Latest KFF Health News Stories
Different Takes: Americans, Especially Teenagers, Are Struggling With Mental Health
Editorial writers tackle the mental health crisis in America.
Ohio Lt. Gov. Says Residents Near Train Crash Can ‘Drink Bottled Water’
Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, a Republican, drank tap water to show it’s safe, the Hill reported, but he said local residents could switch to bottled water if they remain concerned over health risks after the toxic train derailment. In New York, news on Mayor Eric Adams’ new mental health plan.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
Health Providers Struggle With Worsening Issue Of Worker Shortages
Primary care practices, insurers, doctors, residents, and nursing homes are at all at the center of a critical challenge widely impacting the health care industry around the nation.
Humana Reveals Plans To Exit Employer-Based Insurance Market
News outlets report on a new strategy from health insurer Humana: it will take up to two years to exit the employer-based insurance business, and instead focus on government-backed programs like Medicare Advantage. Amazon, SimpliFed, DaVita, Teledoc, and more are also in the news.
Big Tech: Data’s Racial Biases Must Be Fixed Before AI Health Care Expands
With generative AI in the news, Google and Microsoft officials spoke on the use of AI in health care, highlighting problems from implicit racial biases built into health data. Meanwhile, CIDRAP reports that celebrity Twitter users helped swing public opinion on pandemic responses.
Majority Of States Fail To Keep Lead Out Of School Drinking Water
A new analysis out Thursday found many American school children are at risk of lead exposure when drinking water at school — 27 states earned an “F.” Other public health news is on food stamps; Ozempic and childhood obesity; weather’s impact on health; hunger; and more.
Senators Renew Push For Research On Health Impact Of Forever Chemicals
Senators are backing the Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act with the goal of driving research into the health impacts of PFAS contamination. And actor Mark Ruffalo joins advocates raising awareness of the issue. Separately, lawmakers are scrutinizing the patents around cancer drug Keytruda.
Far-Reaching Judicial Decision Looms On Fate Of Abortion Pill Mifepristone
Vice President Kamala Harris is meeting with reproductive rights groups at the White House Friday and speak in defense of the drug used in medicated abortions, as well as the “authority” of the FDA, a U.S. official told Reuters. News outlets look ahead to a critical decision expected soon from a Texas judge.
Opioid Crisis Cited As Top Public Health Threat By Republicans: Poll
In a survey, 37% of Republican respondents view the fentanyl-opioid crisis as the biggest U.S. public health threat. 17% of Democrats ranked the epidemic as their top concern. In other news, Kansas moves closer to joining other states that are legalizing fentanyl test strips.
First Edition: February 24, 2023
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Covid; Ivermectin; Parkinsons
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
EPA Will Pay Attention To People’s Symptoms After Ohio Train Incident
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan says the agency will not “second-guess” symptoms reported after the toxic train derailment incident. Newsweek explains local residents may get Medicare for life. Meanwhile, Florida’s surgeon general is investigated.
Most Americans Wouldn’t Trust Their Health Provider’s Use Of AI
A Pew Research poll reported on by the Hill shows a majority of Americans wouldn’t be comfortable with health providers relying on artificial intelligence as part of care — only 39% would be comfortable. Meanwhile, the CDC has recommended that Bavarian Nordic’s mpox shots be given to all adults who are at risk.
Study Shows Forever Chemicals Upset Youngsters’ Key Biological Processes
A new study shows exposure to forever chemicals can disrupt metabolism of fats and amino acids in children and young adults, potentially leading to risks for a variety of illnesses. Separate research shows pancreatic cancer rates are rising faster for women than for men.
Gun Violence, Opioids Worry People — But Costs Are Top Health Concern
A new Axios-Ipsos American Health Index study shows that health care costs worry Americans the most. In Florida, a young boy’s death from Strep A is driving concerns about the infection. Separately, the CDC says the flu shot provided relatively good protection this season.
No Changes To Alzheimer’s Drug Restrictions Planned: CMS
Reuters reports that a request from the Alzheimer’s Association to reduce coverage limits on Alzheimer’s treatments has been turned down by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Separately, the debt ceiling fight is being used to “fend off” changes to private Medicare Advantage plans.
Law Firms, Abortion Rights Groups Create Legal Defense Network
Organizations like the Center for Reproductive Rights and the ACLU are teaming up to provide legal support to patients and abortion providers as laws shift in the states. Other abortion stories are reported from New Mexico, Kentucky, North Carolina, and elsewhere.
Bans On Gender-Affirming Care Advance; Ind. Targets Kinsey Institute
AP reports Indiana lawmakers advanced a bill that would ban “all gender-affirming care” in the state, in a move opponents say targets trans people. CBS News says a bill in Texas would also ban nearly all gender care. And in Indiana, lawmakers moved to block state funding for the Kinsey Institute.
