Latest KFF Health News Stories
CDC Updates Mpox Vaccine Guidance With Specific Travel Recommendations
The Hill reports on the updated recommendations, including that travelers who “anticipate certain sexual exposures” while in countries where clade I mpox is endemic should be fully vaccinated. Also in the news: Biden promises mpox aid, California continues free covid vaccine program, researchers examine covid’s long-term impacts on the brain, and more.
Sanders Grills Novo Nordisk CEO Over High Cost Of Weight Loss Drugs
The Vermont independent says he has secured pledges from the major PBMs that they would not limit coverage of Ozempic and Wegovy if the company lowers its list prices — an announcement that CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen says he wasn’t aware of heading into the congressional hearing.
Catholic Employers May Ignore EEOC Directive On Abortion, IVF, Judge Rules
In granting a preliminary injunction, the judge signaled the rule is a violation of freedom of religion. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans blocked a resolution that would have guaranteed access to abortion care in emergency situations.
First Edition: Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
HIV Infection Rate Tumbled By 20% In San Francisco Last Year
The number of new diagnoses in 2023 was 133, the lowest it has been in decades. The abrupt drop in infections represents a success after years of slow progress against the disease. Also in the news: A study shows diabetes drug metformin might slow aging.
Jurors Reject Mental Illness Argument For Colorado Supermarket Gunman
Lawyers for the gunman, who fatally shot 10 people in a Boulder grocery store in 2021, tried to argue his mental illness made him incapable of knowing right from wrong. Jurors disagreed. Other news includes a battle over a DuPont trust, the drug-related death of a trans activist, and more.
Amneal Pharmaceuticals Sues To Block Colorado’s Free EpiPen Push
Colorado’s law, passed last year, to make Amneal provide free generic EpiPens to pharmacies is facing a challenge from the company, which argues it’s effectively an illegal property taking. Among other news, Purdue Pharma’s settlement talks with the Sackler family are extended to November.
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.
