Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: If Congress Doesn’t Act, ACA Will Soon Become Unaffordable
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
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 syphilis, medical sexism, euthanasia, the year’s best public health books, and more.
Ascension Alerting 5.6M Patients, Staff Of Data Breach
The cyberattack happened earlier this year, the company disclosed. Other industry news comes from CVS, Gilead, Ionis, and more.
FDA Approves ARC-EX Device For Non-Invasive Spinal Cord Stimulation
Meanwhile, synthetic gel aids in recovery after spinal surgery; Pittsburgh researchers create helper robots for people with ALS; a study finds nerve stimulation is effective against treatment-resistant depression; and more.
What Are ‘Healthy’ Foods? New Rules Say What Items Can Carry That Claim
According to updated FDA guidelines, a product qualifies for a “healthy” claim on food labels if it has certain amounts of at least one of the food groups: dairy, grains, fruits, vegetables and protein. Other news examines: veteran suicides, painkillers, product recalls, and more.
FDA Confirms Shortage Over For Lilly’s Weight Loss Drugs; Copies Must Come Off Market
A lawsuit forced the FDA to reassess its ruling on the availability of tirzepatide, the active ingredient in the popular drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound from Eli Lilly. As a result, the agency also told pharmacies and online companies selling off-brand copies of those drugs that they must come off the market.
House Rejects Trump-Favored Spending Deal That Stripped Out Health Measures
Lawmakers must now come up with a Plan C after a version of a stopgap spending bill – that had the seal of approval of incoming President Donald Trump after he scuttled the first version of a deal – was voted down 174-235 Thursday night. The deadline toward a government shutdown is tonight.
How Many Women Are Dying Under Abortion Bans? States Aren’t Tracking, CDC Isn’t Pushing
ProPublica reports that the CDC and NIH have underdelivered on pledges to measure maternal deaths and long-term injuries in states with abortion bans. Texas’ decision not to review such deaths in the first two years of its state’s near-total ban is being challenged by some House members. Meanwhile, a new report finds that hospitals are providing minimal guidance to doctors.
Fast-Growing Outbreak Of Bird Flu Hits Nation’s Largest Milk Producer
California’s dairy industry has been clobbered in recent months by a rampant outbreak of bird flu among its cattle, leading to recalls of raw milk and a state of emergency being called by the governor. Meanwhile, the first human case has been identified in Wisconsin. Other news reports on covid, norovirus, and more.
During Covid, Vaccine Injury Claims Rose, But Reimbursements Were Low
A GAO report finds that while less than 3% of injury claims were eligible for compensation. Half of the claims related to the covid vaccine, but the majority of the money paid out was for flu vaccine claims. Also in the news, a deep-dive into outsized medical bills; and more.
First Edition: Friday, Dec. 20, 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.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Americans’ Average Life Expectancy Jumps By Almost A Year In 2023
Life expectancy was 78.4 years last year — nearly 11 months longer than in 2022, USA Today reported. Other public health news is on the health risks of formaldehyde, brain-computer interfaces, microplastics, social media, and more.
According to authorities and court documents, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow had contacted a man in California who allegedly was plotting a mass shooting at a government building. In other state news: questionable Medicaid payments in Indiana; Amazon One Medical gets sued; and more.
Justice Dept. Claims CVS’ Push To Fill Prescriptions Fueled Opioid Crisis
On Wednesday, the DOJ accused CVS of using compensation incentives to push pharmacists to fill as many prescriptions as possible without assessing their legitimacy first. Meanwhile, big retailers providing health care look at ways to pivot in 2025; VA investigation into mental health providers; and more.
RFK Jr. Open To Restrictions on Medication Abortion, Senator Says
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said Wednesday that during his meeting with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday, the HHS nominee pledged to support any effort to restrict mifepristone. Plus: What do Americans really think of Kennedy’s health policies?
Supreme Court Will Hear South Carolina’s Case To Defund Planned Parenthood
In other reproductive health news: The future of President Joe Biden’s Gender Policy Council is unknown; Arizona’s governor wants to halt the collection of abortion data; BRCA gene testing can be lifesaving; and more.
Nation’s First Severe Case Of Bird Flu In Humans Reported In Louisiana
The CDC believes that the patient, who is in critical condition, may have caught it from a backyard flock. The patient is over 65 and has underlying medical conditions. Plus: California declares a state of emergency over bird flu; fewer antiviral drugs are being used in kids with the flu; and more.
