Latest KFF Health News Stories
Trump Is Shaping His Cabinet With A Clear Focus On Shaking Up Status Quo
The president-elect’s nominees — particularly those in the health sector — have a history of scrutinizing the government agencies that would be under their purview. However, they have shown that their political priorities align with Trump’s.
First Edition: Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: First Edition won’t publish for the rest of the week. Look for it again in your inbox Monday. Happy Thanksgiving!
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
Ailing Crew, Passenger Aboard Separate Flights Trigger Call To CDC
Delta workers and a person on an Avianca flight all sought medical care after arriving at Boston Logan International Airport. The cause of the illnesses is unknown. Meanwhile, Texas is facing its worst dengue fever outbreak in two decades. Also, a look at lung cancer rates in women.
Two Years Into Philly’s Sugary Drink Tax, No Major Change In Kids’ Obesity
Among other news: Massachusetts law allows “sick leave” for miscarriages and failed adoptions, and the USDA has rejected Iowa’s request to send out food boxes to low-income families, putting summer food assistance for 240,000 kids in jeopardy.
‘Disappointing’: Cassava Sciences Ends Study Of Alzheimer’s Drug Simufilam
The company’s future now appears to be in flux, as simufilam was its only drug in clinical trials, The New York Times reported. Also: a Roche lung cancer drug has failed to improve survival; pharma companies’ net zero carbon goals; and more.
Feds Serve Warrant, Seize Phone Of Former Steward Health Care CEO
The Boston Globe reports on the widening investigation into Steward, including that federal investigators also visited another Steward executive and seized his phone, as well. Separately, the Globe explores how the Steward collapse is worsening ER overcrowding.
Delayed Miscarriage Care Leads To Death Of Third Woman in Texas
Following complications from a miscarriage, 35-year-old Porsha Ngumezi suffered what more than a dozen doctors called a preventable death after not receiving a standard D&C procedure. More abortion news comes from Arizona, New York, Minnesota, and more.
Trump Might Medically Discharge All Transgender Troops
According to several news outlets, an executive order is being drafted that would immediately discharge all transgender service members — estimated at 15,000 — from the military, a move that would prove to be chaotic at a time when new recruitments are low. Donald Trump’s team did not deny the reports but said no decisions have been made.
Agency That Helps Protect Americans From Medical Debt May Face Overhaul
The Washington Post reports that Republican party leaders want to impose new restrictions on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which shields people from deceptive financial practices. Meanwhile, some government watchdogs are already quitting their jobs.
Pharma Analysts Mull Risks Of RFK Jr.’s Proposed Ban On Lucrative Ads
The absence of direct-to-consumer outreach will “almost certainly” cause drug sales to plunge, experts fear. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump is considering Jim O’Neill as deputy secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services. O’Neill has expressed interest in FDA reforms.
Biden Proposes Weight Loss Drug Coverage By Medicare, Medicaid
HHS proposed a rule Tuesday that, if enacted, would expand access to anti-obesity medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro to millions of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The regulation would not be finalized before Donald Trump takes office and could be blocked by the next HHS Secretary; nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a critic of such drugs.
First Edition: Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Newest Perk On Company Health Insurance Plans: Menopause Benefits
The Washington Post reports on benefits popping up at an increasing number of companies, including time off, access to experts, flexible dress code, and more. Also: PFAS in breast milk, postpartum depression, a Virginia postnatal retreat, and more.
Editorial writers discuss these public health topics.
Without Nicotine, Vaping Still Affects Oxygen And Vascular Health Instantly
The research comes from a study that has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal but will be presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America in Chicago in December. Other public health news is on “pink cocaine,” cold plunges, brain health, and more.
Raw Milk Found In Retail Store Tests Positive For Bird Flu In California
The positive result was confirmed by officials Sunday; it came from a Fresno County facility that sells raw milk to dozens of Bay Area stores. Also, a listeria outbreak linked to a South Carolina food processor has sickened people in four states and led to nine hospitalizations. In other news: public health performance standards; crisis hotlines; rural medical debt; and more.
Facing Physician Shortage, CMS Opens 200 More Residency Slots
An estimated 70% of the slots were set aside for psychiatry or primary care. Other industry news is about Black doctors, UnitedHealth’s Medicare Advantage ratings, telehealth, at-home care, and more.
FDA Study Adds To Concerns That Asthma Drug Can Harm Mental Health
The FDA study finds that the popular asthma drug Singulair, sold generically as montelukast, can bind to brain receptors and is linked to severe mental health issues and suicide. However, more data is needed to confirm how the drug collects in the nervous system, the agency says.
Trump’s Health Nominees Lack Infectious-Disease Expertise
The Washington Post reports on how the lack of tested experience among the hastily assembled team of experts for the next administration could be a problem if there is another pandemic or public health emergency.
