Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Research Reverses Idea That Moderate Drinking Is Good For You
News outlets cover the results of a new analysis of alcohol research, which shows that a drink of alcohol or two per day is not healthier than no alcohol at all, different from what was once thought. Separately, the CDC has warned of the risks of eating raw cookie dough amid a salmonella outbreak.
Some Official Investigators At Ohio Train Incident Fell Ill, CDC Says
CNN, reporting the news, notes that seven U.S. government investigators briefly fell ill with sore throats, headaches, nausea, and coughing in March while studying health impacts of the toxic train derailment. Among other news, Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat, was released from hospital.
Syphilis On The Rise Among Newborns In US And Canada
Cases of syphilis, a disease easily controlled by antibiotics, is surging among babies born in the U.S. and Canada. Separately, a new study shows that ignoring social media can actually improve your general and mental health.
J&J Again Blocked From Using Bankruptcy Move Over Talc Payouts
A court ruled that a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary company cannot stay in bankruptcy, which was its intended strategy for dealing with tens of thousands of lawsuits over its talc products. Eye drops, cancer treatments, epidermolysis bullosa, weight loss drugs, and more are also in the news.
Biden’s Salary May Impact Battle Over Health Executive Pay
A bid to limit hospital executives’ pay in Los Angeles may pivot on an unusual point, the Los Angeles Times reports: the pay of the president himself. Also, “float pools,” funding for community health workers, executive changes at CVS health care delivery services, UnitedHealth Group, and more.
Local Anti-Abortion Ordinances Blocked By New Mexico Supreme Court
AP explains that the legal move, in place pending the outcome of a case centered on constitutional rights, follows the state’s recent adoption of a new abortion rights bill. An “expensive” court case deciding the future of abortion in Wisconsin is also in the news.
‘Kraken’ Variant Surging In India Might Be Most Infectious Covid Strain Yet
World Health Organization experts say XBB.1.16 is fueling a steady rise in cases and is “one to watch.” Meanwhile, a treatment called a stellate ganglion block might help people with long covid who are suffering from loss of smell and taste.
Medicare Fund Projected To Run Out By 2031; Social Security By 2033
An annual report by the Boards of Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds warns that both could become insolvent within the next decade without congressional action. If the Medicare Hospital Trust Fund falls short, recipients would face automatic cuts to benefits.
CMS Eases Expected 2024 Payment Rate Cut To Medicare Advantage Insurers
Medicare Advantage providers face a 1.12% average cut in next year’s reimbursement rates, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced Friday — lower after intense industry lobbying than the 2.3% drop regulators had previously proposed. Additional changes aimed at combatting overbilling by providers will be phased in over a 3-year period.
Justice Department Appeals Judge’s Block Of ACA’s Free Preventive Care Measure
The White House said Friday that the Justice Department is appealing a Texas judge’s decision to strike down the Affordable Care Act’s requirements that insurance plans cover preventive care, such as some cancer screenings and drugs like PrEP. Meanwhile, news outlets examine the impact on public health and patients if the ruling stands.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Gunman In 2017 Las Vegas Attack Was Resentful Of How Casino Treated Him
Recently released FBI documents say Stephen Paddock, 64, killed 58 people from a window of the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino because he was “very upset” that high-rolling gamblers were not getting enough perks. Still, behavioral experts have found “no single or clear motivating factor” for his actions, USA Today reported.
Health Tech In Focus At ViVE Event; Google, Salesforce Invest In ER Startup
Modern Healthcare sums up news from the second week of the ViVE conference, where hot topics include AI systems like ChatGPT and data privacy and their impact on health care. Separately, Google and Salesforce have injected venture capital funds for a company called Florence, aimed at hospital emergency rooms.
During Pandemic, Doctors Signed Many More Prescriptions For ADHD
A study shows a surge of ADHD treatment prescriptions during the covid pandemic, especially among adults, with the mental health impact of the crisis possibly exacerbating symptoms. “Skinny labels,” PBM tactics, burned out pharmacists, and more are also in pharmaceutical news.
Researchers ID Covid Variants That Resist Antiviral Treatments
A study into covid virus variants spots several mutations that confer resistance to antiviral treatments like Paxlovid. The changes emerged independently around the world, and could spread. Meanwhile, Hollywood drops its covid safety measures.
North Dakota Governor, Senate Battle Over Trans Pronouns Bill
A bill that would “generally prohibit” public school teachers from using student pronouns different to that assigned at birth was vetoed by Gov. Doug Burgum, AP says. But the Senate then voted to overturn the veto. Meanwhile, in Texas an anti-trans minors’ gender care bill was modified slightly.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on malpractice, menstruation, mental health, prosthetics, and more.
