Latest KFF Health News Stories
KP.3.1.1 Covid Variant Is Now Behind Majority Of New Cases In US
CDC data also show that subvariant KP.2.3 is responsible for around 1 in 10 new cases. The two “KP” variants are part of a covid variant group known as “FLiRT.” Meanwhile, Brigham researchers revealed a drug-free nasal spray that may block covid infections, and also flu and colds.
Florida Cities Wrestle With State’s Strict Anti-Homelessness Law
As of Tuesday, it’s illegal in Florida to sleep on sidewalks, in parks, on beaches, or in other public spaces. Other news from around the nation is on medical marijuana in Arkansas, accusations of bias against Walmart, and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Five Key Health Insurers Reveal 2025’s Medicare Advantage Plans
The announcements by Cigna, CVS, Humana, Centene, and UnitedHealth were made ahead of the beginning of Medicare Advantage enrollment, which begins Oct. 15. Among other news, a top California health plan will offer one of the world’s top-selling drugs, Humira, for free to show how skirting middlemen can improve drug affordability.
Consumer Watchdog Spotlights Illegal Medical Debt Collection Tactics
In related news, the Debt Fairness Act went into effect Tuesday in Minnesota. Also, Chinese and U.S. health officials agree to increase cooperation on global health affairs, and more.
What’s Most Important To Voters? According To A Poll, Medicare And Health Costs
Respondents in the Gallup Poll of more than 3,600 adults ages 18 and older also said health care isn’t getting as much attention as it should. In other election news, Kamala Harris goes on an ad blitz, and Donald Trump downplays troops’ brain injuries as “headaches.”
Viewpoints: Pelvic Exam Rules Need A Revamp; Should Marijuana Use Affect Chances For Transplant?
Editorial writers tackle these public heath issues.
Federal Abortion Ban Is Off The Table, Trump Pledges During VP Debate
The Republican presidential nominee, who has previously dodged such a commitment, said he would veto any measure that takes away states’ responsibilities. His announcement came after his running mate, J.D. Vance, conceded that Republicans are losing ground on the issue.
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.
