Latest KFF Health News Stories
Army Rebukes Maine Shooter’s Superiors For Ignoring Health Concerns
The disciplinary action against Sgt. 1st Class Robert Card’s superiors prevents them from advancing in their careers, Military.com reports. The investigation into the shooting rampage also revealed a civilian psychiatric hospital tried to have Card committed.
Health Officials Confirm Wind-Down Of Federal HIV Meds Program
The Ready, Set, PrEP program will cease new enrollments at the end of July — its mission has been to distribute free HIV medication to the uninsured. Also in the news, FEMA is set to expand call center staff so it can cut down call waiting times.
Steward Health Care Has Secured Bids For All Its For-Sale Mass. Hospitals
Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, told reporters she’d received qualified bids for all the hospitals in Massachusetts that the beleaguered for-profit chain was trying to sell during its bankruptcy proceedings. Plus: reports of staffing challenges and broken equipment at Steward.
Senators Press To Update Disabilities Law To Include All Tech Accessibility
Proposed bill aims to shore up Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to include websites, software, and other infrastructure that was left out when the law was amended in 1998.
As Bird Flu Spreads, Colorado Orders Weekly Testing Of Milk Supply
Meanwhile, health officials are advising Americans to be aware of the seasonal spreads of hantavirus, West Nile virus, and dengue fever. Elsewhere, walnuts sent to food bank warehouses in Texas and Arizona have been recalled over listeria concerns.
Lawmakers, PBMs Play Blame Game During Tense Hearing On Capitol Hill
Members of the House oversight panel blamed the PBM industry for high prescription prices, but executives from three major pharmacy benefit managers—CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum Rx—pointed the finger at manufacturers.
Biden’s Decision To Step Out Of The Race Hits Home For Older Americans
Older citizens and aging experts bring a well of empathy toward President Joe Biden for his decision, The Wall Street Journal reports, with many voicing support and others raising concerns of ageism. In related aging news: Retirement may get trickier the longer a person waits, and more.
To Mobilize Voters, Harris Turns The Conversation Back To Abortion Rights
The issue, a cornerstone of the 2024 Democratic campaign, has been on the back burner while the party debated whether President Joe Biden should stay in the race. Other abortion news is from Iowa, Louisiana, and Florida.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these issues and more.
Golden Gate Bridge Nets Already Deterring Suicide Attempts
Though very delayed, the $200 million-plus suicide nets installed along the Golden Gate Bridge appear to be acting as intended, with data showing around half the number of attempted suicide jumps typical for this point of the year. Also in the news: brain care scores, the endless news cycle, dementia and napping, and more.
Pfizer-Backed Lyme Disease Vaccine Passes Important Milestone
The effort, from Pfizer and its French partner Valneva SE, may result in a vaccine that could hit the market in 2026, pending trial results. Also in the news: H5N1 avian influenza infects two more, a sewage leak closes two L.A. County beaches, and more.
Owner At Center Of Louisiana Nursing Home Storm Fiasco Sentenced
A Louisiana nursing home owner was sentenced to three years’ probation for his role in events during Hurricane Ida in 2021, when more than 800 residents were moved to squalid conditions in a warehouse. Other news includes a gender care restrictions in Florida, a backlog of rape kits in Maryland, a drug overdose plateau in Los Angeles County, and more.
For First Time, Most New HIV Cases Happened Outside Sub-Saharan Africa
A United Nations report looks at progress and pitfalls of the effort to end the global AIDS health threat. Although infections are trending down, it says, efforts to prevent AIDS by 2030 won’t happen without urgent action now.
Robitussin Maker Will Stop Saying Medicine Is ‘Non-Drowsy’
A consumer lawsuit had alleged the cough and flu medicines did actually cause drowsiness despite the claim on the bottle. Meanwhile, J&J is nearing a deal on an $8 billion talc settlement.
Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Against UnitedHealth Over Change Hack
The National Community Pharmacists Association and 39 medical providers are suing UnitedHealth, alleging that they are still waiting for payments as a result of the ransomware attack that shut down its affiliate company Change Healthcare for months.
Abortion Ban Stands After Iowa Supreme Court Swats Away Appeal
Enforcement of the law could start this week when a lower court judge lifts the injunction blocking it. In other news, the U.S. House has delayed action on a pair of funding bills that contained abortion riders. Also, anti-abortion researchers float riskier procedures to end a pregnancy in an emergency.
Report: US Flexed Diplomatic Muscle To Weaken Baby Formula Safety Regs
A ProPublica investigation finds that officials in the Biden administration have challenged baby formula regulations in more than half a dozen countries, advocating for the interests of manufacturers like Abbott and Mead Johnson. Critics say those efforts are undermining public health.
House Investigation Finds PBMs Steer Patients To Costlier Drugs
Higher spending and reduced patient choice are what PBMs achieve when they’re involved in the drug sales process alongside manufacturers and pharmacies, a House investigation found. Meanwhile, as more generic meds hit lower prices, shortages of drugs rise, a study found.
As Harris Moves Into Spotlight, Focus Tightens On Dems’ Health Agenda
News outlets examine the role Kamala Harris could play in continuing the long-term health goals of the Democratic party, stepping into the battle for abortion rights, and the way these matters could energize voters. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s age and health are revived.
