Latest KFF Health News Stories
California Governor Redirects Funds Intended For Health Care Priorities
The change in plans comes amid a state budget crisis. Elsewhere, in New Jersey, a task force says the state should aim for more home- and community-based care instead of nursing homes. And, thanks to New York, a paid parental leave initiative could go national.
Editorial writers delve into climate change and allergies, doctors decision-making, mental healthcare, and more.
Private Insurers Pay Hospitals Wildly Different Rates, More Than Medicare
Typically, Rand researchers found, insurers paid 254% more than what Medicare pays for the same services, based on 2022 data. Separately, as at-home care rises, reports say hospital executives are telling patients to visit their facilities less often.
Survey Finds 79% Of Parents Have Used Substances To Get Their Kids To Sleep
Melatonin is substance most commonly used, according to a poll. In other news, high stress levels in late pregnancy are linked to later impaired IQ scores in young boys; scientists investigate brain benefits from handwriting; a breakthrough is made in understanding childhood autism development; and more.
FDA Issues Serious Recall For App The Controls Smart Insulin Pump
The Class 1 recall was issued for an app that crashed, draining the pump’s batteries and injuring over 200 people. Also in the news: a Washington-based company is recalling goat milk-based formula due to concerns over its insufficient nutritional worth.
States Given Extra Year To Sort Medicaid, CHIP Eligibility Waivers
Meanwhile, the home care industry is facing possible consolidation efforts in the wake of the Medicaid 80/20 rule changes. In other news, WHO member states will continue efforts to draw up a global pact should we face another pandemic in the future.
AI Is Finding A Role In Improving Effectiveness Of Medical Visits
Artificial intelligence is also helping physicians save time by streamlining some tasks like updating a patient’s file after a visit. Separately, union leaders say that nurses are concerned about the use of AI in health care and that they should be kept more in the loop, including educating them about the tools.
First Recipient Of A Genetically Modified Pig Kidney Dies Weeks Later
Rick Slayman has died after the historic operation on March 16 when the first genetically engineered pig kidney was transplanted to him. Massachusetts General Hospital, where the surgery was performed, said there was “no indication” that the death was a result of the transplant.
Federal Agencies Earmark Millions To Help Combat Bird Flu On Dairy Farms
HHS and the Department of Agriculture pledged nearly $200 million to stem the spread of avian flu that has already been detected in 40 dairy cow herds across nine states. The money will be used to test, track and treat animals potentially infected by H5N1 and to incentivize farms to take containment steps.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Telemedicine May Be What Saves Reproductive Rights; AI Is The Future Of New Medications
Editorial writers discuss telemedicine, AI in health care, bird flu, and more.
Florida Medicaid Unwinding Cut Coverage, CHIP From 600,000 Kids
Report writers examining Medicaid review processes wrote that Florida was one of the states prioritizing “hasty” removal of kids from support programs. Also in the news: a slowdown in deadly overdoses in L.A. County homeless people; more.
WHO’s New Guidance Aims To Head Off Bloodstream Infections From Catheters
Peripheral intravenous catheters are commonly used for hospital inpatients, but the WHO wants to improve poor practices in insertion and maintenance that can cause infections. Also in the news: Merck’s endometrial cancer therapy fails; Novo Nordisk targets new obesity drugs; more.
New Maps Improve Deep Brain Stimulation For OCD Therapy
CNN covers improvements in deep brain stimulation treatments. Also, an experimental spinal cord implant helped a patient with Parkinson’s disease to walk. A gene therapy trial that allowed a baby born with profound deafness to hear is also in the news.
Company Issues Broad Recall Of Nuts Over ‘Undeclared Allergen’ Risk
Elsewhere, a mobile app has been recalled after patients with diabetes were injured when their insulin pumps unexpectedly stopped working. Also in the news: how muscle guarding, loneliness, and alcohol affect the body.
Republicans Target NIH For Changes If They Win Senate Control Next Year
Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, says reforms at the federal health agency are “overdue.” Separately, an NIH official will appear later this month before the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic to answer questions about the covid pandemic timeline.
Novavax And Sanofi Join Forces To Develop Combination Covid-Flu Vaccine
Meanwhile, infectious disease experts are monitoring the newest covid variant — known as FLiRT — as concerns grow over a summer uptick in cases.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on weight loss, syphilis, mental health, lead poisoning, and more.
Missouri Governor Signs Bill Targeting Planned Parenthood Funding
The measure blocks Medicaid reimbursements to health centers affiliated to abortion providers, which the Missouri Independent notes will impact Planned Parenthood’s health services to low-income patients. Meanwhile a Colorado abortion assistance fund is seeing rising demand, much from Texas.
The Time To Act On Bird Flu Is Now, FDA Chief Advises Lawmakers
Although the risk to humans is still low, a proactive stance—incorporating protective gear, research, and vaccine readiness—could stem the spread of the virus afflicting mainly poultry and cattle. Meanwhile, the CDC is coming up against resistance over its push for PPE for farm workers.
