Latest KFF Health News Stories
Supreme Court First: Deciding Whether Minors Will Have Transgender Rights
The court also is weighing in on disability bias, antitrust, the Feres doctrine, and religious covid-vaccine exemptions.
Surgeon General: Gun Violence Is A Public Health Crisis
“The safety and well-being of our children and future generations are at stake,” Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said in an advisory note that also called for a national “commitment” to stop gun violence. Separately, 7 states show progress against the youth mental health crisis.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss these issues and more.
Covid Cases Climbing Across Country As New Variant Is Poised To Dominate
Western states are nearing a “high” level of infection with the summer surge starting earlier this year. Meanwhile, as bird flu continues its spread, farmers are urged to step up measures to protect their workers and herds.
Politico’s analysis finds that Medicaid expenditures for undocumented immigrants in Florida have dropped dramatically since Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law directing hospitals to ask patients about their immigration status.
Raising Hospital Prices Hurts The Local Economy, Study Shows
“Employers that face increases in health care spending respond by laying off workers who they can no longer afford to retain,” said one of the University of Chicago researchers responsible for the study. Meanwhile, Sutter Health gets a legal reprieve after a court found it didn’t double-bill patients.
Anti-Tobacco Critics: FDA’s Menthol Vape Approval ‘Blow To Public Health’
The products, intended as less-harmful alternative to cigarettes, were authorized by the FDA, drawing criticism from pediatricians and anti-tobacco groups. Separately, the Washington Post reports that the tobacco industry is using Black activists to battle menthol tobacco bans.
On 2nd Anniversary Of Dobbs Ruling, Not Much Has Improved For Doctors
Physicians say they’ve developed workflows to help them navigate confusing state laws. Still, they are regularly forced to turn away pregnant patients in need. Meanwhile, learning how to perform an abortion is increasingly tough: Some doctors travel hundreds of miles to Illinois for training.
Texas Updates Abortion Guidelines But Adds Little Clarity Over Exceptions
The Texas Medical Board loosened some paperwork requirements for physicians. Plus: Data show Texas is averaging five abortions a month now.
ACA’s Free Preventive Services Mandate Stands, Appeals Court Rules
The lawsuit was brought by two Christian-owned Texas businesses opposed to covering the HIV-prevention drug. That portion of the case — specifically a panel’s authority — has been sent back to a lower court for review.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial workers tackle these issues and more.
UnitedHealth Ponies Up $1 Million After Denying Access To Birth Control
The settlement with New York effectively ends the probe into the insurer’s violation of the state’s Comprehensive Contraceptive Coverage Act, which mandates all FDA-approved contraceptives without copays, restrictions or delays.
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 PBMs, special education, the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision, gender transition, more.
Feds Blast State Of Missouri For Putting Mentally Ill Patients in Nursing Homes
It’s a violation of federal disability law, the Department of Justice has now said. Also in the news: a nursing home Medicaid fraud suit in New York, California aims to protect workers from indoor heat, and more.
Gen Xers More Likely To Have Cancer Than Baby Boomers, Study Finds
The rate increases “appeared in all racial and ethnic groups except Asian or Pacific Islander men,” researchers found. Also in the news: depression, migraines, and food insecurity.
Despite Staff Opposition, FDA Official OKs Sarepta’s Duchenne Gene Therapy
Elevidys, which failed a large phase 3 trial last year, is now approved to cover nearly all patients, regardless of age or wheelchair status. Also in the news: biosimilars, covid vaccine recommendations, antibiotics, and more.
WHO and Eli Lilly Issue Global Warning About Phony Weight Loss Drugs
Eli Lilly says it is “deeply concerned” over the spread of fake or compounded versions of tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound. As AP reported, Eli Lilly is the only lawful supplier of those drugs, and it does not provide tirzepatide to compounding pharmacies or online retailers.
Democrats Eye Comstock Act Repeal In Effort To Protect Reproductive Rights
The fear is Republicans will revive the 150-year-old law to further curtail abortion rights, despite assurances from the Biden administration that the law won’t have an impact.
