Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Cyberattack Against Ascension Is Latest Hack To Disrupt Patient Care
News outlets report that patients of some of hospital chain Ascension’s facilities have had procedures delayed or been diverted to other hospitals. Doctors have also lost access to some records.
Gay Couple Launches Class-Action Lawsuit Against NYC For IVF Benefits
New York City only provides in vitro fertilization benefits to employees who are women or heterosexuals. A first-of-its-kind class-action lawsuit alleges that policy is discriminatory to gay men.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine America’s mental health, bird flu, covid, and caregiving.
Research Roundup: Bacterial Vaginosis; Leukemia; and Covid
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Neuralink Implant Trial Encounters Setback In First Human Patient
Some of the “threads” that connect the Neuralink to Noland Arbaugh’s brain have withdrawn from the tissue, but the company has adjusted the system to compensate for reduced data going to the device. Separately, Google reveals an AI tool for biomolecule prediction.
People, Plants, Animals Suffering Worse Diseases Due To Climate Change
Several large studies point to the impact that environmental changes are having on infectious diseases. Also in the news: colon cancer rates in younger people, decaf coffee’s health risks, and the Army’s expansion of food kiosks.
Appeals Court Rules That Researchers Can Access California Gun Owner Data
A federal appeals court backed a state law supporting research into gun and ammunition data, concluding the law doesn’t violate gun owners’ privacy or ownership rights. Meanwhile, in Connecticut, a bill to shorten wheelchair repair times advances.
To Curb Rabies, US Makes It Tougher For Dogs To Enter The Country
For most dog owners, it’s as simple as verifying that Fido has an up-to-date rabies vaccination. But for animals from high-risk nations, it could potentially mean a 28-day quarantine.
Ex-Public Health Officials Implore Voters To Do No Harm, Elect Biden
Letter details why medical officials see Donald Trump as a threat and encourages “anyone concerned about the price, availability, and safety of healthcare to keep Mr. Trump out of the White House.” Meanwhile, fallout from the covid pandemic is having an effect on the the 2024 presidential election.
Study: Abortion Limitations Linked To Rise In Intimate Partner Homicides
In other news, the fate of a women’s health care bill in Missouri could be in jeopardy because of Senate squabbles. And in Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine thinks the 24-hour wait policy for an abortion should remain intact.
