Latest KFF Health News Stories
Editorial writers tackle consequences of overturning Roe, the plague of “forever chemicals,” and more.
Massachusetts Making Huge Effort To Overhaul Nursing Care For The Elderly
As part of a lawsuit settlement, Massachusetts has committed $1 billion in spending for new housing and community support services so that nursing home residents can return to their communities. Separately, reports explore alternative options to nursing home care for older people who need support.
Scientists Mount Study To Test Diabetes Drug’s Anti-Aging Powers
Metformin is a widely popular diabetes drug with anti-inflammatory effects that might help protect against some age-related ailments, including cognitive decline. Separately, the DEA is warning that Adderall abuse could become another opioid crisis-like event.
Nursing Home Residents Lagging In Covid Vaccines, CDC Study Finds
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reports that fewer Americans are now sick with covid, the flu, and RSV. In other news, a global effort to create a plan to combat future pandemics appears to have stalled.
Lower-Income Patients Have Farther To Go For Abortion Care, Data Show
Axios maps the drive times to nearest clinics from states with strict bans in place, while Salon dives deeper into the cost of traveling for out-of-state care.
More Measles Cases Reported So Far This Year Than In All Of 2022: CDC
At least 125 cases across 17 states have been counted by the CDC. The most recent annual peak year for measles infections was 2022. In other news, the EPA has designated PFAS “forever” chemicals as a Superfund hazardous material.
House Panel Will Confront UnitedHealth CEO Over Cyberattack
Andrew Witty is due to testify before a House subcommittee on May 1 regarding the Change Healthcare hack and its impact on the health industry and patients. Reports say some providers found the attack’s impact worse than the pandemic.
About 1 In 5 Could Get A Bird Flu Shot In An Emergency, Feds Say
About a fifth of the population could be vaccinated inside four months if the current bird flu outbreak crossed to people and began to spread. Meanwhile, bird flu vaccine development is “not where we need to be,” according to a top WHO official.
Arizona Abortion Ban Will Be Enforced Starting June 8
The ban stemming from an 1864 law that the Arizona Supreme Court upheld will not be enforced until June, the state attorney general said. Fallout from the controversial court decision is also being felt in California, the legislature, and campaigns.
Supreme Court To Hear Momentous Case On Abortion Care In Emergencies
Justices will hear arguments Wednesday centering on the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, which requires hospitals to provide stabilizing care. The Biden administration has told states that the federal law applies to abortion services, even in ones that have banned the procedure.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Mass. Cancer Care Center Abruptly Closes, Leaving Patients In A Lurch
Steward Medical Group officials are hoping to reopen Brockton facility once they find a new physician. Meanwhile, Minnesotans will have to travel farther for in-patient care after Mahnomen converts to rural emergency hospital.
Arizona Physicians, Leery Of Breaking Law, Likely Won’t Do Abortions
Arizona doctors aren’t likely to chance prison time for performing procedures even though the state’s attorney general promises not to prosecute. Elsewhere, pharmacists are navigating unchartered waters that have them questioning why misoprostol, which is used for ailments other than abortion, is being prescribed.
Editorial writers tackle seasonal allergies, transgender care, weight-loss drugs, and AI in health care.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on breast cancer, menopause, a death doula, noise pollution, and more.
Salmonella Poisoning Outbreak Prompts Trader Joe’s Basil Recall
Several agencies are looking into the outbreak, which has sickened 13 people across multiple states and is linked to a particular organic basil product. Havana syndrome, sicknesses from fake Botox, and more are also in the news.
Bill To Expand California Aid-In-Dying Law Withdrawn Before Hearing
California state Sen. Catherine Blakespear removed the bill she wrote days before its first hearing, saying other legislators are reluctant to take up the measure that would have been the nation’s most expansive aid-in-dying law. Other state news comes from Missouri, Connecticut, and elsewhere.
California Sets Strict Limit For Toxic Chromium-6 In Water Supply
The dangers of chromium-6 were widely known since the 1990s, but the new California safety limit for the carcinogenic heavy metal is said to be a “nation leading” standard. Also in the news: the CDC says record high heat health emergencies hit parts of the U.S. last year.
It’s Now Easier To Report Monopolistic Practices In Health Care Sector
The goal of the new federal portal, HealthyCompetition.gov, is to help lower the cost of health care and prescriptions, the Biden administration announced. Other health industry news is on Medicare device reimbursements, health chatbots, and more.
Florida Jury Rules J&J Talc Product Isn’t To Blame In Fatal Cancer Case
Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powder was not the cause of a woman’s death from ovarian cancer, a Florida jury decided in a case brought against the manufacturer. Separately, Eli Lilly warned shortages of its weight loss drug Zepbound would continue, with no quick fix in sight.
