Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Should Insurance Cover Weight-Loss Drugs?; Pentagon Created Anti-Vaccine Nightmare
Editorial writers tackle these issues and more.
House Panel OKs Bill To Expand Medicare Coverage Of Weight Loss Drugs
Four bills advanced Thursday out of the House Ways & Means Committee would increase Medicare’s coverage of pricey weight loss drugs and cancer screenings but with more restrictions than previously proposed legislation. A measure would also allow greater discretion by Medicare for covering FDA-approved medications and devices.
Health Care Fraud Probe Leads To 193 People Charged In $2.75B Schemes
The charges stem from the illegal distribution of stimulants, improper billing for treatment, and filing false claims for telemedicine, the Justice Department says. In other news, public health entities and providers have been cautioned about the potential for phishing and ransomware attacks.
Walgreens To Shutter ‘Significant’ Number Of Stores Over Next 3 Years
Citing an unsustainable pharmacy retail model, Walgreens says 25% of its store locations are underperforming and will be considered for closure over the next three years.
Florida Governor Snubs Public Health Advisory On Gun Violence
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also vetoed a bill that would have allowed the Department of Health to close contaminated beaches and pools. He argues such a measure would usurp local authority. Colorado and Delaware also are in state health news.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on menopause, food as medicine, the telehealth industry, and more.
Updated Covid Shots Advised This Fall For All But The Youngest Americans
The recommendation comes as the country is experiencing a summer surge related to a group of variants commonly referred to as FLiRT.
Biden, Trump Swap Exaggerations On Abortion, Medicare, Insulin At Debate
But President Joe Biden’s age (81) and physical performance at Thursday night’s debate — he often struggled to find the right words — overshadowed all of the health topics the two men discussed.
This Isn’t Over: Both Sides Pressing On For Clarity On Emergency Abortions
The Supreme Court’s ruling that preserves federal “necessary stabilizing treatment” rules in a case out of Idaho should apply nationwide, some contend. Others argue states’ rights should prevail.
Supreme Court’s Purdue Ruling Tosses Curveball Into Opioid Settlements
Following the decision to nix the bankruptcy deal, which would have shielded the Sackler family from future claims, Purdue Pharma and many of the state attorneys general who sued the company over its role in the opioid crisis pledged to restart negotiations on a new settlement agreement.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Vaccination; Celiac Disease; Remdesivir; Depression
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: We Must Tackle Cost, Access For New HIV Shot; Canada Gets Addiction Treatment Right
Editorial writers discuss HIV drug Lenacapavir, addiction treatment, abortion, and more.
Think Multivitamins Are Good For You? You May Think Again, Say Researchers
Health data from nearly 400,000 Americans reveals that people who take multivitamins are actually at a slightly higher risk of premature death than people who don’t, a study found. Meanwhile, data show that alcohol-related health problems are surging.
Holograms Bring 3D Imagery To Doctor-Patient Visits In Texas
ABC News says Crescent Regional Hospital near Dallas might be the first in the U.S. to use life-sized hologram imagery. Among other news: Indiana acquires lethal injection drugs, heat-related ER visits, a maternal health bill, and more.
Calls To LGBTQ Youth Crisis Hotline Have Increased With Alarming Speed
As USA Today reports, the 988 LGBTQI+ Subnetwork received about 480,000 calls, online chats, and texts from July 2023 to May 2024. It saw a 12% month-over-month increase from July to April.
FDA’s Late Guidance Tackles Lack Of Diversity In Clinical Trials
The FDA issued draft guidance that outlines steps drugmakers and device manufacturers should take to improve representation of women and people of color in clinical testing.
Walmart Ends Its Primary Care Effort, Will Shut All Clinics Friday
The retailer’s virtual care platform and all 51 clinics in five states will be shut down. In other news, CMS is proposing a net 1.7% Medicare pay cut to home health agencies for 2025 — a sum arrived at after a 3.6% spending cut is offset by other factors.
Health Conditions Decide Which Elders Under 75 Need RSV Vaccine, CDC Says
Although all Americans 75 and older are recommended to get the shot, only those in the younger group with chronic heart or lung disease or other high-risk factors would need it, officials concluded.
High Costs, Future Reforms: How Health May Feature In Biden-Trump Debate
Experts weigh in on the subjects they want to hear President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump speak about during tonight’s much-anticipated presidential debate. How health care is hitting Americans’ pocketbooks tops that list.
