Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Medical Skepticism Is Becoming A Real Problem; What’s Behind The Mommy Wine Culture?
Editorial writers tackle these health issues and more.
Study Highlights Trans Women’s Advantages, Disadvantages In Sports
The study, paid for by the International Olympic Committee, showed trans women have substantial grip strength but lower jumping ability and lung function compared to athletes whose gender was assigned at birth — debunking theories some politicians espouse when enacting trans sports bans.
We’re All Breathing More Toxic Air Now Than 25 Years Ago: Report
The American Lung Association report shows recent air samples have the worst toxic particle pollution in the 25 years of study. Climate change and wildfires are likely to blame. Meanwhile, Massachusetts will deploy 200 air sensors in communities across the state to sample pollution.
Nonprofit Health Care Sector Could Dodge FTC’s Broad Noncompete Ban
The agency determines it doesn’t have the authority to regulate hospital and insurance companies that operate as not-for-profits. The sweeping changes might be tied up in the courts for years.
White House Revises Suicide Prevention Plans, Mentions Social Media
Amid rising suicide rates, the updated national strategy emphasizes health equity and the mental health impacts of social media. Actor Ashley Judd and singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc helped promote the new plan; both lost loved ones to suicide.
Doctors’ Skepticism Is Thwarting Wider Rollout Of Alzheimer’s Drug
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Strapped FTC Fails To Fully Scrutinize Hospital Mergers: Study
A new study finds that the FTC does not have enough money or staff to properly review proposed hospital acquisitions for antitrust risks, which has led to higher health care prices and less industry competition. Other FTC news relates to price fixing.
Justices Set To Hear High-Stakes Case On Emergency Care And Abortion
News outlets examine what’s at stake when the Supreme Court hears arguments today related to how federal law applies to emergency health care in places where abortion is banned. Separately, some states and cities want to collect more patient data related to reproductive health.
Inactive Bird Flu Virus Fragments Found In Pasteurized Milk: FDA
The FDA said Tuesday it had detected bird flu viral remnants in pasteurized milk but stressed that there was no actual risk from this source to consumers. Separately, reports show the H5N1 virus may have jumped to U.S. dairy herds earlier than thought.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The US Is Ready To Tackle A Bird Flu Pandemic; Black Maternal Health Care Sorely Lacking
Editorial writers examine H5N1, disparities in maternal health care, gene therapy, and psychiatry.
Louisiana Schools Told To Disregard Title IX Rules For Trans Students
The Biden administration’s new Title IX rules include more protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, but Cade Brumley, Louisiana’s superintendent of education, contends those rules conflict with state laws.
Indiana Eclipse-Watching Party Might Have Been A Measles Exposure Event
The gathering at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis on April 8 might have resulted in multiple people being exposed to measles, since an infected individual was in attendance. Meanwhile, a measles case in West Virginia is the first confirmed one in 15 years.
Supreme Court May Lean Toward Laws That Ban Public Sleeping
A Supreme Court majority may support an Oregon city that banned sleeping or camping in public spaces in an effort to target homeless people. Protesters who are against moves to penalize homelessness gathered outside the court, concerned about the case’s implications.
Hospitals Push For Medicare Advantage Boost To Cover 340B Drugs
Hospitals are arguing that since a Supreme Court ruling has reversed cuts made to 340B rates in 2018, Medicare Advantage reimbursement must be adjusted accordingly. Separately, a study shows drug representatives who meet with doctors have no effect on cancer patients’ survival rates.
It’s Likely Your Medical Data Was Stolen In UnitedHealth Hack
UnitedHealth Group said in a news release that stolen files obtained by hackers “could cover a substantial proportion of people in America.” It has paid a ransom to try to prevent the data from being released. Also in the news: Cardinal Health; AI and patient safety; and more.
HHS Props Up Privacy Protections For Abortion Patients And Providers
The new rule, in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, lets providers rebuff efforts from those who seek to use health care info in criminal cases. Meanwhile, doctors are keeping a close eye on a case before the Supreme Court that looks at EMTALA.
CMS Enacts New Rules Meant To Boost Medicaid Payment Transparency
States and Medicaid insurers will be required to annually report how payments are spent, and at least 80% of Medicaid payments must go toward wages for home care services. CMS also ordered states to create “one-stop-shop” websites so people can compare quality ratings.
Nursing Homes Slam Staffing Rule: ‘How Can [We] Hire More RNs When They Do Not Exist?’
The Biden administration on Monday finalized a mandate for nursing homes to hire more nurses and aides, KFF Health News and others reported. Providers balked at the rule, saying it will siphon workers from other long-term care settings and only adds to the worker shortage from the pandemic.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
