Latest KFF Health News Stories
Doctors Having To Ration Cancer Drugs Amid Shortages
ABC News reports on impacts ongoing drug supply shortages are having on cancer treatments, with some doctors having to decide which of their patients to treat. Also, Pfizer said an experimental combination of antibiotics is effective at treating some drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Medicare’s Demand For Patient Data On Alzheimer’s Drugs Spurs Debate
As part of plans to cover Alzheimer’s drugs like Leqembi, Medicare is also demanding patients’ doctors take part in a health agency database. Advocates say it will hinder its use. And other health experts question if such pricey drugs with modest successes are worth the cost and safety issues.
Biden Picks Ex-NC Health Secretary Mandy Cohen For CDC Chief: Sources
Dr. Cohen also served under President Barack Obama as chief of staff at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. She helped implement the Affordable Care Act and new payment models at the agency, The Wall Street Journal said. Her selection to replace Dr. Rochelle Walensky won’t be formally announced until later in June, the sources said.
Debt Bill Passes Senate Unchanged With Just Days Left Before Default
Senators voted down 11 amendments to the debt limit deal that would’ve required it to go back to the House, ultimately approving the bill by a 63-36 vote. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the package as soon as possible and will deliver a public address on the matter tonight.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: CRISPR And Schizophrenia
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: Why Are Medical Students Skipping Class?; US Health Disadvantage Is Getting Worse
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
UnitedHealth Changes Policy After Prior-Authorization Controversy
UnitedHealth has abandoned its plan to require prior authorization for colonoscopies and other endoscopic procedures. Meanwhile, in Boston, Compass Medical has announced the closure of all medical facilities.
Sweden Nears Being ‘Smoke Free’; Each Canadian Cigarette To Have A Warning
AP reports on significant anti-smoking developments in Sweden and Canada, with the Scandinavian nation close to being the first smoke-free country in Europe, and Canada dramatically boosting health warnings on cigarettes. Also: contaminated drugs in India, a dengue outbreak in Peru, and more.
Don’t Leave Kids In Cars: 3 Children Die Of Heat Exposure In Recent Days
The victims were ages 4, 1, and 11 months. Their deaths after being left or trapped in hot cars have led to fresh warnings on the dangers of heat. Also in the news: licensing of lactation consultants in Georgia, blood donations from the LGBTQ+ community, elder care in Connecticut, and more.
Research Says The Geometry Of Your Brain May Influence Your Thoughts
A fascinating new study reported by NBC News suggests that as well as the actual connections between brain cells, the physical shape of a human brain can really impact thoughts and behavior. The benefits of exercise for brain health and pain tolerance are also in the news.
FDA Greenlights Another RSV Vaccine
Pfizer’s version was approved Wednesday, just weeks after GSK made history as the first to win approval. Both vaccines are likely to be available this fall, The New York Times said. Other news is on mpox and covid.
Delays Hit Already-Late Army Suicide Prevention Guidelines
Military.com reports a bleak story on Army failures to develop improved suicide prevention policies, including fresh delays driven by an initiative from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. A separate story covers the death by suicide of a soldier at Fort Riley. The mental health helpline is also in the news.
Medicare Says It Will Cover Alzheimer’s Drugs Like Pricey Leqembi
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that it would broadly cover the drugs only after they receive traditional approvals from the FDA. In other industry news, CVS says it will raise prices elsewhere if PBM reforms take effect, and Eli Lilly is now the largest pharmaceutical company in the world by market value.
Fewer New Americans Were Born Last Year; Teen Birth Rate Also Down
Data from the CDC shows fewer babies were born in the U.S. in 2022 compared to 2021, with implications for the future labor force supply. Also, teen births hit a record low. Meanwhile, two abortion bans were struck down in Oklahoma over constitutionality.
Renewal Red Tape, Scams Add To Concerns Over Medicaid Losses
News outlets report on how Medicaid reapplications are faring in Georgia, New York, North Carolina, and other states. And in South Carolina, Medicaid recipients are being targeted by scammers.
It’s Senate’s Turn To Pass Debt Deal, As Regulators Assess Health Policy Impact
In a 314-117 vote, the House approved the debt limit deal brokered between the White House and House Republican leaders aimed at averting catastrophic default. The Senate takes up the bill next. Stat reports on whether measures in the bill will curb health agencies’ ability to pursue big-ticket policy items.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KFF Health News Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
