Latest KFF Health News Stories
J&J’s New Move Against Drug Discounts Is Charging Hospitals Full Price
The Wall Street Journal reports Johnson & Johnson informed certain hospitals that they’ll now have to pay full price for two drugs that were previously sold at discount rates — then claim a rebate. But the government is already said to have described the plan as “inconsistent” with the law.
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
Researchers Raise Alarm Over Levels Of Plastic Found In Human Brains
Samples of brain tissue collected early this year contain more shards of plastic than samples collected eight years ago, a study found. Also in the news: a possible microbiota-based treatment for recurrent C Diff.
Walmart Great Value Apple Juice Recalled For High Arsenic Levels
Also in public health news: a diarrhea-causing parasite in Yellowstone County, Montana; a wildlife biologist contracts tularemia; the challenges of tracking heat-related deaths; and more.
Trump-Vance Ticket Expresses A More Moderate Note On Abortion
While the Republican presidential nominee pledges to be “great for women and their reproductive rights,” his running mate indicates a federal ban on abortion isn’t their goal. Democrats are skeptical: “American women are not stupid,” said Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
Harris-Walz Platform Includes Effort To Wipe Out Americans’ Medical Debt
Details about how the plan would work are few, and bringing it to fruition would require Congress and the states to work together. Also in the news from the Capitol: FDA delves deeper into Ecstasy studies; a judge blocks an EPA pollution effort; and more.
Fresh Round Of Free Covid Tests, Treatments Coming This Fall
In response to the latest covid wave, the federal government will reopen in late September its order-by-mail program for four free covid tests. Supplies of the antiviral drug Paxlovid also will be available at no charge for people with Medicare or Medicaid as well as those who are uninsured.
Fauci Still Recuperating After Bout With West Nile Virus
“By far, this is the worst I’ve ever been with an illness,” the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said. Separately, some Massachusetts communities are closing outdoor areas after dusk in hopes of halting the spread of eastern equine encephalitis.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are about total knee replacement, Matthew Perry, Pfizer, haute cuisine, and more.
EU Countries Scolded, Urged To Share Mpox Stockpiles With Africa Now
A WHO official said if countries are “not willing to share, then we are not going to be able to stop the next pandemic.” France has already pledged 100,000 vaccines. Also, an infection in Thailand was confirmed as clade 1b — the new deadly mpox strain.
Editorial writers discuss these public health topics.
Deal Wipes Out $366M In Medical Debt For 193,000 Southerners
The debt-canceling agreement involves patients of Ochsner Health’s hospitals and clinics in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Other news from around the nation comes from Florida, Texas, California, New Jersey, Missouri, and Iowa.
After False Advertising Accusation, EpicGenetics Halts 2 Blood Test Sales
Also in the news, gene-editing startup Tome Biosciences; insights into near-death experiences from psychedelics; the cost of Eisai and Biogen’s Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi; and more.
Steward Asks Pennsylvania To Pony Up $1.5M To Keep Sharon Hospital Open
State officials are considering the request even as a judge has determined that it’s OK for the bankrupt hospital operator to close two other facilities in Ohio. Also in the news, Evolent Health, Mission Hospital, the Veterans Administration, and more.
Accepting Nomination, Kamala Harris Hammers Abortion Bans, Project 2025
The Democratic nominee for president did not mince words when discussing Republicans’ restrictions on women’s health care: “Simply put, they are out of their minds.” Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, in an interview before Harris’ speech, again said he has “no idea” what Project 2025 is.
Arkansas Supreme Court Ruling Keeps Abortion Initiative Off The Ballot
The state’s Supreme Court justices decided 4-3 to uphold Republican Secretary of State John Thurston’s rejection of a ballot measure — saying that paperwork was not submitted on time — that would have put the question of expanding abortion access before voters this November.
Updated Covid Vaccines Will Be Here In Days. Will People Line Up?
The FDA on Thursday gave the green light for Pfizer and Moderna’s updated shots, which target a strain of omicron called KP.2. It’s unclear whether the shots will help with this summer’s covid wave because it takes about two weeks after vaccination for an immune response to kick in.
First Edition: Friday, Aug. 23, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these health topics and others.
