost to Medicare ballooned to $311 million, up from just $15 million in 2019 before the covid-19 pandemic. Also in the news: telehealth addiction treatment, the organ transplant network, and more.
Senate Democrats Seek Another Vote On Emergency Access To Abortion
The unanimous consent effort is intended to show just where lawmakers stand on this issue ahead of November’s general election. It is not expected to pass.
Viewpoints: Strange Symptom With West Nile Virus; GOP Health Insurance Plan Would Exclude Many
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
About 1 in 10 of survey respondents indicated they are severely obese. It’s too soon to know whether obesity treatments and drugs will ease the problem, researchers say. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk’s CEO is expected to testify today in a Senate panel hearing about the high cost of weight loss drugs.
First Edition: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: How Easily Could Obamacare Be Dismantled?; More Menopause Research Is Crucial
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues.
States Have Until Dec. 31 To Report On Medicaid Enrollment Problems
CMS also wants states to have plans in place to fix deficiencies and has set a Dec. 31, 2026, deadline for them to become fully compliant with enrollment policies. Also: California’s social media law, gender-affirming care in Missouri, emergency services in Wyoming, and more.
Many Lawsuits Over Femur Risks Of Merck Drug Fosamax Can Now Proceed
More than 500 lawsuits, which a U.S. appeals court revived on Friday, allege Merck & Co. failed to warn patients that its osteoporosis drug Fosamax raised the risk of thigh bone fractures. Separately, a J&J subsidiary has filed for bankruptcy for the third time as part of its tactic to tackle thousands of lawsuits alleging its talc products caused cancer.
FDA Approves At-Home Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine, Will Be Available Next Year
The FluMist vaccine will be able to be ordered from an online pharmacy, but it will still require a prescription. Meanwhile, U.S. covid levels decline, while whooping cough cases surge.
White House Touts Progress In Its Efforts To Stem Gun Violence
After the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act became law in 2022, more than 8,000 gun sales to youth and domestic abusers have been blocked after background checks. The White House also says homicides are down 17% and mass shootings this year are down 20%.
Civil Rights Groups Sound Alarm Over Trump’s Agenda Targeting Gender Care
The former president’s position on LGBTQ+ issues has shifted over the years, but his second-term agenda is said to target gender care providers, worrying civil rights groups. Meanwhile, Stat reports an anti-pharma campaign bus is touring in swing states, though its funding remains unknown.
Tennessee Law Barring Adults From Helping Girls Get Abortions Is Delayed
The law, which is being challenged in court, makes it a crime for any adult who “intentionally recruits, harbors, or transports” a pregnant child without parental consent. Meanwhile, Texas sees a 56% increase in maternal deaths from 2019 to 2022.
Congress Agrees On Stopgap Funding Bill, Likely Averting Federal Shutdown
The plan does not include any part of the SAVE Act, which would have required proof of citizenship to register to vote. House Speaker Mike Johnson and former president Donald Trump had pushed hard for its inclusion. Also: SNAP benefits and the PACT Act.
Appeals Court Revives PhRMA Lawsuit Against Medicare Drug Negotiations
Reuters reported that the court did not address the merits of the case, only that a Texas judge was wrong to dismiss it in February. Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission has accused the three largest pharmacy benefit managers of inflating insulin prices.
CMS To Unveil Five-Pronged Plan To Reduce Health Care Cyberattacks
The strategy will be outlined in the coming months, Modern Healthcare reported. In other news, Lehigh Valley Health Network has agreed to pay $65 million to settle a case in which it was accused of failing to safeguard sensitive patient information, including nude photos of cancer patients.
First Edition: Monday, Sept. 23, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Public Distrust In Science Is Dangerous; How To Tackle The Rural Health Care Crisis
Editorial writers delve into 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 racism in health care, sickle cell, autism, the gun violence epidemic, and more.
