Latest KFF Health News Stories
Report Cites Struggles Hindering Fatigued FDA Tobacco Regulators
An independent review by a panel of experts finds that the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products is “overwhelmed and reactive,” in particular around outside pressure and lawsuits from tobacco companies and public health groups related to vaping.
Omnibus Deal Delays Some Medicare Pay Cuts, Moves Up Medicaid Cutoffs
As congressional lawmakers rush to avert a federal government shutdown, negotiators released a $1.7 trillion deal Tuesday morning that includes major health policy measures related to Medicare, Medicaid, veteran health, pandemic funding, the FDA, and more.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Paid Sick Time For Parents Can Stop The Tripledemic
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
A Defendant’s Medical Safety Shouldn’t Factor Into Their Bail, NH Court Rules
In other state health news: Avon Products has been hit with a $40 million damages bill in a California lawsuit targeting talc; Missouri churches are acting as child nutrition providers; the potential end of the mpox outbreak in Nevada; and more.
Alaska Misusing Institutionalized Mental Health Care For Kids: DOJ
The Anchorage Daily News covers a “major” Department of Justice investigation into care for children with mental health issues in Alaska, which found kids are “forced” into unnecessary care. Online pharmacy Truepill, ADHD in women, cyberbullying of teens, and more are also in the news.
Common Diet Supplements Useless For Lowering Cholesterol: Study
Six commonly used supplements, like fish oil or garlic pills, marketed for improving heart health did not lower cholesterol, compared with medication or placebo in a study. Potential heavy metal contaminants in dark chocolate and a ban on gas stoves are among other news.
Talk To Your Kids About Fentanyl Dangers, Says Ad Council Campaign
The new Ad Council and Meta Platforms effort aims to spread awareness of fentanyl dangers by having parents talk to their children. Meanwhile, reports say Minnesota and Maine are trying to cope with opioid treatment capacity shortages.
Massachusetts Hospitals Grapple With Serious Financial Woes
A Boston Globe report says many local hospitals, which had been hoping 2022 would mark a financial turnaround, are seeing their worst fiscal performance ever. Modern Healthcare says Mass General Brigham is looking at cost cuts after a financial loss of over $2 billion.
US Anti-Abortion Activist Dismissed From The Priesthood
Frank Pavone, leader of Priests for Life and once religious adviser to former President Donald Trump, has been dismissed from the clergy without possibility of appeal due to disobedience and blasphemy. Separately, reports say the pope prepared a letter saying he’ll resign if medically impaired.
New Covid Booster Does Better Job Of Keeping People Out Of Hospital: Studies
Two small studies indicate that the updated bivalent mRNA covid booster shots more effectively reduce the risk of hospitalization and severe illness than the original booster shot.
Hospitals In Los Angeles Have Few Beds For Sick Covid Patients
L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said the number of available beds is at its lowest since the pandemic started. Across the state, hospitals in San Francisco are struggling to cope with staff shortages. Also: covid news from China and Africa.
‘Safe To Gather,’ But Get Boosted: White House’s Holiday Health Advice
As families prepare to gather for the holidays while covid cases climb in many areas, federal health experts say the top thing you can do to protect yourself is to get the latest covid booster shot. News outlets offer other tips for avoiding the surge of respiratory bugs like RSV and flu.
Whew! The Early Flu Season May Have Peaked — But Is Another Wave Coming?
The CDC’s weekly influenza report showed that the percentage of outpatient visits to health care providers for respiratory illnesses has declined for a second week in a row. Meanwhile, some doctors across the country are reporting shortages of oseltamivir, a generic antiviral drug used to treat flu.
Ransomware Attack Drives Medicare To Issue New IDs For 254,000 Beneficiaries
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says that as many as 254,000 IDs may have been compromised in an online attack of a subcontractor. Other news from the Biden administration reports on a homeless plan, executive orders, transgender health, and Title 42.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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 philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, CRISPR, breast cancer, holiday stress, and more.
Bill That Decriminalizes Fentanyl Test Strips Heads To Ohio Governor’s Desk
The measure is part of a sweeping criminal justice bill passed by the state legislature Thursday. In other news, Iowa has reached a $44 million settlement with Centene, one of its Medicaid service providers, over its billing practices.
A Tattoo Parlor Is Linked To Spreading Mpox To 21 People
CIDRAP reports that piercing or tattooing appears to be linked to mpox infections in 21 people in Spain in July, from 58 total people who were customers of the same tattoo parlor over the same period. Combatting gun violence, and disability rights are also in the news.
Viewpoints: Baby Formula Shortages May Be Coming Back; Millions Set To Lose Medicaid Coverage
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
