Latest KFF Health News Stories
Florida Accused Of Overreach As It Uses Taxpayer Cash To Fight Abortion Issue
Even as Republican leaders seek to preserve the state’s six-week abortion ban, Florida health officials are warning providers that they face regulatory actions if they don’t offer life-saving care to pregnant women in emergency situations.
Scientists Pinpoint Which Animals May Have Spread Covid At Wuhan Market
The list of animals included the raccoon dog, hoary bamboo rat, dog, European rabbit, Amur hedgehog, Malayan porcupine, Reeves’s muntjac, Himalayan marmot, and masked palm civet. The new research doesn’t prove that the animals were infected by the virus, CNN explains, but that their DNA was found very near the virus, creating a strong possibility the animals were infected at the market. NPR takes an even deeper dive into the market’s “Stall A.”
Congress OKs $3 Billion Stopgap For VA
The appropriations measure comes with a stipulation that the department explain why it has a budget shortfall. Also, veterans at five facilities in the Pacific Northwest and Ohio are being alerted that prescription drug copayments soon will be required once again.
First Edition: Friday, Sept. 20, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Diabetes Drugs; Covid; Cardiometabolic Diseases
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
CDC Reports 22 More Oropouche Virus Cases
The total number of Oropouche cases has now reached 74 across five states, mostly in Florida. In other news, a study found that cancer patients who are overweight are more likely to receive a second cancer diagnosis later.
Gov. Beshear Halts Conversion Therapy For Minors In Kentucky
The Democratic governor’s executive order that outlaws the disproved practice, which is intended to change a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation, goes into effect immediately. Plus: news from Indiana, New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, Alabama, California, and elsewhere.
Insurers Begin To Tackle Complex Mental Health Compliance Rules
The industry is tasked with bringing mental health services in line with medical benefits in an effort to make it easier for Americans to find the care they need. Elsewhere, St. Paul plans to streamline its 911 services, and 988 counselors contend with “bogus sex calls.”
Neuralink ‘Blindsight’ Brain Implant Gets FDA ‘Breakthrough Device’ Nod
The device is a variant of Neuralink’s brain implant technology, in this case designed to “enable even those who have lost both eyes” to see, according to owner Elon Musk. Separately, progress is reported in a gene therapy program to beat macular degeneration.
Ascension Suffered $1.3 Billion Hit From Cyberattack, Analysis Finds
The attack happened in May, forcing Ascension to close access to its electronic health records, and now financial data analyzed by STAT shows how much impact the hack had on the nonprofit hospital system. Separately, critics say the federal response to health industry cyberattacks is weak.
House Bill To Extend Pediatric Rare Disease Aid Clears Committee
Passage of the measure would tee it up to be added to government funding legislation. It also would ensure the voucher program would be in place another five years. Meanwhile, the House rejected the stopgap spending bill as the deadline to avert a government shutdown nears.
Report: US Ranks Worst In Health Care Among 10 Developed Nations
NBC News reports on the new data from The Commonwealth Fund, which found that Americans die the youngest and experience the most preventable deaths, despite that the U.S. spends nearly double what the other nine countries do. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Francis Collins are also in the news.
First Edition: Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Read recent commentary about pharmaceutical issues.
High-Dose Kratom Capsules Are Safe, First FDA Study Of Compound Finds
The botanical has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia, Bloomberg notes, but it’s more commonly found in drinks and concentrates in the U.S., triggering the research effort. Separately, financial incentives for kidney donors; changing research standards on trans issues; and more.
Express Scripts Sues FTC, Calls Report About Drug Middlemen ‘Erroneous’
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Viewpoints: Obamacare Comes Out On Top; Religious Exemptions For Vaccinations Should End
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
CDC Launches Program to Reduce Diagnostic Errors, Boost Safety
The goal is to reduce the impact of incorrect diagnoses, or delayed ones, which can occur for many different reasons and seriously impact the safety of patient care. Among other news, New Hampshire’s attorney general demands answers from Exeter Hospital about plans to cut services.
Ozempic Could Be Included In Next Round Of Medicare Price Cuts
Also, Sen. Bernie Sanders spoke up again about Ozempic’s manufacturer Novo Nordisk, alleging that it can make and sell its weight loss drug for under $100 a month. Meanwhile, CNN notes that GLP-1 drugs in pill form are coming, and this may revolutionize weight loss treatments.
