Latest KFF Health News Stories
Montana, Colorado, Nevada, Maryland, And New York Back Abortion Rights
Although abortions were already legal in those states, passage of the measures was intended to make it more difficult for legislatures to adopt bans in the future. Elsewhere, voters in Amarillo, Texas, overwhelmingly rejected a proposed abortion travel ban.
The amendment to roll back Missouri’s ban will go into effect Dec. 5. From there, abortion rights groups would need to petition the court to overturn the ban as unconstitutional. And in Arizona, voters rejected a law banning abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy in favor of fetal viability, or around 24 weeks.
In Return To Power, Trump Vows To Revamp Health Care As We Know It
In his victory speech, the president-elect reiterated his plans to let Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “go wild” on policy: “We’re going to let him go to it.” Stat, Politico, and The Guardian explore what the next administration’s policy proposals might mean.
First Edition: Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
Lawsuits Say GoodRx, PBMs Quash Reimbursements To Small Pharmacies
CVS Caremark and Express Scripts, along with GoodRx and others, are accused of working together to suppress reimbursements to independent pharmacies in at least three class-action lawsuits. Also, Hims & Hers Health will offer a generic version of Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug liraglutide in 2025.
PPE Innovation: Disposable Hijabs For Health Care Professionals
Two respiratory therapists in Minnesota are creating disposable, hygienic hijabs for Muslim women in hopes of making them feel more empowered and included in the workplace. Also: investments, acquisitions, cancer treatments, and more.
Doctors, Hospitals Bemoan Inadequate 2025 Medicare Payment Rates
In other news: In a breakthrough for digital therapeutics companies, under the 2025 Medicare rules, clinicians can bill for some mental health apps. Plus: Insurers fear losing out on millions; Medicaid counseling on firearms; and more.
Fungal STI Showing Up In New York
Four men have been diagnosed with Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII since spring. Also, whooping cough cases — almost 20,000 — are almost back to pre-pandemic levels; California and Washington report more suspected bird flu cases.
Regardless Of Who Wins The White House, Abortion Clinics Are In Trouble
As The New Republic explains, a lack of investment in the infrastructure of abortion care over decades is speeding up the closure of reproductive health clinics. Plus: How abortion factors into elections for West Virginia governor and the Arkansas Supreme Court, and more.
10 States Will Decide Future Of Abortion Access
News sources examine the measures — for and against abortion, or constitutional protections — in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, and South Dakota.
Election Stress Can Be All-Consuming. Here Are Ways To Help Folks Cope
Experts and ordinary people offer advice on information hibernation to get through this anxiety-inducing period in U.S. history. If their tips aren’t enough, simply text ELECTION to 741741 to speak with someone from the Crisis Text Line.
Pandemic Preparedness, WHO Involvement: Global Health Hangs In The Balance With Today’s Election
Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump are polar opposites on health care policy. As Americans head to the polls, the rest of the world waits and worries about what this election might mean for them.
First Edition: Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Deadly Fungal Infections Have Been Trending Upward, Worrying Scientists
The global spread of candida auris is worrisome because the fungi’s mutations are able to dodge drugs that stave off serious infection. Elsewhere in the world, mpox is leveling off in Congo, and five countries see uptick in polio infections.
Maryland Will Participate In ‘AHEAD Model’ That Promotes Health Equity
In other news: a Kansas prisoner sues over health care; the FDA warns against contaminated compounded weight loss drugs; bird flu; tuberculosis; and more.
1,700 University Of Illinois Hospital Nurses To Strike Nov. 13
If the strike is not averted, it will be the second one since August. Other health industry news is on New Jersey’s CarePoint Health, Zoom, Boston Children’s Hospital, and more.
Mifepristone Challenge Is In Wrong Court, Government Argues In Lawsuit
Idaho, Kansas, and Missouri lack standing to pursue their case in a Texas court, the FDA contends as it seeks to have the lawsuit dismissed. Also, as voters in several states weigh in on abortion ballot measures, physicians and patients in Texas and Florida grapple with the fallout of Roe’s end.
Election Outcome Could Upend Medicaid, Transgender Care Policies
Republicans envision slashing Medicaid funding, making it harder for low-income Americans to get the care they need. They also have designs on giving the federal government — not states — say over transgender care.
On Eve Of Election, Trump Campaign Floats Bans On Fluoride, Some Vaccines
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said he’s “OK” with a proposal by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to tell “all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water.” And in an interview with NBC News, Trump also said he’ll “make a decision” on banning certain vaccines — he didn’t say which ones — based on advice he receives from RFK Jr.
