Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Human Receives Kidney From New Kind Of Genetically Modified Pig
The pig kidney has 10 genetic modifications designed to increase acceptance and control size. Scientists hope that if successful, this procedure can alleviate the shortage of organs available for transplant. Other news involves: AI technology; man-made organisms that ‘mirror life’; and more.
US On Track For Most Executions In A Single Year Since 2018
If the two executions that are scheduled for this week in Indiana and Oklahoma take place, the total number of deaths by execution will be 25, the highest number since 2018 even though support for the death penalty is at a five-decade low. Other news is from Wyoming, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and California.
Viewpoints: Is The Era Of PBMs Coming To An End?; Research Is Varied On Efficacy Of Puberty Blockers
Editorial writers discuss these public health topics.
In A Push To Boost ACA Signups, Biden Extends Enrollment Deadline
Consumers can sign up for insurance on the federal marketplace through Dec. 18. Also: Latino health care coverage in the U.S.; an averted strike at George Washington University Hospital; and more.
Female Shooter Is A Rarity in Wisconsin School Shooting
The suspect in Monday’s shooting has been identified as 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow. News outlets are uncertain on exact numbers, but The New York Times reports that this year, nine shooting suspects were female, compared to 249 who were male when gender was identified.
Congress Passes Veterans’ Caregiver Bill; Biden Expected To Sign It Into Law
Among its provisions, the bill expands access to home-based services at every VA medical center and closes a loophole to stop veterans from losing burial benefits if they die in hospice care, Military Times reported. Plus: Bickering continues over a potential government shutdown.
Investigation: Drug Companies Secretly Paid PBMs To Not Restrict Opioids
Meanwhile, how Endo Health Solutions avoided opioid penalty; Sens. Josh Hawley and Elizabeth Warren team up on legislation on PBMs; and more.
RFK Jr. Says He Supports Polio Vaccine As He Makes Rounds On Capitol Hill
Also in the news, President-elect Donald Trump held his first news conference since winning the election. He again drew a false connection between autism and vaccines, news outlets reported.
First Edition: Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Louisiana Reports First Human Bird Flu Case; California Hits 34th
Meanwhile, California announces a second recall for raw milk; respiratory illnesses are on the rise across the U.S.; Florida sees a huge increase in dengue cases; and more.
Rhode Island Health Benefits System Targeted In Major Cyberattack
The system, RIBridges, is used to apply for insurance coverage, Medicaid, food stamps, and other public assistance, The Boston Globe reported. Other health news is from North Carolina, Wyoming, Boston, California, and elsewhere.
US Obesity Declines; Weight Loss Drug Craze May Be Partly Responsible
The dip was slight but was the first such decline in a decade. Separately, a study links Ozempic with an increased risk of a rare form of vision loss, and another study links seed oils with an increased risk of colon cancer.
GW Hospital Residents Plan 3-Day Work Stoppage If Deal Isn’t Struck
Hundreds of resident physicians at George Washington University are prepared to strike Tuesday if their union can’t reach a deal with the medical school over issues like mental health support and raises. Other industry news stories report on insurance coverage, Medicare payments, and more.
Texas AG Sues New York Doctor Accused Of Prescribing Abortion Pills
The case is one of the first challenges to the shield laws passed to protect physicians post Roe v. Wade. Meanwhile, Black women face racial inequality in maternal health care; Missouri pregnancy resource centers close.
CEO Was Aware Of UnitedHealthcare’s PR Problem Before Shooting
CEO Brian Thompson months ago warned fellow executives that the average American did not understand the company’s role in the nation’s health system. Also, the CEO of parent company UnitedHealth Group acknowledged the U.S. health system is not as good as it should be.
Viewpoints: How We Prepare For The Next Pandemic; We Must Revamp Our Health Insurance System
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Biden Urged To Ratify Equal Rights Amendment By House Dems
The amendment was first proposed 101 years ago and, if ratified, House Democrats believe it would enshrine sex equality in the Constitution. Other news stories are about women’s health research, protections for detained migrant kids’ health, and more.
Congress Pushes To Prevent Shutdown Before Holiday Break
Also in the news: Pelosi is on the mend after hip surgery, and what to look for in health care in 2025.
RFK Jr. Hopes To Win Over The Senate With Less Talk About Vaccines
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s plan is to play down his vaccine skepticism, and play up healthy food and chronic disease prevention in his attempt at confirmation to lead HHS. Meanwhile, Sen. Mitch McConnell, who battled polio as a child, said in a statement: “Efforts to undermine public confidence in proven cures are not just uninformed — they’re dangerous.”
First Edition: Monday, Dec. 16, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
