Latest KFF Health News Stories
Nebraska Allows Medical Marijuana; Colorado Springs Likely To Ban Recreational Pot
After voters rejected ballot measures in three states, recreational cannabis advocates are shifting their focus to state legislatures and the federal government. Also, Jelly Roll weighs in on how a little weed keeps him sober.
Depression And Anxiety Increased By Over 2.5% Post Pandemic, Study Finds
The number of American adults experiencing depression went up by 2.9%, while those experiencing anxiety increased by 2.6% in relation to data from 2019. Other news includes teen caffeine overdoses, cheese recalls, and more.
Novo Nordisk CEO Flags 10 Deaths That Might Be Related To Compounded Semaglutide
The pharmaceutical company says data on 10 deaths and more than 100 hospitalizations comes from the FDA’s adverse event reporting database for semaglutide — the key ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, which are manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Compounded versions of the drug are made by other companies in times of shortages. FDA adverse event reports aren’t verified and don’t mean the drugs have caused the harms documented.
Ban Overturned, Missouri’s Abortion Fight Enters Tricky Legal Territory
Residents voted to undo the state’s strict abortion ban, but they also voted to stack the state government with Republicans who oppose abortion. Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood workers on Wednesday filed paperwork to begin the process of invalidating the state’s ban.
LGBTQ+ Crisis Hotlines See Huge Increase In Calls, Texts
All across the country, LGBTQ+ hotlines, focused on the mental health and well-being of the community, have received an extraordinary influx of calls and texts in the days leading up to and since the election.
Patchwork Of State Abortion Laws Gets Even More Complex After Elections
Despite historic results in Tuesday’s elections, abortion-rights advocates are warning that opportunities for more ballot measures might be dwindling.
Abortion Rights Are Not Certain Under Trump, Despite Wins At State Level
Although the president-elect has said he won’t sign a federal abortion ban, Donald Trump’s second administration has the will and the tools to undo reproductive health policies. News outlets offer a preview of what could happen and how quickly things could change.
Under Trump, Privately Run Health Care Plans Favored Over ACA And Medicaid
In the aftermath of the election, health care companies that offer federally funded plans, like ACA and Medicaid, are likely to suffer, while private ones, like Medicare Advantage, will likely benefit from the Republican win. Also, more about what to expect from the Trump presidency.
RFK Jr. Says Parts Of FDA Will ‘Go’; DeSantis Urges Ladapo For HHS Chief
Donald Trump’s confidante Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who will likely play a large role in the next administration, has pledged to gut “cronyism” and corruption in the public health bureaucracy. On Wednesday, he said “entire departments” will likely be cut from the FDA.
In Trump’s Health Care Agenda, No Policy Will Likely Remain Untouched
News outlets explore what the next administration could do — or undo — to programs such as the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, and Medicare, as well as hot-button issues such as abortion and prescription drug costs.
First Edition: Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Should Drug Companies Be Able To Bypass Physicians?; RFK Jr. Wants To Cause Chaos
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
USDA Blocks Processing Fees On School Lunches For Low-Income Families
Cashless payment systems come with heavy processing fees, and the USDA has announced that starting in 2027, students who qualify for free- or reduced-price lunches cannot be charged said fees. Also, the CDC’s director discusses how election results may shift the nation’s focus on the health impacts of things like access to transportation, jobs, and housing.
National IV Solution Supply Chain At Risk Again From New Storm
Tropical Storm Rafael, which is expected to strengthen and may hit the Gulf Coast later this week, could further disrupt the IV solution supply chain if its path shifts towards Texas, where 4.4% of U.S. production takes place. In other news, the WHO has released a list of 17 pathogens requiring urgent vaccine development.
DSH Payment Complaints Argued Before The Supreme Court
Hospitals have brought before the Supreme Court their complaints over how CMS calculates billions of dollars in Medicare payments to safety net hospitals, known as disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments. On Tuesday, oral arguments were heard, but the justices are not yet willing to reveal their hands.
Delaware’s Sarah McBride To Become First Transgender Rep In US Congress
She will be the first transgender representative to serve in Congress. Other LGBTQ+ firsts were registered during this year’s elections.
With Senate, White House Wins, GOP Policy Plans Start To Take Shape
Control of the U.S. House remains undecided as Democrats still hope to provide a backstop to unfettered Republican control.
Massachusetts voters also rejected legalizing the use of psychedelics. In Nebraska, Missouri, and Alaska, ballot initiatives passed requiring employers to provide paid sick leave.
California Approves More Funding For Medi-Cal, Tougher Anti-Drug Stance
Also, early returns show voters narrowly approving Proposition 34, which restricts spending of prescription drug revenues by certain health care providers.
Abortion Access Initiatives Fail In Florida, Nebraska, And South Dakota
Voters in Florida and South Dakota defeated ballot measures that would have overturned their respective states’ abortion bans. And in Nebraska’s unusual election with two abortion questions, a ballot measure passed that enshrined a current 12-week abortion ban in the state’s constitution.
