Latest KFF Health News Stories
As Heat Deaths Rise, Air Conditioning Is A Health Necessity, Expert Says
Researchers examine energy inequality and the effect it has on public health. Meanwhile, Death Valley — already the hottest place on Earth — just registered the highest average July temperature ever recorded anywhere: 108.5 F. Other reports note that wildfires are causing unhealthy, smoky conditions across much of Colorado.
Experimental Medicaid Waiver Program Begins In New York
Crain’s New York Business reports on the “1115 waiver” program that kicks off this month. Medicaid cash will be used in new ways, such as paying for housing, nutrition, and transportation. In Florida, meanwhile, Medicaid enrollment numbers went down another 59,000 in June.
Popping An Aspirin Regularly Might Lower Colorectal Cancer Risk: Study
The benefits are especially pronounced for people who live unhealthy lifestyles. Also in the news: FDA approval for an immunotherapy treatment for rare sarcomas; the shortage of blood culture bottles; Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug shortage; and more.
2 Texas Farmworkers Had Bird Flu; Flies In Japan May Be Spreading Virus
The flies involved are a type of blowfly that is attracted to rotting meat and active in winter. The flies are suspected in the bird flu deaths of nearly 2,000 wild cranes in southern Japan.
VA Slip-Ups Made During Full Disability Claim Assessments Cost $100M
An inspector general’s report found that about 75% of claims were improperly processed. More military health news is on delayed claim payments and a burn pit registry.
More Hospitals Performed Badly In CMS’ 2024 Star Ratings Than In 2023
In other news, Medicare reimbursements for inpatient hospital care will go up 2.9% in fiscal 2025, higher than the 2.6% that was proposed in April. Plus: updates on Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, Steward Health Care, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, and more.
Feds Offer Potentially Huge Rewards For Health Care Fraud Whistleblowers
Under a pilot program from the Justice Department, whistleblowers might receive up to 30% of the first $100 million in net proceeds forfeited in a case and up to 5% of proceeds between $100 million and $500 million, Becker’s reported.
Abortion Still Allowed In Utah As Legality Of Trigger Law Gets A Look
In Arizona, with an 1864 abortion ban put on hold, the attorney general contemplates taking the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Meanwhile, an Equity Forward analysis found that states have increased spending on anti-abortion centers by almost $500 million.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Depression; Covid; Hearing Loss; Trust In Doctors; More
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: Mental Health Care Needs An Overhaul; Why Is FDA Stalling On New Sunscreens?
Editorial writers discuss these issues and others.
As Covid Surges in California’s Bay Area, Vaccines Are Becoming Scarce
Positive test rates are at a 30-month high, the San Francisco Chronicle reports, and because of dwindling availability, it’s harder to find places to get a shot. Meanwhile, a new study highlights the risks from the rate of undetected bird flu infections in people.
Nearly Half Of Dementia Cases Can Be Prevented Or Delayed: Study
In the new research, published in the Lancet medical journal, scientists found that addressing problems including vision loss, high cholesterol, and depression may help head off dementia. Also in the news: red meat and dementia risk; a 24/7 mental health care center in Maryland; and more.
Drugs Like Wegovy Can Cause Some To Develop Eating Disorders, Doctors Say
Even as some doctors warn that people who take weight loss drugs may risk developing disorders like anorexia, researchers separately find that Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug Zepbound dramatically lowered patients’ heart failure risks.
4.2% Medicare Pay Raise Coming To Nursing Homes In Fiscal 2025
The rate is higher than the 4.1% the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposed in March. Also in the news: Humana predicts losing a few hundred thousand Medicare Advantage members next year; Google is not renewing its contract with Amazon One Medical for staff care; and more.
Private-Equity Firms Are Gutting US Health Care Facilities, Study Says
Hospitals are finding it harder to care for patients when equipment, information technology, and other assets are taken away after private equity buys hospitals. Separately, surprise medicals bills and insurance denial fights are also in the news.
Republicans Pressing To Give Fetuses Same Rights As People
Missouri Rep. Brian Seitz, a Republican, wants to reintroduce a fetal personhood bill, with possibly dramatic consequences for reproductive health treatments like abortion and IVF, Stateline reports.
Older Americans Act Renewal Wins Bipartisan Support Of Senate Panel
The $15 billion measure, which bumps up spending more than 40%, now heads to the full Senate.
Pentagon Sets Out To Woo Patients, Doctors Back To Military Health System
The Defense Health Agency has been tasked with building a top-notch workforce and regaining the trust of service members around the globe. Separately, although veterans’ benefits are on the line, Senate conservatives are reluctant to get behind a bill to address the VA’s budget shortfall.
In Controversial Interviews, Trump Stirs Up Issues Of ‘Birtherism,’ Racism
In recent days, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has attacked Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity and religious views. Health research has shown that experiencing racism can dramatically impact a person’s health, and many cities have declared racism a public health crisis.
