Latest KFF Health News Stories
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
White House Is Trying To Mitigate Increase In Medicare Drug Premiums
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Editorial writers examine these issues and more.
PFAS Levels In New Moms Might Be Linked To Shorter Breastfeeding
The New Hampshire study results were driven largely by PFOA, or perfluorooctanoate. And in other PFAS news, Air Force lawyers who are fighting an EPA order to clean up contaminated drinking water in Arizona say the Supreme Court’s recent “Chevron” ruling renders the agency’s decision moot.
Eli Lilly Opens Company Hub For Gene-Based Treatments In Boston
In other news from across the country: U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) had a mild stroke but escaped “lingering” symptoms; the first diagnosed human case of tick-borne Powassan virus in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; fentanyl overdoses in young Californians; and more.
Local Officials Have No Plans To Save Boston’s Carney Hospital From Closure
Employees were told neither state nor city public health authorities will take over the facility by eminent domain. Carney Hospital, owned by troubled Steward Health Care, is thus still slated for closure by Aug. 31. Other reports say Steward is selling its physician group to Rural Healthcare.
CDC Warns Of Surging Fifth Disease
CNN notes that the proportion of people with recent parvovirus B19 infections climbed to 10% in June, and children ages 5 to 9 had the highest increase. Meanwhile, federal officials concerned about rising H5N1 have been testing retail dairy products and haven’t found live avian flu virus in any samples.
Biden’s ‘Cancer Moonshot’: $150M Will Go Toward Tools To Help Surgeons Remove Tumors
The research funds will be allocated to eight colleges and universities across the country, including a team at Tulane, where President Joe Biden spoke Tuesday. The president also focused on the need to break down research “silos” and improve information sharing, Fox News reported.
Missourians To Vote On Whether Abortion Ban Will Stand Or Fall
An initiative to enshrine abortion protections in the state’s constitution gathered enough signatures to make the November ballot. Ballot measures in New York and Florida also are in the news.
First Edition: Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss these issues and others.
Giving Kids Digital Tablets Too Young Can Lead To Anger Flare-Ups
A new study highlights the risk of giving electronic tablets to young children. Separately, officials link a cooling tower to five cases of Legionnaires’ disease in New Hampshire. Also in the news: risks of ever-longer mosquito seasons, and a new food advocacy group that’s tackling additives.
All 99 Eligible North Carolina Hospitals Join Medical Debt Relief Initiative
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s plan gives extra payments to hospitals that forgive debt and improve charity care. “This is a major deal,” said Deborah Maxwell, president of the North Carolina NAACP, who had urged hospital CEOs to participate.
Health Care Nonprofits’ Cash Reserves Fell To 10-Year Low, Report Says
New debt coupled with less cash on hand could spell trouble for providers later this year and beyond, researchers warn. Also in the news: ACO REACH revisions, home health hiring, and more.
None Of The 25 Most-Used Lab Tests Can Diagnose Long Covid, Study Finds
The goal is to provide a diagnosis so that people suffering with long covid can receive appropriate care as quickly as possible. In a separate study, researchers discovered that among all age groups, teenagers were at greatest risk for severe covid.
Arizonans Will Vote On Abortion This November
The state confirmed Monday that abortion-rights supporters submitted enough signatures for the issue to appear on the ballot. Under current law, abortions are banned after 15 weeks. If the measure passes, abortions would be protected by the state constitution and available until viability, around 24 weeks.
A Drink A Day Won’t Keep Ailments Away, Researchers Find
A new study debunks the claim that light to moderate drinking is good for the heart. It also found alcohol consumption raises the cancer risk “from the first drop.” A separate study projects cancer deaths among men worldwide will skyrocket 93% by 2050.
First Edition: Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Overturning Roe Has Had Worldwide Consequences; We Must Get Mpox Under Control
Editorial writers tackle these issues and others.
Study Finds Women, Black People Have Lower Survival Chances After CPR
The causes for the stark differences in survival rates found in the study are not clear. White people were three times more likely to live than Black people, and men were twice as likely to survive as women. In other news, an infant formula recall, health labeling for alcoholic drinks, and more.
