Latest KFF Health News Stories
FDA Wants Easier-To-See Nutrition Labels On Most Packaged Foods, Drinks
The proposal would require brands to list sodium, sugar, and fat on the fronts of packages in an effort to help people make better choices. Also in the news: A possible overhaul in how obesity is defined.
FTC Finds Top Three PBMs Took In Billions From Inflated Drug Costs
During a roughly five-year span, CVS Health, Cigna, and UnitedHealth benefited the most from increasing prices for generic drugs that treated illnesses such as HIV and cancer. Some of the price hikes topped 1000%. Other news is on the price of drugs under Trump; how the shift to online therapy has worsened disparities in care; and more.
First Edition: Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
TB-Infected Pennsylvania Teen Returns To School, Putting Contacts On Notice
The student, who was awaiting clearance from a doctor to return to normal activities, was promptly isolated and sent home, officials assured. Meanwhile, as flu and RSV cases remain high across the country, covid ramps up. Also, Chinese scientists are studying a potentially novel tickborne virus.
Staggering Increase In Dementia Cases Predicted By 2060, New Study Shows
By 2060, 1 million adults per year will develop dementia, according to a study published in Nature Medicine. Also in the news, chronic cannabis use may lead to chronic illness; Eli Lilly hopes to release a new weight loss pill; and more.
Some Health Care Facilities Still Closed As Deadly Fires Tear Through Calif.
Doctors are advising those who are pregnant to limit exposure to smoke and toxins. Also, fires are releasing harmful heavy metals and toxins into the air that firefighter gear is not equipped to filter. Other news is on medical marijuana in Illinois; non-doctors training to provide abortions; and more.
Truveta Says It Will Create Huge Archive Of Patients’ Genetic Data
The health data company, based in Bellevue, Washington, plans to collect leftover specimens from consenting patients who get routine health care at participating facilities, Stat reported. Also in the news: Neuralink, J&J, Bayer, Nvidia, Amazon Web Services, and more.
Conn. Governor Vows Hospitals To Stay Open Through Prospect Bankruptcy
Prospect Medical Holdings filed for bankruptcy Saturday, but officials in Connecticut are reassuring residents and employees that the local hospitals won’t close. Other news includes: incentives for nursing home jobs; a Gallup poll on the most trusted professions; and more.
With Days To Go, Biden’s Unfinished Business Includes 3 Health Care Rules
The fates of regulations regarding Medicare, remote prescribing, and the No Surprises Act appear likely to fall to the incoming Trump administration. Meanwhile, opposition to Health and Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. swells as he awaits his Senate confirmation hearing.
CMS Finalizes Rule To Crack Down On Obamacare Plan-Switching Schemes
The final rule includes an update to the consent form agents and brokers provide to customers and also makes it easier for CMS to suspend agents and brokers who market exchange plans, Modern Healthcare reported. The policy changed after KFF Health News reported that brokers were switching people without their permission.
Viewpoints: Medicaid Could Work With These Improvements; Regulation Would Make Raw Milk Less Risky
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
First Edition: Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Decline In Childhood Shots Creating Gaps That Could Hurt Herd Immunity
Meanwhile, Moderna begins trials for a norovirus vaccine; dogs are an unexpected source of salmonella; an update on the E. coli outbreak at McDonald’s; and more.
Oregon’s Largest Health Care Strike Is First To Include Doctors
Roughly 5,000 health care providers are striking over staffing levels, pay, and benefits. Negotiations have been going on for over a year. More news is on overdose deaths, abortion pill bans, and more.
Walgreens Making Progress Despite Shrinking Prescription Reimbursement
According to CEO Tim Wentworth, the company has been modifying contracts with insurers who pay for prescriptions and adjusting for high-cost drugs. Meanwhile, the VillageMD sale is moving along.
DOJ To Interview Former UnitedHealth Doctors About Controversial Practices
The DOJ is looking into reports alleging the use of lucrative diagnosis codes by UnitedHealth Group doctors, Stat reports. Other news includes bankruptcies, acquisitions, lawsuits, and more.
FDA Might Soon Weigh Approval Of Pain Pill To Replace Addictive Opioids
Vertex Pharmaceuticals has a new drug called suzetrigine that it says is nonaddictive and would offer an alternative to painkillers such as oxycodone. The company’s application is pending before the FDA, which could potentially approve it by the end of the month, The Washington Post reported.
Catastrophic California Wildfires Will Give Rise To Extraordinary Health Costs
Respiratory and other health issues caused by smoke inhalation — particularly from smoke containing lung-penetrating small particles — is expected to cost billions. Also, the declaration of a public health emergency means more resources are available to address health needs.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Supreme Court To Consider Legality Of ACA’s Preventive Services Mandate
Conservative Texas employers contend in a lawsuit that advisory panels are unconstitutional because the experts who offer guidance to HHS are not confirmed by the Senate or by someone who was. They also argue that being forced to cover some services violates their religious rights.
