Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Decline In Childhood Shots Creating Gaps That Could Hurt Herd Immunity
Meanwhile, Moderna begins trials for a norovirus vaccine; dogs are an unexpected source of salmonella; an update on the E. coli outbreak at McDonald’s; and more.
Oregon’s Largest Health Care Strike Is First To Include Doctors
Roughly 5,000 health care providers are striking over staffing levels, pay, and benefits. Negotiations have been going on for over a year. More news is on overdose deaths, abortion pill bans, and more.
Walgreens Making Progress Despite Shrinking Prescription Reimbursement
According to CEO Tim Wentworth, the company has been modifying contracts with insurers who pay for prescriptions and adjusting for high-cost drugs. Meanwhile, the VillageMD sale is moving along.
DOJ To Interview Former UnitedHealth Doctors About Controversial Practices
The DOJ is looking into reports alleging the use of lucrative diagnosis codes by UnitedHealth Group doctors, Stat reports. Other news includes bankruptcies, acquisitions, lawsuits, and more.
FDA Might Soon Weigh Approval Of Pain Pill To Replace Addictive Opioids
Vertex Pharmaceuticals has a new drug called suzetrigine that it says is nonaddictive and would offer an alternative to painkillers such as oxycodone. The company’s application is pending before the FDA, which could potentially approve it by the end of the month, The Washington Post reported.
Catastrophic California Wildfires Will Give Rise To Extraordinary Health Costs
Respiratory and other health issues caused by smoke inhalation — particularly from smoke containing lung-penetrating small particles — is expected to cost billions. Also, the declaration of a public health emergency means more resources are available to address health needs.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Supreme Court To Consider Legality Of ACA’s Preventive Services Mandate
Conservative Texas employers contend in a lawsuit that advisory panels are unconstitutional because the experts who offer guidance to HHS are not confirmed by the Senate or by someone who was. They also argue that being forced to cover some services violates their religious rights.
First Edition: Monday, Jan. 13, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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 aging, autoimmune diseases, Zyn, CES 2025, and more.
FDA Urged To Get A Better Handle On Food Facility Inspections
The Government Accountability Office found a significant drop-off in inspections during the pandemic. The FDA says inspector understaffing has hampered efforts to meet its targets. Separately, the VA has added more cancers to its list of ailments eligible for expedited claims.
In Ranking Of 30 Nations, US Had More Overdose Deaths Than Anyone
Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, came in second on the list from the nonprofit Commonwealth Fund, and Scotland was third. One possible reason given for the United States’ ranking is that America has a larger supply of fentanyl than the other countries listed, The Hill noted.
Editorial writers discuss the following public health topics.
States With Abortion Restrictions Are Losing Young, Educated Population
Meanwhile, the New Mexico Supreme Court unanimously voted to protect abortion rights; a new program in Washington allows pharmacists to prescribe abortion pills via telehealth; medical students in Texas create AI abortion care training; and more.
In Letter To Senate, 15,000 Doctors Say They’re ‘Appalled’ By RFK Jr. Pick
They strongly urged U.S. senators to reject Robert Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead the Health and Human Services Department. “His appointment is a direct threat to … the public,” the letter said. In other news: Donald Trump might be trying to pin a public health threat on immigrants in order to build a case for closing the border.
Federal Judge Rolls Back Protections For Transgender Students Nationwide
While the Biden administration viewed the regulation as protecting the rights of trans students, opponents saw it as harming girls and women who might object to sharing a bathroom with a transgender person, The Washington Post reports. Plus: Meta’s policy change will allow dehumanizing speech against LGBTQ+ people.
Hazardous Air Quality Is Taking A Toll On Californians Caught Near Wildfires
Emergency room doctors report waves of patients with breathing problems as smoke increases fine particulates in the air. Health officials also are monitoring the potential mental health toll wildfires can take on people directly exposed to the disaster.
Med Schools See Steep Drop In Black, Hispanic Enrollees After Court Ruling
Stat reports that the number of Black enrollees fell by 11.6% compared to last year, and the number of Hispanic enrollees fell 10.8%. Also in the news: UnitedHealth Group, Amedisys, Prospect Medical, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, health reimbursement arrangements, and more.
First Edition: Friday, Jan. 10, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
