Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study: Prescription Drugs Release ‘Forever Chemicals’ Into Wastewater
The research, published Monday in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, also concluded that large municipal wastewater treatment plants are unable to fully remove the chemicals during treatment. Separately, dancing may help with depression among those with Parkinson’s disease, concussions rise among female athletes, and more.
Puberty Blockers Prescribed To Less Than 0.1% Of US Children, Study Finds
Researchers say among those with private insurance, not one transgender person under 12 was prescribed gender-affirming hormones. “There’s not some massive wave of folks accessing care,” the report’s lead author says. Separately, more than 30,000 veterans who were dismissed over sexuality might get their discharge status upgraded, opening the door to benefits they’ve been denied.
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
Medical Debt Now Banned From Credit Reports, But New Rule Faces Hurdles
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has estimated that this could boost the credit scores of people with medical debt by an average of 20 points, potentially improving their access to housing and lowering the threat of homelessness. Still, the rule may face a court challenge or could be struck down by incoming President Donald Trump.
Key GOP Senator, Who’s Also A Doctor, Balks At RFK Jr.’s View Of Vaccines
Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana is the incoming chairman of the Senate HELP committee. Cassidy was one of just seven Republicans who voted to convict Donald Trump in his impeachment trial in 2021. He is scheduled to meet with HHS nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. this week.
FDA Sets New — And Unenforceable — Lead Level Guidance For Baby Food
Critics, however, say the move is too little, too late. Other FDA and pharma news is on AI-enabled medical devices, smaller PBMs, and more.
America’s First Human Bird Flu Death Logged In Louisiana
The patient, who had underlying medical conditions, was exposed to the virus through a backyard flock and wild birds. As Iowa records its first H5N1 case in a domestic flock this year, officials warn to be wary of signs of possible infection in birds.
First Edition: Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
California Governor Issues Executive Order To Limit Ultra-Processed Foods
In other news, California homelessness increased by 3% in one year; Minnesota now requires insurance companies to cover wigs for cancer patients; and more.
Former Virginia NICU Nurse Charged With Abusing Babies In Her Care
Meanwhile, a Florida ob-gyn is reprimanded for abortion care; some insurers are denying coverage of prosthetic limbs as not necessary; AI in health care; and more.
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
EPA Report: Formaldehyde Presents Unreasonable Human Health Risk
Yet ProPublica reports that the EPA “downplayed the threat the chemical poses to people living near industrial plants.” Separately, the post-holiday sick season is in full swing, as CDC data show that 40 states are reporting high or very high levels of illness. Also: early physical therapy for concussions; hydration; and more.
Trump Might Consider ‘Most Favored Nation’ Status To Lower Drug Prices
Forbes explains how the strategy would work. Meanwhile, Aetna has accused several drugmakers of conspiring to overcharge the company, consumers, and the federal government for generic drugs.
Biden Signs Into Law A Social Security Payment Boost For Public Employees
The AP reports the law affects nearly 3 million people, including those receiving pensions after time spent as teachers, firefighters, and police officers. Also in the news: the “crisis” of potential Medicaid cuts, alcohol labels, digital mental health, and more.
Trump’s FDA Transition Team Staffs Up As Commissioner Pick Awaits Approval
Meanwhile, newly installed Senate Majority Leader John Thune signals the president-elect’s Cabinet nominees might not cruise to confirmation when hearings begin. Also, U.S. ethics director David Huitema has begun the standard practice of looking into conflicts of interest for incoming officials.
Storm Quiets DC, But Vote Certification Will Go On; J6 Victims Feel ‘Betrayed’
Vice President Kamala Harris will preside over today’s election certification process, which was changed in 2022 to prevent attempts to overturn the results. Even so, those who were severely injured during the attack on the Capitol four years ago say they feel forgotten.
First Edition: Monday, Jan. 6, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Habitat Health’s PACE Center Is Ready To Receive Participants In Sacramento
The Medicare-Medicaid program provides health care services, meals, and social interaction for older adults. Habitat Health also plans to open a facility in Los Angeles in 2026. More news comes from New Hampshire, Florida, North Carolina, and elsewhere.
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
Certificate-Of-Need Law Hampers Health Care Start-Ups
The law is supposed to prevent market saturation by requiring proof of need for the services in a community, but it also allows competitors to challenge newcomers and prevent them from entering the market. A lawsuit in Nebraska is challenging that law.
