Latest KFF Health News Stories
Controversial Generic Drug ‘Skinny Labels’ Saved Medicare Billions
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
FDA: Brain Biopsies Performed With ‘False Justification’ At Mount Sinai
Patients desperate for relief from debilitating diseases were asked to participate in research study, prompting a review by the Food and Drug Administration. In other news, a treatment to restore brain cells for patients with Timothy syndrome shows promise for treating other genetic conditions.
Viewpoints: Is Home Research Hurting The Doctor-Patient Relationship?; What To Look For With H5N1
Editorial writers discuss doctor-patient relationships, bird flu, colorectal cancer, and the health of children.
CDC: Rural Americans More Likely Than Urban Americans To Die Early
The federal data, published in a report Tuesday, covers 2010 through 2022 and finds rural Americans to be at higher risk of early death from one of the five leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, stroke, and chronic lower respiratory disease.
Watchdog Report: Hospital Patient Grades Up For First Time Since Covid
The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit watchdog organization, finds that the improved patient experience scores in at least 70% of hospitals have helped drive an improvement in overall safety grades for spring 2024.
Walmart’s Closure Of Clinics Is Part Of Larger Retail Retreat From Health Care
Walmart will shut down all 51 of its health clinics and its virtual care services, citing costs and the challenges of reimbursements as the force behind its change of strategy.
Class-Action Lawsuit OK’d Against Florida’s ‘Unwinding’ Of Medicaid
The suit alleges Florida did not properly tell people that they were going to be disenrolled from the program. Meanwhile, Mississippi lawmakers might vote this week on a proposal to expand Medicaid.
Scientists: Influenza A Virus Found In Wastewater Triggers Bird Flu Concerns
A new study about the possible spread of H5N1 through dairy cattle includes observations of spiking levels of influenza A virus in wastewater samples. Meanwhile, the USDA is testing ground beef for bird flu particles, though it stresses meat is safe.
Trump: Pandemic Office Isn’t Needed; Biden Campaign Slams His Words
“Pandemic preparedness isn’t abstract to the millions of Americans that lost a loved one” during former President Trump’s covid leadership, Biden campaign spokesman Kevin Munoz said, after Donald Trump said the preparedness office was “a way of giving out pork.”
Florida’s Abortion Ban After 6 Weeks Now In Effect
Starting today, the window in which a pregnant person can get an abortion in Florida was reduced from 15 weeks to six. Leading up to the new law taking effect, abortion clinics rushed to treat as many patients as possible.
Gigantic DEA Policy Shift May See Pot Classified As Less Dangerous
The AP reports that the DEA is moving to reclassify marijuana, though the drug will remain listed as a controlled substance. News outlets examine what the ripple effects of reclassification will be, including facilitating research into the drug.
Biennial Breast Cancer Screening Should Start At 40, Task Force Suggests
The group based its recommendation to bump up mammograms by 10 years on studies showing “moderate net benefit.” The group also found that Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer. Experts from other groups contend testing every other year isn’t enough.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Interspecies Organ Transplants Could Fix Long Wait Times; Are We Damaging Teens?
Editorial writers discuss organ transplants, mental health in kids, reproductive health care, and more,
If Early Death Is Written In Your Genes, A Healthy Life Can Fight It: Study
A new study shows that living a healthy lifestyle can significantly battle increased risk of early death due to genetic predisposition — nearly 2 in 3 people with risky genes can mitigate the risk. Separately, a study links physical fitness to better mental health in young people.
Teens Who Often Vape Have High Uranium, Lead Levels In Their Bodies
Researchers have found a troubling link between teens who frequently vape and levels of potentially toxic metals in their urine. Separately, a study links e-cigarettes to a higher risk of heart failure — with just one vaping experience having a significant influence on risk.
As Population Ages, Connecticut House Passes Bill To Overhaul Elder Care
The bill includes more oversight of home care work, speeding up Medicaid access, and a new registry to make finding caregivers easier. In other health news across the country, addiction treatment in Massachusetts, autism support efforts in Florida, toxic gas in Memphis, and more.
Troubled CPAP Manufacturer Philips Reaches $1.1 Billion Settlement Deal
USA Today reminds us that Philips has had to recall over 15 million CPAP breathing devices since 2021 over concerns of health injuries from inhaling eroded foam inserts in the machines. Also in the news: the FDA grants full approval of Pfizer’s cervical cancer drug Tivdak.
State Officials, Insurers Push Back At Medicaid Wait Time Reduction Plan
While the White House would like to see Medicaid enrollees not having to wait so long to see a physician, the industry and officials say it’s not realistic. Meanwhile, CMS’ effort to enforce ratios of nursing home staff to residents may end up in court.
