Latest KFF Health News Stories
CVS Warns Of More Than 1,000 Layoffs Around New England Headquarters
In letters to the respective states warning of the upcoming layoffs, CVS signaled its plans to cut more than 630 jobs at it’s Woonsocket, Rhode Island, headquarters. Another 416 employees of the pharmacy giant’s Aetna subsidiary in Hartford, Connecticut, will also be laid off.
Chicago Concertgoers Urged To Seek Medical Care After Bat Exposure
Although not all bats carry rabies, the city’s health department wants people to seek post-exposure prophylaxis if they were bitten, scratched, or had contact with a bat. Meanwhile, travelers from Rwanda soon will have to be tested for the deadly Marburg virus, CDC officials say.
Harris To Roll Out Medicare Policy To Help Seniors Get Covered Care At Home
The Democratic presidential candidate hopes to make it possible for Americans to stay in their homes while receiving elder care. Separately, PolitiFact says Republican nominee Donald Trump’s statement that Harris ‘wants to legalize fentanyl’ is bunk.
EPA To Water Utilities: Replace All Lead Pipes Within A Decade
The Environmental Protection Agency’s new rule also restricts the amount of lead allowed in U.S. drinking water. Also in the news: a cyberattack on the nation’s largest water utility, the benefit of outside time on kids’ vision, cancer risk in acne creams and cleansers, and more.
Hurricane Milton Sparks Hospital Evacuations, Affecting Thousands
As Florida braces for its second hurricane in two weeks, many health care facilities are preparing to evacuate patients and suspend services. Meanwhile, Politico reports that federal government disaster relief programs are near collapse.
Supreme Court Rebuffs Cases On Abortion, IVF; Georgia Reinstates Abortion Ban
Lower courts’ rulings are allowed to stand on whether EMTALA supersedes the Texas abortion law and whether Alabamans may seek redress for the wrongful death of an embryo.
First Edition: Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers break down these public health concerns.
American Biologists Share Nobel Prize For Work On Discovery Of MicroRNA
Victor Ambros’ discovery of gene activity by microRNA in 1993 was considered an anomaly at the time. Further work by Gary Ruvkun broke the doors wide open for its study and its potential for treating cancer and other diseases.
Out Of The Trash Bin: How Cobenfy’s Unusual Journey Could Change Pharma
Bristol Myers Squibb’s schizophrenia drug, which received FDA approval last week, took a long and winding road to get there. Three decades ago, Eli Lilly developed the drug’s forerunner, xanomeline, in an attempt to treat Alzheimer’s. Could more pharma companies learn from this example?
CMS Proposes Rule That Targets Rogue Brokers Switching Obamacare Plans
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released the proposed regulation Friday to update rules governing the Affordable Care Act that would enable stricter oversight of health insurance marketers. Bad actors have been switching people’s health plan enrollment without permission.
Third Human Case Of Bird Flu Suspected In California
Test results are pending on a worker who had contact with infected herds, California officials report. Meanwhile, federal scientists are studying H5N1 genes in dairy workers in search of mutations that may facilitate the transmission of the virus from animals to humans.
Trump Pivots On Support For Controversial Plan To Slash Drug Prices
Former President Donald Trump had previously promised to bring back an executive order he signed in 2020 to ensure Medicare paid no more than other developed nations for prescription drugs, but Stat reports he has now backed away from it. Also, a preview of health-related cases on the Supreme Court docket.
Planned Parenthood Won’t See Funds Under Trump’s Watch, Vance Vows
On another front in reproductive rights, Florida’s Health Department has promised legal action against a local TV network if it continues to run a campaign ad advocating for the right to abortion care. Also, longtime abortion critic Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is curiously quiet about the subject these days.
Hurricane Helene Predicted To Disrupt Kids’ Lives For Years To Come
The New York Times reports that Helene — the deadliest hurricane since 2005’s Katrina — will likely affect tens of thousands of kids’ lives for many years. In North Carolina, there is no timeline for the reopening of Baxter’s plant, where much IV material is manufactured.
Overdose Deaths Drop 10%, Data Show
Over a 12-month period ending in April, about 101,000 people died after overdosing. More news tied to opioids is about telehealth treatment, tracking prescriptions, gift cards for negative tests, and more.
First Edition: Monday, Oct. 7, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Scurvy May Be More Common Than We Think; Is Melania Trump Really Pro-Choice?
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Mississippi Health Department Ups Distribution Of Free Naloxone
Also in news from around the nation: a hospital requirement in Florida and Texas to ask patients about their immigration status, a new health care option for small businesses in Oklahoma, and more.
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 the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, getting sober, antibiotic resistance, mpox, and more.
