Latest KFF Health News Stories
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on the opioid crisis, “magic mushrooms,” cancer, and health tracking rings.
Beware Of Canned Meats Illegally Imported From Philippines, USDA Says
The warning addresses ready-to-eat meat products shipped to Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia. Also in public health news: Olympic wastewater monitoring, the latest trend in tween skincare, human longevity, and more.
Study: Risk Of Long Covid Is High For Pregnant Women Infected With Virus
The findings said nearly 1 in 10 pregnant women who caught covid went on to develop long covid. Meanwhile, a separate study found that long covid was more likely to occur after a first infection compared to a reinfection.
As Big PBMs Dangle On A Hook, Smaller Players Surface For A Bite
As Modern Healthcare explains, the newer entrants are trying to set themselves apart from giants CVS, Cigna, and UnitedHealth and are passing along drug rebates, disclosing cost negotiations, reimbursing pharmacies at higher rates, and more.
2,400 Patients At Oregon Hospitals May Have Been Exposed To HIV, Hepatitis
An anesthesiologist might not have followed infection control practices, officials told AP. Former patients of Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center in Oregon City and Providence Portland Medical Center are being notified to get a blood screen.
Pfizer Plans Clinical Trials For Its Once-A-Day Weight Loss Pill
A twice-daily version of the drug, named danuglipron, was scrapped late in 2023, but the new drug is now advancing toward clinical trials in a once-daily format.
Most US Adults Support Protecting Access To IVF: Survey
According to a new AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, 6 in 10 U.S. adults support protecting IVF access. When it comes to the complex issue of the destruction of unused embryos, opinions are more mixed — 4 in 10 people are “neutral” about banning it.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Foodborne Pathogens; Post-Covid Loss Of Smell; Meningococcal Vaccine; RSV Vaccine
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Editorial writers tackle H5N1, clinical trial diversity, and addiction.
Research Identifies Immune System Issues As Cause Of Lupus
A new study illuminates the pathway that lupus follows as it develops, with abnormalities in sufferers’ immune systems as a root cause. Also in the news, an AI disease diagnosis startup, and obituaries for two pioneering medical scientists.
Medicaid Coverage For Unhealthy ‘Medically Tailored’ Meals Questioned
A report in Stat says that some “dietitian-approved” meals that are being delivered to homes of seriously ill people are actually salty and packed with fat, throwing their “medically tailored” label into sharp contrast. Meanwhile, Medicaid taxes on hospitals are helping cover state budgets.
Death Toll From Extreme Heat Nears 30
The bulk of heat-related deaths are in California and Oregon, states that have seen a string of triple-digit temperatures. Meanwhile in Texas, where Hurricane Beryl blew through, officials have opened NRG Arena to hospital patients who have been discharged but cannot safely return home just yet.
Officials Propose Rule To Improve Health IT, Software Interoperability
The new rule from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology is designed to improve interoperability between payers, public health bodies, and providers via a voluntary certification system. Also in the news: Doctors use AI chatbots to battle insurance denials.
GAO Says FEMA Needs To ID Lessons Learned From Covid Pandemic
CIDRAP looks at a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), which assessed how FEMA estimated spending from January 2020 to March 2024. Also in the news: Michigan’s bird flu response; H5N1 in five more dairy herds and three more cats; and more.
Navy Experiencing Uptick In Suicides As Sailors Report Increasing Stress
The military branch has lost 24 of its own to suicide in just the first quarter of this year, Pentagon data show. Other military news is on retirement and disability benefits, death benefits for family members of ROTC cadets, and a mother’s plea.
Arkansas Secretary Of State Denies Attempt To Put Abortion On The Ballot
In a letter to a group hoping to amend the state Constitution to allow the procedure up to 18 weeks of pregnancy, the state said the “petition is insufficient on its face for failure to obtain the required 90,704 signatures.” Arizona, Florida, and the U.S. Senate also are in the news.
Medicare Physician Payments May Fall 2.9% In 2025
A proposed CMS rule would see doctors taking a 2.9% Medicare pay cut next year. The AMA and other medical societies have sharply criticized the suggestion. Meanwhile, CMS also proposed to raise outpatient hospitals reimbursements 2.6% next year.
Feds Plan To Sue CVS, UnitedHealth, Cigna Over Drug Rebates: Source
A person familiar with the investigation who asked not to be named said the complaint is still being drafted but could be filed this month, the Los Angeles Times reported. In other pharmaceutical news: the price of Ozempic, updates on the Abbott trial, tanning pills, and more.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
