Latest KFF Health News Stories
Warnings Raised Over Forever Chemical Impact On Baby Formula
Worries over infant health and development are noted after nanoplastics and forever chemicals are shown to disrupt the chemical structure of important molecules in baby formula and breast milk, Newsweek reports. Weight loss drugs, energy drinks, and the polluted River Seine are also in the news.
ACOs May Get Payment Boost In 2024 Under CMS Proposal
Though physicians are facing a pay cut under CMS’ 2024 proposals, there is an upside in the plan for providers that participate in Medicare Shared Savings Program accountable care organizations: CMS wants to allow high-performing ACO providers to claim a share of the savings they generate early.
World Is Still Behind After ‘Historic Backslide’ In Childhood Immunizations
New data from the World Health Organization and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund shows that globally, we’ve yet to catch up after the pandemic-era drop in routine childhood shots. Also in the news: a window into the structure of proteins in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s disease; Ozempic’s tie to the risk for cognitive problems; and more.
Largest Dialysis Providers Under FTC Antitrust Investigation
The Federal Trade Commission is investigating alleged measures that DaVita and Fresenius Medical Care, the two largest providers in the dialysis industry, have taken to discourage any competition from smaller providers.
FBI: ‘No Indication Of Any Mental Health Issues’ For Trump Rally Shooter
The federal investigation into Thomas Matthew Crooks, who authorities say tried to assassinate former President Donald Trump on Saturday, has not yielded any signs of mental health issues.
Battle Over Medicare’s Physician Pay Rates Might Heat Back Up
With doctor lobbyists pessimistic that Congress will increase physician pay rates overall, it’s expected that primary care doctors and specialists will be left to duel over the available funds. Other news reports on payments for digital mental health therapies.
Tennesseans Have No Right To Amend Sex On Birth Certificate, Court Rules
Long-established policy “predates medical diagnoses of gender dysphoria,” the court says, reasoning it therefore could not have targeted transgender people. Separately, neuroscientists delve into the brain differences between sex and gender.
Democrats Trying To Woo Latino Men With Once-Taboo Abortion-Rights Talk
Signs show Latinos’ views have shifted since Roe v. Wade was overturned. “It is about trusting the people that we love to make those decisions for themselves,” one lawmaker said. Meanwhile, Black men remain reluctant to talk about abortion, indicating it’s not the most important issue for them.
Heat-Related Pavement Burns Rising As Western States Sizzle
Desert Southwest records more surface burns, but extreme heat can be problematic anywhere.
Viewpoints: Clearing Up IVF Misinformation; Safe Help For Teens Shouldn’t Be So Tricky
Editorial writers tackle IVF, teen mental health facilities, long covid, and Medicare drug pricing.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss maternal mortality rates, health care consolidation, gender medicine, homelessness, and more.
House Panel Pares And Passes HHS 2025 Budget Along Party Lines
The proposal includes such Republican priorities as revamping the NIH, protections on limiting abortion access, and trimming Title X family grants. The measure, which still needs full House approval, isn’t likely to pass the Senate in its current form.
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 the opioid crisis, “magic mushrooms,” cancer, and health tracking rings.
Beware Of Canned Meats Illegally Imported From Philippines, USDA Says
The warning addresses ready-to-eat meat products shipped to Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia. Also in public health news: Olympic wastewater monitoring, the latest trend in tween skincare, human longevity, and more.
Study: Risk Of Long Covid Is High For Pregnant Women Infected With Virus
The findings said nearly 1 in 10 pregnant women who caught covid went on to develop long covid. Meanwhile, a separate study found that long covid was more likely to occur after a first infection compared to a reinfection.
As Big PBMs Dangle On A Hook, Smaller Players Surface For A Bite
As Modern Healthcare explains, the newer entrants are trying to set themselves apart from giants CVS, Cigna, and UnitedHealth and are passing along drug rebates, disclosing cost negotiations, reimbursing pharmacies at higher rates, and more.
2,400 Patients At Oregon Hospitals May Have Been Exposed To HIV, Hepatitis
An anesthesiologist might not have followed infection control practices, officials told AP. Former patients of Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center in Oregon City and Providence Portland Medical Center are being notified to get a blood screen.
Pfizer Plans Clinical Trials For Its Once-A-Day Weight Loss Pill
A twice-daily version of the drug, named danuglipron, was scrapped late in 2023, but the new drug is now advancing toward clinical trials in a once-daily format.
Most US Adults Support Protecting Access To IVF: Survey
According to a new AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, 6 in 10 U.S. adults support protecting IVF access. When it comes to the complex issue of the destruction of unused embryos, opinions are more mixed — 4 in 10 people are “neutral” about banning it.
