Latest KFF Health News Stories
Californians Face Long Wait Times When Calling Medi-Cal, Analysis Finds
Researchers found that it takes almost an hour to get someone on the line. However, one public social services official says their figures show shorter wait times. Elsewhere, Delaware has new laws governing mental health care for youth, and Iowa hasn’t issued gun permits for school employees.
OxyContin Maker Purdue Pharma Gets FDA’s OK For Overdose-Reversal Device
The device, called Zurnai, is the latest in a string of approvals for products that use nalmefene, essentially a more powerful version of naloxone, Stat explains. But Stat goes on to say that the news is likely to spark anger on multiple fronts.
L.A. Care Health Plan Streamlines Preauthorization Process
The insurer has removed about 14,000 billing codes that would require prior authorization, including for lab tests and specialty care visits. Also in health industry news: the No Surprises Act, McLaren Health Care cyberattack, VillageMD, and more.
CDC Updates Guidance On Addressing Pain Control Before IUD Insertion
As The New York Times reported, it’s the first time federal health officials have recommended that doctors should counsel women before the procedure, which some say can be excruciating. It might lead to doctors using anesthetics more often.
Study Is First Proof That Covid Sets Off Reaction That Leads To MIS-C
The study on multi-inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C, was published Wednesday in the journal Nature. Meanwhile, covid is surging in at least 84 countries despite an incorrect assumption from some people that the pandemic is over. Plus: More dengue in Hawaii.
Despite Bans, Abortions Rise In US
Nearly 100,000 pregnancies are being terminated each month, according to #WeCount data, with a greater percentage of them being medication abortions. Moreover, one in five women are turning to telehealth for the care they need.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these health issues and others.
Michigan’s McLaren Health Care Warns Of Possible Delays Amid IT Issue
The disruption affected computer systems and phones and led to warnings that some nonemergency procedures might be delayed. CBS News noted that McLaren was hit by a ransomware attack last year.
Four Historically Black Medical Schools To Share $600M Bloomberg Donation
The money from Bloomberg Philanthropies is aimed at boosting the population of Black health care providers, Modern Healthcare explains.
As Covid Surges, Program That Offers Free Vaccines Nears Its End
The CDC’s Bridge Access Program is expected to run out of funds this month, making it harder for people who can’t afford covid shots to get them. Separately, California’s Contra Costa County revives mask recommendations. Also, a health warning was issued over oysters from Lewis Bay on Cape Cod.
Depressive Symptoms Among Teen Girls May Be Lessening
A CDC survey shows glimmers of improvement for teenage girls: In a 2023 poll, 53% of high school girls reported feeling persistent sadness, down from 57% in 2021.
Trans Prisoners In Connecticut Entitled To Gender Care, US District Court Rules
Meanwhile, a Franklin County, Ohio, judge upheld a law banning gender-affirming care. Separately, The Hill reports a group of Republican lawmakers are pushing the NCAA to “update” its rules to ban trans women from women’s sports.
Anti-Abortion Investors Press Retail Giants To Quit Selling Mifepristone
Costco, Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, and McKesson Corp. haven’t responded to a letter sent by a faith-based group that holds $172 million in shares of the companies. Meanwhile, hundreds of physicians are calling on the Biden-Harris administration to do more for abortion rights.
Weedkiller DCPA Pulled From Market Over Health Risks To Fetuses
“Pregnant women who may never even know they were exposed could give birth to babies that experience irreversible lifelong health problems,” an EPA official said. Separately, citing a lack of safety evidence, lawmakers are moving to have weighted sleepwear for infants taken off the market.
Analysis: Trump’s Speaking Style May Be Indicative Of Cognitive Decline
The GOP presidential nominee’s speeches “included more short sentences, confused word order, and repetition, alongside extended digressions,” said several experts in memory, psychology, and linguistics. They declined to offer a formal diagnosis without being able to examine him.
Tim Walz Says Life Experiences Formed His Outlook On Health Care
The Democratic governor of Minnesota, who was announced Tuesday as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, supports abortion rights, trans rights, fertility care, veterans’ health initiatives, Medicare drug price negotiations, Medicaid expansion, recreational marijuana, and more.
First Edition: Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Republicans Must Care About Extreme Heat Deaths; Fertility Treatments Should Be Insured
Editorial writers discuss these issues and others.
Using Smartphones Too Much Can Hurt Teens’ Mental Health: Study
CBS News reports that scientists have found more evidence that links excessive smartphone use with damage to teenagers’ mental health. Separately, reports say a teenager from New York is suing Meta over the “addictive” features built into Instagram.
