Latest KFF Health News Stories
Researchers Find Possible Cause Of Voices People With Schizophrenia Hear
New research shines a light into schizophrenic auditory hallucinations: They may be linked to “noisy” or “broken” motor signals sent across the brain when people are preparing to speak. In other mental health news: marijuana use, a potential KP mental health worker strike, gun laws in Massachusetts, and more.
First Mpox Diagnostic Test For Emergency Use Wins WHO Approval
Reuters notes the PCR test, which samples skin lesion swabs, will boost testing in countries with mpox outbreaks. Meanwhile, Ghana has confirmed its first mpox case, though the exact variant is not yet known.
Drug Pricing Law Savings May Disappoint, Budget Experts Warn
The government bill for the law might mean less cash will be saved than hoped, Stat reports. The Medicare Part D drug benefit is estimated to cost $10 billion to $20 billion more in 2025 than projected. Meanwhile, Texas sues PBMs, drugmakers over insulin pricing.
Chasing Votes, Some In House GOP Highlight Their ‘Pro-Choice’ Messaging
The reason for the unexpected swing toward abortion rights? Tightening races, The Washington Post reports. The news comes as former President Donald Trump spoke about encouraging Melania Trump to “write what you believe” about abortion. In advanced previews of her memoir, she appears pro-choice.
California Reports 2 Cases Of Bird Flu In People; EEE Risk Lessens In Mass.
In other news about Eastern equine encephalitis, New Hampshire confirmed a fifth human case in an adult who has died. Plus, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., urges more help from the federal government to fight mosquito-borne diseases.
This Year’s Flu Shot Might Offer Less Protection, CDC Reports
The effectiveness of this year’s flu jab was lower in South America than for last season, which informs the CDC’s analysis about protection the shot may offer people in the U.S. come flu season. CDC data does show the shot lowered hospitalization risks in the Southern Hemisphere dramatically, though.
As Yellow Jackets Buzz After Helene, NC Health Officials Send Allergy Meds
Benadryl and EpiPens are being supplied to counter the sting after floodwaters and fallen trees displaced colonies of the nesting insect. Meanwhile, as the search for victims of the storm enters its second week, many still don’t have running water.
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.
