Latest KFF Health News Stories
Insurers Begin To Tackle Complex Mental Health Compliance Rules
The industry is tasked with bringing mental health services in line with medical benefits in an effort to make it easier for Americans to find the care they need. Elsewhere, St. Paul plans to streamline its 911 services, and 988 counselors contend with “bogus sex calls.”
Neuralink ‘Blindsight’ Brain Implant Gets FDA ‘Breakthrough Device’ Nod
The device is a variant of Neuralink’s brain implant technology, in this case designed to “enable even those who have lost both eyes” to see, according to owner Elon Musk. Separately, progress is reported in a gene therapy program to beat macular degeneration.
Ascension Suffered $1.3 Billion Hit From Cyberattack, Analysis Finds
The attack happened in May, forcing Ascension to close access to its electronic health records, and now financial data analyzed by STAT shows how much impact the hack had on the nonprofit hospital system. Separately, critics say the federal response to health industry cyberattacks is weak.
House Bill To Extend Pediatric Rare Disease Aid Clears Committee
Passage of the measure would tee it up to be added to government funding legislation. It also would ensure the voucher program would be in place another five years. Meanwhile, the House rejected the stopgap spending bill as the deadline to avert a government shutdown nears.
Report: US Ranks Worst In Health Care Among 10 Developed Nations
NBC News reports on the new data from The Commonwealth Fund, which found that Americans die the youngest and experience the most preventable deaths, despite that the U.S. spends nearly double what the other nine countries do. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Francis Collins are also in the news.
First Edition: Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Read recent commentary about pharmaceutical issues.
High-Dose Kratom Capsules Are Safe, First FDA Study Of Compound Finds
The botanical has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia, Bloomberg notes, but it’s more commonly found in drinks and concentrates in the U.S., triggering the research effort. Separately, financial incentives for kidney donors; changing research standards on trans issues; and more.
Express Scripts Sues FTC, Calls Report About Drug Middlemen ‘Erroneous’
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Viewpoints: Obamacare Comes Out On Top; Religious Exemptions For Vaccinations Should End
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
CDC Launches Program to Reduce Diagnostic Errors, Boost Safety
The goal is to reduce the impact of incorrect diagnoses, or delayed ones, which can occur for many different reasons and seriously impact the safety of patient care. Among other news, New Hampshire’s attorney general demands answers from Exeter Hospital about plans to cut services.
Ozempic Could Be Included In Next Round Of Medicare Price Cuts
Also, Sen. Bernie Sanders spoke up again about Ozempic’s manufacturer Novo Nordisk, alleging that it can make and sell its weight loss drug for under $100 a month. Meanwhile, CNN notes that GLP-1 drugs in pill form are coming, and this may revolutionize weight loss treatments.
Polio-Like D68 Virus With Paralyzing Potential Is Spiking Among US Children
The respiratory virus is linked, in rare cases, to acute flaccid myelitis, which affects the nervous system. Meanwhile, flu deaths among kids for the 2023-24 season tied the U.S. record high of 199.
Harris Floats 7% Cap On Child Care Costs For Working Families
The policy initiative previously was proposed by President Joe Biden. Meanwhile, the U.S. House today is set to vote on funding the government. The Washington Post reports that it doesn’t have enough support to pass.
IVF Bill Again Blocked By Republicans; Competing Senate Measure Fails, Too
The Democratic measure, which would have ensured federal protections to the fertility treatment, failed 51-44. The GOP bill, which focused on access to IVF, did not gain unanimous consent to pass. Meanwhile, AP and ProPublica report about pregnant women who have died since Roe v. Wade was overturned.
US Drug Overdose Deaths Plunge 10%
NPR reports that some researchers believe the data could show an even larger drop, beyond the 10.6% drop that CDC data shows, when federal surveys take stock of state-level improvements. Separately, more than a quarter of those in Baltimore know someone who fatally overdosed.
Alcohol May Be To Blame For Increase In Cancer Rates, Researchers Find
Even though cancer death rates have fallen, the report notes, moderate and light drinkers saw more cancer deaths than occasional drinkers.
First Edition: Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Tune In: Our ‘Silence In Sikeston’ Project Is Now Available
A multimedia reporting project from KFF Health News, Retro Report, and GBH’s WORLD explores the impact of a 1942 lynching and a 2020 police shooting in the same rural Missouri community.
