Latest KFF Health News Stories
Drug Overdose Deaths Stop Rising But Remain High
The opioid crisis isn’t over, not by a long shot, according to data released by the CDC. Meanwhile, California’s legislature is taking a new approach to the fentanyl crisis by focusing on treatment, not punishment. Bills calling for an increase in punishment for dealing have been watered down or stalled.
While a House subcommittee advances a bill to make pharmacy benefit managers’ business more transparent, the FTC widens its probe into their impact on drug prices. Separately, some senators are probing Medicare Advantage plans.
Abortion Map Quickly Redrawn; Entire Southeast On Verge Of Blocking Care
South Carolina’s legislature passed a six-week ban on abortion. Meanwhile, Illinois moves to lock in its access to abortions. In other news, Donald Trump attempts to take credit for the end of Roe v. Wade (but sidesteps an answer on supporting a six-week ban).
Appeals Court Weighs Mifepristone Case
Judges of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Louisiana appeared to be leaning toward limiting access in a hearing that Politico labeled as “surreal.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
J&J Covid Vaccine No Longer Available In US; Advances Made In New Antibiotic Creation
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KFF Health News Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Editorial writers discuss a new cancer vaccine, indoor air quality, fat phobia, and more.
Arizona Reveals Plan To Tackle Medicaid Fraud
The AP reports that Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs and other top state officials will target group homes, which they say have defrauded the state for hundreds of millions of dollars. Separately, Missouri officials unexpectedly terminated a rule that had targeted trans care.
Historically Black Medical Schools: ‘We Need To Train More Doctors’
The heads of historically Black medical schools met with Sen. Bernie Sanders in a roundtable at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta to discuss the nation’s health care workforce shortage. In related news, Connecticut doesn’t want mandated staffing levels for hospitals. Also, more developments and new ventures in artificial intelligence for the health care industry.
More Than A Quarter Of Americans Are Depressed
So says a new Gallup poll. A new study finds chronic pain is more common among Americans than other common chronic conditions like depression or diabetes. The NIH is starting a study of how genes and lifestyles influence weight. Also, a study on excessive deaths among Black people and that soft contact lenses may contain “forever chemicals.”
Amid Skyrocketing Demand, Insurers And PBMs Limit Weight Loss Drugs
With soaring demand for weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, the Wall Street Journal says officials are moving to restrict access to some of today’s “buzzy drugs.” Some pharmacies are even offering unauthorized Ozempic alternatives.
FDA Says Pfizer’s Maternal RSV Vaccine Is Effective For Protecting Newborns
The vaccine is given late in pregnancy, and the FDA says it cuts the risk that newborns will need to see a doctor for RSV symptoms or be admitted to the hospital before 6 months of age. Media outlets report on the news, noting research that says covid public health measures may have boosted the resurgence of RSV.
White House To Push For Better Access To Naloxone
Reuters reports that White House officials will try to meet with makers of the opioid overdose reversal drug, with the goal of improving access and reducing costs. Meanwhile, the University of Oxford will cut ties with the Sackler family after criticism over their links to the opioid crisis.
Work Requirements Remain At Crux Of Debt Negotiations
Republicans don’t appear to be budging from their desire to have work requirements a condition of receiving health care coverage. But they want to boost spending for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
NC Lawmakers Override Governor’s Veto, Uphold 12-Week Abortion Ban
The new law comes into force July 1. In Montana, Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte also signed more bills to limit abortion access. Also, a survey about tokophobia, the fear of childbirth.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Too Many People Are Dying From TB; What Is The Right Age For Breast Cancer Screening?
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
After Months Of Turmoil, Envision Healthcare Files For Bankruptcy Protection
Elsewhere in health industry news, Thomas Jefferson University, a not-for-profit health system in the Philadelphia region, lost $177 million in the nine months ending in March; CommonSpirit cut jobs though it narrowed its quarterly loss; CVS Health will close its clinical trials operation; Dr. Edna Adan Ismail wins the Templeton Prize; and more.
Legislation that includes a “red flag” provision now awaits the signature of Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, who is expected to sign it. Meanwhile, Tennessee goes in the opposite direction.
