Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
RFK Jr. Adviser Sought To Have FDA Retract Approval Of Polio Vaccine
Aaron Siri, a lawyer who is helping to vet candidates for top health positions, has a history of challenging vaccine policies in courts. Candidates to fill roles in the incoming administration are specifically asked about their vaccine views, sources say.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on radiation biology, Neanderthals, fertility, pornography, and more.
Ohio Bill Would Force Hospitals To Administer Off-Label Drugs
Meanwhile, two Minnesota autism treatment centers are under FBI investigation; North Carolina seeks heat protections for workers; California’s older homeless population is at risk of hypothermia; and more.
Revised CMS Scores Yield Extra $200M In Bonus Payments For Centene
Centene told investors Tuesday that the company would get additional bonus payments after CMS updated its Medicare Advantage Star Ratings. More health industry news stories report on legal settlements, layoffs, private equity investments, and more.
Man Accused Of Killing CEO Was Not A Member Of UnitedHealthcare
Neither suspect Luigi Mangione nor his mother are customers, the insurance giant said. Many people have speculated whether Mangione was a customer who had been denied a medical claim.
Short-Term Deal To Avert Holiday Government Shutdown Is Close
Lawmakers are “making good progress” on a spending patch to keep the government lights on until March, according to House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole. Other news stories from Capitol Hill report on an investigation of CVS Caremark, funding for Medicaid, Medicare pay rates, and more.
Trump States He Will Not Block Access To Abortion Pills
In other reproductive health news: President-elect Donald Trump appoints an anti-abortion activist to a top job at OMB; South Carolina introduces a bill defining abortion as homicide; abortion access gets tougher as more clinics close; and more.
First Edition: Friday, Dec. 13, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
