Latest KFF Health News Stories
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
UM Health-Sparrow Workers Threaten To Strike After Contract Talks Stall
Nurses and other health care workers in Michigan want increased wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions. The five-day strike will start Jan. 20. More industry news is about Blue Shield of California restructuring, a Molina-Innovive partnership, AMD’s investment in Absci, and more.
Opinion writers discuss the following public health topics.
USDA Says 15 More States Have Signed Up For National Milk Testing Program
The program, which began Dec. 6 in the wake of ongoing H5N1 outbreaks at dairy farms, now includes 28 states covering 65% of the country’s milk production. Other public health news is on chronic wasting disease, Guillain-Barre label warnings for two RSV vaccines, and more.
Massachusetts Takes On Private Equity In Health Care
Democratic Gov. Maura Healey said the goal of a new oversight law is to prevent “bad actors [who] exploit vulnerable hospitals.” Meanwhile, a Virginia hospital faces health care fraud charges; San Francisco gets a new mayor and a new plan to deal with the fentanyl epidemic; and more.
As Social Media Misinformation Grows In The US, Other Nations Fight Back
Meta’s decision to stop fact-checking doesn’t apply to the EU, which has sweeping rules that require social media firms to do more, not less, to prevent harm. One Nobel Peace Prize winner warned that Meta’s move could create “a world that’s right for a dictator.”
Biden Administration Bumps Up Annual Cap For Addiction Treatment
Contingency management participants will be eligible to receive up to $750 a year — via voucher or gift card — if their urine tests negative for drugs. Meanwhile, the fate of Affordable Care Act subsidies doesn’t appear to be on thin ice this time around when the GOP takes control of Congress. Plus: Today is a national day of mourning.
UnitedHealth In Hot Seat Over Policies After CEO Slaying Exposes Public Anger
Shareholders have asked for details about how UnitedHealth Group’s tactics that curb care have affected patients. This comes as a Texas doctor details her frustrating experience with the insurer. Meanwhile, in the wake of the killing, J.P. Morgan Chase has increased security for its conference.
Wildfire Smoke A Major Health Threat As Deadly Blazes Rage In Los Angeles
The air quality index is above 500 in some places near the wildfires, which one health scientist called “absolutely huge.” A typical day in the often smoggy city might rank near 60. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people in and around Richmond, Virginia, have no clean water after Winter Storm Blair.
First Edition: Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Outgoing Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s Advice: ‘Choose Community’
Scroll down to our “Editorials and Opinions” section to read his full “parting prescription.” Meanwhile, links are found between herpes, concussions, and Alzheimer’s disease; drinking milk may cut bowel cancer risk; and the timing of coffee consumption affects health benefits.
To Guard Against Health Care Cuts, Proposed Calif. Budget Has No Deficit
But Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, warned that steep cuts threatened by incoming President Donald Trump could throw his fiscal plans into disarray. In other news, Ohio’s former health director, a Democrat who guided the state in the early days of the pandemic, is running for governor.
Departing FDA Head Defends Agency’s Record, Looks Warily Ahead
Speaking with Stat ahead of his exit, Robert Califf expressed concern about the potential for brain drain in government. Other news is on promising drugs for lung cancer patients, the upcoming J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, and more.
Jury Nullification A Real Concern In UnitedHealthcare Case, Experts Say
The suspect in the shooting death of CEO Brian Thompson has garnered sympathy and financial support as he awaits trial, a sign that public support could sway the jury, legal analysts contend. More health industry news is about IU Health, Allumia Ventures, Tricare, and more.
Florida Covid Vaccine Probe Yields Zero Evidence Of Criminal Wrongdoing
In its report, the grand jury did recommend greater transparency in clinical trials and a ban on pharmaceutical ads. The CDC maintains the vaccines are safe. Also, it’s not too late to get seasonal covid and flu shots as cases of those respiratory viruses are skyrocketing after holiday gatherings.
Johnson: No Social Security, Medicare Cuts To Fund Trump’s Priorities
“The Republican Party will not cut benefits,” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said. Also in the news: Medicare drug price negotiations, the House transgender bathroom ban, and more.
Meta Ditches Fact Checks That Had Helped Curb Health Misinformation
One of the reasons the industry had doubled down on policing speech was because of falsehoods about covid, The Washington Post noted. Meanwhile, mis- and disinformation shows no sign of slowing on the internet, and doctors are often targets.
ACA Hits Record Enrollment Yet Again, Fulfilling A Promise From Biden
Twenty-four million people have signed up for health insurance through the government marketplace. The deadline to sign up, in all but a handful of states, is Jan. 15. President-elect Donald Trump tried to dismantle Obamacare during his first term.
First Edition: Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
