Latest KFF Health News Stories
House Debt Limit Bill Passage Puts Pressure On Senate
Democratic leaders in the Senate say the measure passed by the House last week — that includes controversial work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP recipients, among other health policies — is dead on arrival. But the economic clock is ticking for lawmaker action.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Texas Bill Would Prosecute Fentanyl Deaths As Murder
The Dallas Morning News said the bill won early approval from the Texas House on Thursday, even as protesters opposed the idea. In California, bills to target people in the fentanyl supply chain were blocked over concerns of mass incarceration. And Pennsylvania is set to ban supervised drug sites.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on aging, abortion, sex, vaccines, marijuana, and more.
Marlboro Maker Says California’s Flavor Ban Is Impacting Cigarette Sales
Altria Group’s local sales, Bloomberg reports, show that California’s ban on flavored tobacco is having an impact — though consumers may be turning to the illicit market or adding their own menthol. Meanwhile, a group of people with disabilities are suing to upend California’s assisted suicide law.
Already-Beneficial Mediterranean Diet May Offer Strong Diabetes Protection
NBC News reports on a study that suggests an even stronger link than previously realized between eating a Mediterranean diet and reduced risks for diabetes. CNN, meanwhile, reports which diets the American Heart Association recommends for heart health.
Inability To Travel For Appointments Causes 1 In 5 To Skip Health Care
Over 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. over the previous year have skipped a medical appointment because of a lack of access to a vehicle or public transport, a new study says. In other news, the “messy truth” about AI in medicine, and a correction to a medical study co-authored by Stanford’s president.
Eli Lilly Says Diabetes Drug Mounjaro Also Works As Weight-Loss Treatment
Mounjaro isn’t yet approved for weight loss, but in two trials it’s been found effective with similar side effects as other medications — hence USA Today says it’s “likely” to be approved for this purpose this year. Among other news, a young girl will get a drug for treating “bubble boy disease.”
CDC Will Lower Covid Vaccine Requirements For International Travel
One dose of Pfizer or Moderna will soon be considered OK for travel to the U.S. Separately, charges will be levied against former officials of a veterans’ home where nearly 80 people died from covid. The virus has also been detected in California mule deer — the first in a wild animal in the state.
Teenagers’ Mental Health Is Flailing, CDC Survey Shows
More teen girls thought about and attempted suicide in 2021, the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey found. High school students are also struggling with sexual pressure, gun violence, unstable housing, and other stressors.
More Transparency On Worker Pay, Wait Lists In CMS Medicaid Proposals
News outlets report on a “slate” of Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Programs transparency changes, including new national standards for appointment wait times and requiring providers to disclose pay rates. Also: other Medicaid-related news, and progress on the debt limit negotiation.
PASTEUR Act Back In Front Of Congress In Effort To Boost Antibiotic Market
The act was introduced in 2020 and 2021 but never received a vote despite bipartisan support, CIDRAP says. Also from Capitol Hill: The Equal Rights Amendment fails in the Senate.
Abortion Rights Supporters Score Wins In Nebraska, South Carolina
A near-total ban on abortion has failed in South Carolina, and a ban on abortions at six weeks has faltered in Nebraska. Meanwhile, Washington becomes the first state to adopt new protections for reproductive data.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Antibiotic Resistance; Cancer Tests; Post-Covid; Cognition In Aging
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Editorial writers discuss late-diagnosed autism, vaccine exemptions, abortion bans and more.
Number Of US Adults Who Smoke Cigarettes Hits All-Time Low, But Vaping Is Up
Only 1 in 9 American adults said they were current cigarette smokers, a new government survey reveals. But the same data showed electronic cigarette use is rising to include about 1 in 17 adults. Rising uterine cancer in young, Hispanic women, Havana syndrome, and more are also in the news.
4 Deaths At Seattle Hospital Amid Bacterial Outbreak
Klebsiella, a bacteria often found in health care settings, is behind the outbreak, USA Today says. Separately, a contentious bill restructuring Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina passed quickly through the state House of Representatives. Also, overdose prevention centers are still not allowed in Colorado.
FDA Approves First Pill-Based Fecal Transplant Treatment
The treatment from Seres Therapeutics is said to provide a simpler version of stool-based transplant procedures that some specialists have been performing. Meanwhile, a penicillin G benzathine shortage is hitting the U.S. as syphilis and strep cases rise — it joins other drugs in short supply.
