Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study: HPV Vaccines Lower Cancer Risks In All Socioeconomic Groups
Researchers found that England’s HPV program was linked to dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer for all women, no matter their background. Also in the news: a digital “twin” of the human heart boosts treatment decisions; data integrity in science journals; and more.
Microsoft Research Head: ChatGPT Not Suitable For Making First Diagnoses
Microsoft’s head of research Peter Lee said that while the use of AI in medicine is exciting, the current technology is perhaps too error-prone, biased, and susceptible to inventing information to be used as a tool to help physicians make important initial diagnoses.
Viewpoints: GLP-1’s Can Tackle Much More Than Obesity; H5N1 Doesn’t Have To Turn Into The Next Covid
Editorial writers discuss weight-loss drugs, bird flu, abortion, and health centers.
California’s Proposal For Universal Health Care Collapses
The dream of CalCare — a state insurance program for all residents with no premiums, deductibles or copays — is no more, having been scrapped in committee during a state appropriations hearing. And California also failed to advance a bill to tackle the sale of anti-aging products to kids under 13.
Senators Urge Bipartisan Action To Address Maternal Mental Health
Sens. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) team up to take on the high rate of maternal mortality. In other news, a study has found that SARS-CoV-2 is tied to severe maternal morbidity. Elsewhere, a Georgia OB-GYN thinks her state offers a cautionary tale regarding abortion bans.
With Nod From White House, Feds Proceed With Cannabis Reclassification
In other news, California lawmakers for a fourth year block an effort to legalize the use of psychedelics in therapeutic settings.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle reproductive rights, chronic pain, bird flu, and health care hiring.
Experts Warn Of Energy Drink Health Risks For Youngsters
In other news, research shows certain vegetarian diets — including less-restrictive versions like a lacto-ovo diet — reduce risks of cancer, heart disease, and early death. And food safety regulators are looking into possible pesticide contamination in certain Indian spice blends.
States Are Failing New And Expecting Moms In Mental Health, Report Finds
The Biden administration’s plan to stem untreated conditions during pregnancy includes “data and research; prevention, screening and diagnosis; intervention and treatment; community practices; and community engagement.”
Research Roundup: New Antibiotics; Phage Therapy; Avian Influenza
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Hawaii Study: Respiratory, Lung Issues Plague Many Maui Wildfire Survivors
The Washington Post and AP report on a new University of Hawaii study on the effects of the Lahaina wildfire. Researchers found, among other things, that up to 74% of the 679 people surveyed had elevated blood pressure levels, meaning a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Other news from around the nation comes from California, Missouri, North Carolina, West Virginia, Connecticut, Colorado, Kentucky, Louisiana, and more.
Seeking Price Drop, Sanders Warns Wegovy Could Ruin Health Care System
Americans are paying substantially more for popular weight-loss medications, a report released by Sen. Bernie Sanders’ office says. Separately, even though the price of anti-obesity drugs is high, Medicare could save about $500 million a year by covering them.
PETA Condemns Xenotransplantation After Death Of Historic Kidney Patient
The transplant of a genetically altered pig kidney into a human was hailed as a milestone, but PETA’s Senior Science Policy Manager Julia Baines alleged the organ transplant was a failure in a statement. Massachusetts General Hospital said there was no indication the organ was related to the death of the patient.
Study Highlights Hospital Covid Death Risks As Higher Than For Influenza
Scientists have estimated that during the past winter respiratory virus season, hospitalized covid patients were at 35% higher risk of death from any cause than patients with the flu. The risk is actually down, however, from the previous winter’s 61% figure.
Spotlight Falls On ‘Two-Midnight Rule’ For Medicare Patient Hospital Stays
Modern Healthcare reports on how providers and Medicare Advantage companies are reacting to the new policy that allows more patient visits to be categorized as higher-cost inpatient care. Separately, reports explain how Blackstone Equity Healthcare is lowering costs.
Covid Research Group Loses Funding, May Be Banned Over Reporting Lapses
EcoHealth Alliance plans to contest the ruling by the Department of Health and Human Services. In other news, as funding for pandemic-era initiatives dwindles, the CDC’s program to provide uninsured adults free covid vaccines will end early.
Annual Overdose Deaths Drop For Only Second Time In Decades Of Drug Crisis
CDC data show that the number of fatal drug overdoses in 2023 fell from 111,000 in 2022 to more than 107,000. The drop is a rare occurrence in the nation’s epidemic. One expert told AP that “any decline is encouraging,” but that it is “premature to celebrate or to draw any large-scale conclusions.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Insurers Brace For Expected Medicare Advantage Losses Next Year
CVS Health and Humana are making moves ahead of anticipated drops in Medicare Advantage memberships in 2025. Meanwhile, low Medicare Advantage pay further stresses rural hospitals.
