Latest KFF Health News Stories
Americans’ Average Life Expectancy Jumps By Almost A Year In 2023
Life expectancy was 78.4 years last year — nearly 11 months longer than in 2022, USA Today reported. Other public health news is on the health risks of formaldehyde, brain-computer interfaces, microplastics, social media, and more.
According to authorities and court documents, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow had contacted a man in California who allegedly was plotting a mass shooting at a government building. In other state news: questionable Medicaid payments in Indiana; Amazon One Medical gets sued; and more.
Justice Dept. Claims CVS’ Push To Fill Prescriptions Fueled Opioid Crisis
On Wednesday, the DOJ accused CVS of using compensation incentives to push pharmacists to fill as many prescriptions as possible without assessing their legitimacy first. Meanwhile, big retailers providing health care look at ways to pivot in 2025; VA investigation into mental health providers; and more.
RFK Jr. Open To Restrictions on Medication Abortion, Senator Says
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said Wednesday that during his meeting with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday, the HHS nominee pledged to support any effort to restrict mifepristone. Plus: What do Americans really think of Kennedy’s health policies?
Supreme Court Will Hear South Carolina’s Case To Defund Planned Parenthood
In other reproductive health news: The future of President Joe Biden’s Gender Policy Council is unknown; Arizona’s governor wants to halt the collection of abortion data; BRCA gene testing can be lifesaving; and more.
Nation’s First Severe Case Of Bird Flu In Humans Reported In Louisiana
The CDC believes that the patient, who is in critical condition, may have caught it from a backyard flock. The patient is over 65 and has underlying medical conditions. Plus: California declares a state of emergency over bird flu; fewer antiviral drugs are being used in kids with the flu; and more.
Congress Scrambles For Plan B After Trump, Musk Torpedo Spending Deal
The stopgap bill was stuffed with unrelated policy measures, which President-elect Donald Trump blasted on social media as “[giving] the Democrats everything they want.” The clock is now ticking on a Friday night deadline for a federal government shutdown.
US Health Spending Rose 7.5% In 2023 To $4.9 Trillion, CMS Says
The growth was primarily spurred by private health insurance and Medicare, according to CMS officials. Spending on hospital care increased, as well. The UnitedHealthcare shooting is also in the news.
First Edition: Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Vitamin D, Calcium Won’t Prevent Fractures Or Falls, Task Force Says
Still, health experts on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force say the supplements can be useful for overall bone health. Other health and wellness news is on moderate alcohol use, black plastic utensils, ADHD, depression, and more.
Drop In Teen Smoking, Drinking, Seems To Have Stuck — With One Exception
Teenagers’ use of alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana fell in the early days of the pandemic. A new survey shows many 12th graders haven’t picked them back up, but the use of nicotine pouches is on the rise. Other news is on cannabis regulation and opioid use.
Experimental Pig Kidney Transplant Recipient In Alabama Is On The Mend
Prior recipients of pig organs died within two months. The Alabama woman is recovering well. Also: a new drug is tested in Colorado; medical hub expansions; unhoused numbers soar in New Hampshire; and more.
Sanofi Is The Latest To Sue HHS Over 340B Drug Discount Model Changes
The claim was filed Monday, alleging the federal government lacks the authority to stop the company from implementing the proposed rebate model. Other news is on staffing shortages; health claim denial rates; and more.
In UnitedHealthcare Case, A Charge Of Murder As An Act Of Terrorism
AP reports that while Luigi Mangione had already been charged with murder in the Dec. 4 killing of Brian Thompson, the terror allegation is new. Gun violence in schools is also in the news.
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
RFK Jr. Reportedly Sides With Trump: Abortion Should Be Up To The States
Republican Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville says Kennedy disclosed this point during their discussion Tuesday. Meanwhile, some deaths caused by abortion bans are not being investigated; a new menopause drug may have serious side effects; and more.
Congress Unveils Plan To Pay For Disabled Vets’ Overseas Health Care
In other news from Capitol Hill: Congress has reached a government funding deal, and Democratic Rep. Angie Craig will become the first female ranking member of the House Agriculture panel.
Former Senior Medicare Official To Lead Trump’s HHS Landing Team
John Brooks was a senior Medicare official during Donald Trump’s last term. In other news on the upcoming Trump administration: ACA may be targeted to provide lower tax cuts; mass deportations and nurse staffing shortages; and more.
Scientific Journal Retracts Study On Using Hydroxychloroquine For Covid
The March 2020 study set off a firestorm over the antimalarial drug that continues to this day. The International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents issued a formal withdrawal Tuesday. In other outbreak news: There’s a probable case of H5 bird flu in Delaware.
First Edition: Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
