Latest KFF Health News Stories
California Supreme Court To Hear Controversial Case On HIV Drugs
The complex case involves an argument that drugmakers could be held negligent if they don’t develop a particular drug. Also in the news: Amgen drops plans for an obesity pill, focusing instead on new injectable drugs to compete with Wegovy and Zepbound.
Federal Noncompete Ban Triggers Worries For Rural Hospital Staffing
Attracting new recruits may be harder for rural providers now that the FTC ban is in place, Modern Healthcare says. Separately, Walmart and Walgreens are finding it difficult to make their health care operations profitable.
Scientists Say Bird Flu Began To Affect Cattle In Texas In Late 2023
Genetic “breadcrumbs,” virus particles left behind, suggest H5N1 was spreading in cattle in Texas in December. Meanwhile, researchers are concerned that human bird flu cases among farm workers may be being missed as the outbreak spreads.
Bill Proposes Rewards For Hospitals Who Demonstrate Drug Stewardship
A bipartisan bill suggests hospitals get bonus payments if their business practices help ensure adequate drug supplies in the face of ongoing shortages. Cyberattacks are also in the news, with a top intelligence official warning of rising threat, in the aftermath of the Change Healthcare hack.
New Rule Makes It Easier For People With Disabilities To Visit The Doctor
Health facilities will soon be required to update features such as elevators, ramps, exam tables, scales, mammogram machines, and more. Other health policy news is on Medicaid reimbursements, home health care workers, telehealth, and more.
In Emotional Ceremony, Ariz. Governor Rids State Of 1864 Abortion Ban
The repeal of the archaic law that outlawed abortions completely will take effect 90 days after the legislative session ends, typically in June or July. After that, state law will ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
HHS Expects 100,000 ‘Dreamers’ To Enroll In Obamacare Under New Rule
The Biden administration has announced that undocumented immigrants with protections under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will be eligible for a federal health plan under the ACA starting in 2025. It’s estimated that about 100,000 of the 800,000 “Dreamers” will become insured under the change.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into the infant formula shortage, bird flu, health insurance claims, and more.
Research Roundup: New Strain Of Mpox; Cancer; Antibiotic Resistance
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health studies and briefs.
A Majority Of Americans Believe Mental Health Isn’t Properly Addressed
A new survey shows 3 in 4 respondents say mental health issues aren’t spotted and treated in the same way that physical ailments are. Meanwhile, a study found 12% of LGBTQ+ youth attempted suicide last year, and some 39% seriously considered it.
Appeals Court Orders End To Children’s Climate Change Lawsuit
A U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit said a lower court judge must end the suit brought against the federal government. In other news, skyrocketing weight-loss drug coverage costs in Illinois, opioid overdoses in Austin, and more.
After HCA Cut Staff At North Carolina Hospital, Profits ‘Soared’
Carolina Public Press reports on financial affairs at the Mission Hospital in Asheville after it was acquired by HCA Healthcare. Also in the news: Brigham and Women’s Hospital nurses call for better pay, a new medical school is slated for Northern Colorado, more.
Morphine Regulation Is Changed Back After Plan To Avert Shortages Backfired
The Drug Enforcement Administration announced in December that it would switch from annual to quarterly quotas in an attempt to prevent shortages. However, STAT reports that the change had the opposite effect. The DEA is returning to annual quotas.
Biden Will Reveal $3 Billion Plan To Replace Hazardous Lead Pipes
President Joe Biden is set to announce the initiative today, with funding from the $15 billion in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Separately, the FDA appears to have overrun on a plan to ban formaldehyde from hair relaxers — the proposal was due to be announced in April.
Two Bird Flu Vaccines Are Ready For Humans, If Needed
As the government girds for a potential human outbreak, it is finding that food products — milk, sour cream, cheese, and ground beef — are still safe for consumption.
UnitedHealth CEO Faces Blistering Questions At Hearings On Change Hack
UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty faced criticisms from Senate and House committees on Wednesday over his company’s cybersecurity that led to the ransomware attack on subsidiary Change Healthcare. He also answered questions about the company’s response to the incident that compromised private data for as many as a third of Americans.
‘Long Way To Go’: Maternal Deaths Decrease, But Racial Disparities Persist
A CDC report shows that the spike in maternal death rates reported in 2021 fell significantly in 2022 — returning to pre-pandemic levels. But an alarming pattern remains: Far more Black pregnant patients are dying than white, Asian, or Hispanic.
Arizona Senate Rescinds Abortion Ban With Little Help From GOP Lawmakers
Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, is expected to sign the measure, which then would reinstate the law allowing for elective abortions up to 15 weeks. Meanwhile, women are reeling after Florida’s strict six-week abortion law takes hold.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
