Latest KFF Health News Stories
Blue Cross Restructure Plan Upsets North Carolina Regulator
State Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey complained about the bill passed by the House Health Committee because it could allow nonprofit Blue Cross to transfer billions to a holding company instead of returning some of the surplus to policyholders. “This is the people’s money,” he argued.
Concerns Over Melatonin Gummy Safety Amid Rising Child Poisonings
USA Today notes that a sixfold rise in poisonings from melatonin supplements among U.S. children over a decade are driving concerns over the unregulated sleep aid. Separately, a crackdown against salmonella in breaded raw chicken, anxiety risks linked to fried food, and more are also in the news.
Physicians Continue To Dismiss Symptoms Of Those With Long Covid
The Conversation reports on cases of “medical gaslighting” experienced by people suffering long covid, even though new research on the condition is readily available. Axios remarks that the FDA is asking for data from patients who’ve turned to unproven remedies for the illness.
Nursing Shortage May Get Worse With Visa Slots Running Out
The State Department recently announced that most green card allocations for foreign nurses have been filled, and that only people who applied before June 2022 will be considered for the remaining slots — even if the applicant has a job offer in the U.S. Health groups worry this will exacerbate the already stretched corps of nurses in this country.
Assault Weapons Ban Signed Into State Law In Washington
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, signed a trio of gun reform measures into law Tuesday, including one that outlaws assault-style firearms like AR-15s and AK-47s. The restrictions are already being contested in court.
Sanders And Cassidy Agree On Targeting PBMs In Drug Costs Bill
News outlets report on political progress made during bipartisan efforts to boost access to generic drugs, with a goal of increasing transparency demands on PBMs. Separately, a Medicare official has insisted drug price negotiations will include how important a drug is to patients.
How Many Would Go Uninsured Under House Debt Limit Plan?
Two estimates vastly differ. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office’s review of the House bill projects that about 600,000 would lose coverage with its proposed Medicaid work requirements. A Biden administration analysis says that 21 million people are at risk.
‘Secret Shopper’ Study Reveals Hospitals’ Confusion Over Abortion Laws
Oklahoma has two abortion laws on the books that allow for, but don’t define, an abortion in a medical emergency. When researchers called 34 hospitals in the state to inquire about their practices, they found that none could articulate a clear policy.
Tuberville Holds Up 184 More Military Promotions In Abortion Policy Protest
Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama, says he will block Defense Department personnel moves that must be authorized by the Senate until the Pentagon halts its new abortion policy.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Florida Panel Allowed To Subpoena Some Gender Care Medical Records
Politico notes the Florida House Committee on Health & Human Services is “GOP-led” and is seeking records from two medical organizations that “support gender-affirming treatment for minors.” Meanwhile, in Missouri, the ACLU is suing to block restrictions on adults’ and children’s access to gender care.
Enforcement Powers Of Medical Board Of California To Get A Boost
The medical board may soon get a “significant boost to its enforcement powers” under a proposed shakeup, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports, but some critics say the changes aren’t extensive enough. Also in California, efforts to add diversity to a physician training program bear fruit.
Study: Primary Care Opioid Addiction Treatment Can Lower Overdoses
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh says people with opioid addiction who seek help in primary care settings may have lower overdose risks and longer lives than if they seek help elsewhere. Separately, fentanyl exposure risks for first responders is explained as being “extremely low.”
Weight-Loss Drug Frenzy Could Worsen ‘Fatphobia,’ Patients Say
As Stat reports, there is little consensus about whether treatments for obesity and eating disorders can safely coexist at all within the medical system. Other health industry news is on UW Health, Clover Health, Outcome Health, and more.
Florida Surgeon General Altered Study To Imply More Covid Shot Risk
New investigations reported by Politico say Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo personally altered key findings from a state-driven study to suggest cardiac death risks “to be more severe than previous versions.” Also in the news: an in-depth interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci.
House Debt Ceiling Bill Hinges On A Few Republicans Who Want More
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy says his debt ceiling package will move ahead to a vote unchanged, despite some rank-and-file members of his caucus advocating additions. The measure currently proposes work requirements for people to qualify for Medicaid and food assistance.
North Dakota Enacts One Of Nation’s Most Restrictive Abortion Laws
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a Republican, signed a ban on all abortion except for cases of rape, incest, or medical emergency in which it is only allowed in the first six weeks of pregnancy. In Colorado, a new law administering unproven abortion reversal drugs is challenged in court.
How Old Is Too Old? Voters Will Decide As Biden Announces Reelection Bid
At 80, Joe Biden is already the oldest U.S. president, and he would be 86 at the end of a second term. Does his age bring wisdom or liability? Many elderly voters support his candidacy, and some doctors have previously said the president is likely a “super-ager.” But many younger voters aren’t convinced.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
