Latest KFF Health News Stories
As Climate Change Hits Health, Debate Deepens On How Many People It Kills
NPR reports on the question of how many people climate change is killing: It depends on who you ask and how they’re counting. Separately, as utilities cut power to limit wildfires, the power outages are hitting nursing homes.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Ideas For Combating Medical Misinformation; Congress Must Act On Substance-Use Disorder
Editorial writers discuss these issues and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on artificial intelligence, IVF, outdoor therapy, the Sonoran Desert toad, plague, and more.
Texas Officials Reject Insurers’ Pleas Against Medicaid Shakeup
A plan that will shake up coverage for 1.8 million low-income Texans was resisted by several major insurers, but officials rejected their attempts. Also in the news: New Hampshire moves toward legalizing marijuana.
Your Sugar-Free Xylitol Gum? It Might Increase Heart Attack, Stroke Risk
A study links the popular sugar substitute, an alternative for people who are diabetic or trying to lose weight, to an elevated risk of cardiovascular events. Separately, a new drug combination is being tested as a post-stroke therapy.
Bonus Outcome Of Telehealth Cancer Care: A Smaller Carbon Footprint
NPR reports on a new study, which has revealed that telehealth visits and decentralized oncology care have significantly reduced the sector’s carbon impact. In other news: bare-bones hospitals in rural areas, the impact of Medicaid “unwinding” on UnitedHealth, Centene’s finances, more.
Veterans Affairs Nurses Protest Planned Staffing Cuts
About 70 Veterans Affairs nurses from 23 medical facilities across the country gathered Thursday outside the Department of Veterans Affairs headquarters in Washington, D.C., to protest the planned reduction of 10,000 jobs from the Veterans Health Administration.
Whooping Cough Surging In The US After Covid Protocols Fall By Wayside
The highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection has affected more than double the number of people so far this year compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, three more infants have died from the illness in the UK.
Conservatives Zero In On Federal Labor Law To Limit Abortion Coverage
Proposals being floated among presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump’s insiders would make it more difficult for patients with private employer insurance to travel out of state for abortion care, experts contend.
Juul Products Will Stay On Shelves As FDA Reverses Ban During Review
An earlier FDA order for Juul to stop selling its vape products has been lifted as the agency reviews new court decisions and considers updated information provided by the company.
US Owes Native American Tribes For Health Care Costs, Supreme Court Rules
Funds should be allocated to cover expenses that tribes take on when spending money from Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers, the court determined. The government immediately called on Congress to guarantee such funding, estimated to be between $800 million and $2 billion annually, going forward.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: American Stubbornness May Push Bird Flu Into The Next Pandemic
Editorial writers examine pandemic preparedness, opioid use, overdose rates, and MDMA.
Abortion Access Ruling May Offer Only Limited Assurances In Some States
Even if the Supreme Court backs the Biden administration’s contention that abortions may be performed in medical emergencies, doctors’ fear of legal repercussions at state and local levels likely will make them hesitant to perform such care. A court ruling will come out by the end of the month.
Research Roundup: RSV Vaccine Safety; Covid Deaths; Pediatric Studies
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Ailing Civilian Contractors On Their Own To Fight Red Tape Over Burn Pits
While veterans have guaranteed coverage under the PACT Act for illnesses stemming from exposure to toxic burn pits, those serving in nonmilitary roles don’t receive the same access to care.
17% Of US Adults Use Cannabis, Most To Manage Symptoms Like Stress, Pain
Also in health and wellness news: MDMA, grief after an overdose, sleep’s connection to happiness, a “realistic” way to protect kids from ill effects of social media, and more.
Technical Glitch In Indiana Briefly Affected Service Of VA Crisis Line
An issue at a phone carrier’s Indiana facility impacted the Veterans Crisis Line for several hours Tuesday, making it difficult for some callers to get through. In other news, a first-of-its-kind initiative will launch across four states in the fall to tackle the youth mental health crisis.
Lawmakers Split Over Federal Nursing Home Staffing Rules
The battle over the CMS mandate got more complex Wednesday as a bipartisan group of senators tried to kill the rule, which would require nursing homes to provide at least 3.48 hours of care per resident, per day, and have a registered nurse available 24 hours a day.
