Latest KFF Health News Stories
Novo Nordisk To Build Second US Factory To Meet Ozempic Demand
As the company faces supply and cost criticisms, Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk A/S says it will spend $4.1 billion to build a manufacturing plant in Clayton, North Carolina, to manufacture the popular drugs Ozempic and Wegovy.
Minnesota City Starts Chlorinating Water To Stem Legionnaires’ Outbreak
Officials have not found the cause of the outbreak, but they know it is linked to the city’s water system. In other news, USDA epidemiologists found that Michigan poultry infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus likely got it from dairy cows.
Health Providers Must Allow EHR Access Or Face Consequences: HHS
A final rule from the Health and Human Services Department aims at discouraging “information blocking,” where providers bar authorized users from electronic health records. Separately, inconsistencies in EHR symptom data fields are highlighted.
Bill Would Stop Real Estate Investment Trusts From Owning Hospitals In Mass.
In the wake of the Steward Health Care System collapse, state lawmakers included a provision in a health care oversight bill that would ban hospitals leasing their sites from REITs — a first-of-its-kind crackdown in the U.S. Also in the news: Hartford HealthCare, Oscar, Centene, and more.
Texas Infant Deaths Increased Nearly 13% In Wake Of Strict Abortion Law
In the rest of the U.S., infant mortality rates climbed just 2% over the same period, an analysis shows. Among other news: Republican anti-abortion ballot initiatives are falling short; Democrats are aiming to repeat success at the polls with abortion-rights candidates; and more.
Supreme Court First: Deciding Whether Minors Will Have Transgender Rights
The court also is weighing in on disability bias, antitrust, the Feres doctrine, and religious covid-vaccine exemptions.
Surgeon General: Gun Violence Is A Public Health Crisis
“The safety and well-being of our children and future generations are at stake,” Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said in an advisory note that also called for a national “commitment” to stop gun violence. Separately, 7 states show progress against the youth mental health crisis.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss these issues and more.
Covid Cases Climbing Across Country As New Variant Is Poised To Dominate
Western states are nearing a “high” level of infection with the summer surge starting earlier this year. Meanwhile, as bird flu continues its spread, farmers are urged to step up measures to protect their workers and herds.
Politico’s analysis finds that Medicaid expenditures for undocumented immigrants in Florida have dropped dramatically since Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law directing hospitals to ask patients about their immigration status.
Raising Hospital Prices Hurts The Local Economy, Study Shows
“Employers that face increases in health care spending respond by laying off workers who they can no longer afford to retain,” said one of the University of Chicago researchers responsible for the study. Meanwhile, Sutter Health gets a legal reprieve after a court found it didn’t double-bill patients.
Anti-Tobacco Critics: FDA’s Menthol Vape Approval ‘Blow To Public Health’
The products, intended as less-harmful alternative to cigarettes, were authorized by the FDA, drawing criticism from pediatricians and anti-tobacco groups. Separately, the Washington Post reports that the tobacco industry is using Black activists to battle menthol tobacco bans.
On 2nd Anniversary Of Dobbs Ruling, Not Much Has Improved For Doctors
Physicians say they’ve developed workflows to help them navigate confusing state laws. Still, they are regularly forced to turn away pregnant patients in need. Meanwhile, learning how to perform an abortion is increasingly tough: Some doctors travel hundreds of miles to Illinois for training.
Texas Updates Abortion Guidelines But Adds Little Clarity Over Exceptions
The Texas Medical Board loosened some paperwork requirements for physicians. Plus: Data show Texas is averaging five abortions a month now.
ACA’s Free Preventive Services Mandate Stands, Appeals Court Rules
The lawsuit was brought by two Christian-owned Texas businesses opposed to covering the HIV-prevention drug. That portion of the case — specifically a panel’s authority — has been sent back to a lower court for review.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial workers tackle these issues and more.
UnitedHealth Ponies Up $1 Million After Denying Access To Birth Control
The settlement with New York effectively ends the probe into the insurer’s violation of the state’s Comprehensive Contraceptive Coverage Act, which mandates all FDA-approved contraceptives without copays, restrictions or delays.
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 PBMs, special education, the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision, gender transition, more.
