Latest KFF Health News Stories
Conservatives Zero In On Federal Labor Law To Limit Abortion Coverage
Proposals being floated among presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump’s insiders would make it more difficult for patients with private employer insurance to travel out of state for abortion care, experts contend.
Juul Products Will Stay On Shelves As FDA Reverses Ban During Review
An earlier FDA order for Juul to stop selling its vape products has been lifted as the agency reviews new court decisions and considers updated information provided by the company.
US Owes Native American Tribes For Health Care Costs, Supreme Court Rules
Funds should be allocated to cover expenses that tribes take on when spending money from Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers, the court determined. The government immediately called on Congress to guarantee such funding, estimated to be between $800 million and $2 billion annually, going forward.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: American Stubbornness May Push Bird Flu Into The Next Pandemic
Editorial writers examine pandemic preparedness, opioid use, overdose rates, and MDMA.
Abortion Access Ruling May Offer Only Limited Assurances In Some States
Even if the Supreme Court backs the Biden administration’s contention that abortions may be performed in medical emergencies, doctors’ fear of legal repercussions at state and local levels likely will make them hesitant to perform such care. A court ruling will come out by the end of the month.
Research Roundup: RSV Vaccine Safety; Covid Deaths; Pediatric Studies
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Ailing Civilian Contractors On Their Own To Fight Red Tape Over Burn Pits
While veterans have guaranteed coverage under the PACT Act for illnesses stemming from exposure to toxic burn pits, those serving in nonmilitary roles don’t receive the same access to care.
17% Of US Adults Use Cannabis, Most To Manage Symptoms Like Stress, Pain
Also in health and wellness news: MDMA, grief after an overdose, sleep’s connection to happiness, a “realistic” way to protect kids from ill effects of social media, and more.
Technical Glitch In Indiana Briefly Affected Service Of VA Crisis Line
An issue at a phone carrier’s Indiana facility impacted the Veterans Crisis Line for several hours Tuesday, making it difficult for some callers to get through. In other news, a first-of-its-kind initiative will launch across four states in the fall to tackle the youth mental health crisis.
Lawmakers Split Over Federal Nursing Home Staffing Rules
The battle over the CMS mandate got more complex Wednesday as a bipartisan group of senators tried to kill the rule, which would require nursing homes to provide at least 3.48 hours of care per resident, per day, and have a registered nurse available 24 hours a day.
Republicans Stymie Bill To Guarantee Birth Control Access Nationwide
The measure, brought forth in the Senate, was decried as a political stunt by Republican lawmakers even though the majority of American voters support access to contraception.
Case Of Rare Fungal STI Ringworm Reported In US For First Time
Physicians are saying they’re facing increasing trouble when it comes to treating fungal infections. In other developments, a possible salmonella outbreak in cucumbers has sickened over 150 people, hospitalizing 54.
Mexico Man’s Death Marks First Human Case Of H5N2 Bird Flu Variant
The variant, which killed a 59-year-old man, is not known to have spread to humans, authorities say. They stressed that there’s no evidence of person-to-person transmission linked to this subtype, and note the man had several prior health conditions.
Scientists Link More Than 200 Symptoms To Long Covid
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine also says a positive covid test isn’t necessary to diagnose long covid. Separately, physicians are asking if covid is to blame for a surge in “unusual” cancers.
This Fall’s Covid Shot Should Target JN.1 Variant, FDA Panel Agrees
The recommendation would lead to the third remake of covid vaccines since 2022, CIDRAP notes, with new shots targeting ever-evolving variants. FDA officials say the timing for this type of decision “remains elusive.” Also, a potential treatment is about to begin clinical trials in South Carolina.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: HPV Vaccine Is Safe For All; Did An Op-Ed Influence The Rise In Prescription Prices?
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Viewpoints: It’s Time To Update Laws On Food Allergies; Abortion Exceptions In Texas Are Too Complex
Editorial writers tackle food allergies, abortion laws, addiction, and more.
Too Many Still Believe MMR Vaccine Causes Autism; Progress Being Made In New Antibiotic Creation
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
