Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss bird flu, nonprofit hospitals, presidential health, and more.
Listeria Outbreak Linked To Deli Meat Has Now Killed 2, Hospitalized 28
The outbreak has affected people in 11 states. Separately, research into pig transplantation has led to a surprising boon for people with red meat allergy from tick bites: Pork from genetically modified pigs doesn’t trigger their allergic reaction.
As Young Adult Liver-Related Deaths Rise, Trans Adults Face Higher Risk
Research published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology last month found trans adults face double the risk of severe liver disease, and a higher share of cirrhosis from heavy drinking—despite the fact that they comprise less than 1% of the nation’s population. Also in the news: alcohol monitoring in North Carolina, mobile methadone clinics, and more.
New Hampshire Governor Signs Bill Banning Gender Surgery For Minors
Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, also signed a bill banning trans athletes from competing on school sports teams with students that align with their gender identity. New Hampshire is also in the news for relaxing some language rules to boost licensed nursing assistant numbers.
Colorado’s Human Bird Flu Infections May Be Linked To Extreme Heat
The Colorado Sun and Stat report that extreme heat and a dairy cow outbreak may have contributed to bird flu infecting people, including poultry workers. Meanwhile, USA Today covers a report saying the worldwide risk of animal-to-human disease spreading remains high.
Audit Finds One Of The Largest PBMs Overcharged Postal Workers Millions
Express Scripts charged USPS employees an extra $45 million for prescription drugs over a five-year window, a federal audit found. Meanwhile, pharmacy trade groups are lobbying for legislation to regulate PBMs, pointing to the closure of community pharmacies across the U.S.
Experts Note CrowdStrike Bug Is Proof Of Health System’s Tech Weaknesses
A cybersecurity company’s error took down business computers across the planet, including health service systems — forcing hospitals to resort to paper and pens — but experts are also noting that it should be a big warning of health systems’ tech vulnerabilities.
Even After Trump Was Shot, Republicans Downplay Gun Violence
Assassination attempts have led to some of the biggest overhauls to gun laws in the country’s history, but this time it seems unlikely, the Wall Street Journal says. Also: California researchers say repeated exposure to graphic photos and videos is linked to psychological distress.
Biden’s Health Care Achievements Frame His Legacy
President Joe Biden will be hailed for his efforts to lower prescription drug costs, expand health care coverage, protect abortion access, and guide the country through a pandemic, even though a second Trump administration could reverse many health care policies.
Montana, Missouri, And South Dakota Abortion Rights Ballot Pushes Advance
The initiatives in Montana and Missouri have gathered more than enough voter signatures to qualify for the November ballot, officials report. In South Dakota, a judge has tossed a lawsuit that sought to take the measure off the ballot. The anti-abortion group has appealed to the Supreme Court.
Harris’ Health Priorities Could Take More Progressive Stance Than Biden
News outlets look at the policies a Kamala Harris platform would champion should the vice president lead the top of the Democratic ticket. Progressives support her more liberal views.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Biden Ends Presidential Run, Endorses Harris
News outlets cover President Joe Biden’s historic decision to end his campaign for re-election, which he announced Sunday. Biden also voiced his support for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the party’s nominee.
