Latest KFF Health News Stories
Using Smartphones Too Much Can Hurt Teens’ Mental Health: Study
CBS News reports that scientists have found more evidence that links excessive smartphone use with damage to teenagers’ mental health. Separately, reports say a teenager from New York is suing Meta over the “addictive” features built into Instagram.
Colorado Funeral Home Ordered To Pay $950 Million Over Stashed Bodies
AP reports that the home was allegedly storing 190 rotting bodies and had sent fake ashes to grieving families. But the families might not see the money as the company had been in financial trouble for years. Also in the news: Baltimore’s opioid crisis; Missouri nursing home inspections; and more.
Red Cross Urgently Needs Blood Donors
The organization said its national blood inventory dropped by more than 25% since July 1. In legal news, a second trial win for GSK and a lawsuit from the family of Henrietta Lacks. Other pharma and tech news is on Adaptimmune, Roche, BioMarin, and more.
As 700 Hospitals Face Closure Risks In 2024, Big Providers’ Profits Soar
Axios notes the rich-poor divide in U.S. hospitals actually widened in the first half of the year, with big, mostly for-profit health systems reaping rewards as smaller, remote facilities struggled. Tenet Healthcare, Steward Health Care, Novant Health, and more are also in the news.
Three More H5N1 Outbreaks Confirmed In Dairy Cattle, USDA Reports
Some 181 outbreaks in 13 states are now confirmed, CIDRAP reports, with the latest being from Colorado, South Dakota, and Texas. Meanwhile, reports say that as raw milk grows in popularity, its producers are having to tread carefully amid bird flu and increasing expert scrutiny.
Plus, it’s official: Vice President Kamala Harris has secured the Democratic nomination for president.
Cancer Screenings In The US Cost Roughly $43B A Year, Study Shows
The study’s author says that figure is probably higher, though, because of limitations on the data collected. Despite the hefty price tag, the American Cancer Society chief executive maintains that “early detection allows a better chance of survival. Full stop.”
Millions Left Uninsured As States Redetermined Medicaid Eligibility
As reported by Stat, more than 27 million people had no form of health insurance as of March 2024, compared with more than 25 million people at the same time in 2023, the CDC reported Tuesday.
First Edition: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Study: People With Chronic Pain Aren’t Given Mental Health Help They Need
An analysis found that these patients’ needs were underserved “at almost every point” in the U.S. health system, The Washington Post reports.
To Improve Care Access, Drugstores Are Experimenting With New Designs
The Chicago Tribune reports on drugstores across the country trying out smaller locations and other tricks to tempt shoppers. It’s a bid to boost access to care and build better customer connections. Separately, the FDA says all doses of Eli Lilly’s diabetes and weight loss drugs are available.
Almost 1,250 Workers Will Lose Jobs In Steward Hospital Closures In Mass.
The company, which is in bankruptcy proceedings, says it is “acutely aware” of the hardships the laid-off staffers will face. Modern Healthcare, meanwhile, notes that the health industry mergers and acquisitions business is picking up.
Warnings Issued For Eastern Equine Encephalitis In Mass. And Vibrio In Texas
Also in the news: chronic wasting disease, mpox, covid test shortages, and more.
As FDA Ponders MDMA Approval, Questions Linger Over Drug Trial Data
Some people who took part in the studies for a PTSD treatment reported worsening thoughts of suicide — a side effect that wasn’t included in the study’s final results.
Officials Try To Keep Medicare Part D Premiums Steady As Elections Loom
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reports on nurse visits that are less about treating Medicare Advantage recipients and more about allowing insurers to get more government cash.
Maternity Homes, Aimed At Halting Abortions, Expanding Across US
The network of transitional care homes has increased 23% since Roe v. Wade was overturned. Meanwhile, as states tighten restrictions on abortion, some low-income women are finding it hard to secure affordable birth control. Also, a look at Louisiana’s new laws.
Challenge To Abortion-Rights Ballot Initiative Renewed In South Dakota
At issue is whether the group that collected signatures to get the measure on the Nov. 5 ballot acted in accordance with state law. Ballot initiatives in Arkansas and Montana also are in the news. Elsewhere, maternity care deserts expand in Iowa, while New Mexico courts doctors from Texas.
Viewpoints: Performance-Enhancing Drugs May Be Placebos; End Rumors Of Secondhand Fentanyl Overdoses
Editorial writers tackle these issues and others.
First Edition: Monday, Aug. 5, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss youth suicide and guns, ACL tears, caregiving, and liquid biopsy.
