Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study Suggests Failing Heart Valves Should Be Replaced, Stat
New clinical trial data show there is no benefit to waiting when it comes to heart-valve replacement surgery. Other news includes: Ozempic and Wegovy now available, after long shortage; AirPods Pro hearing aids; and more.
CareTrust To Acquire Nursing Homes In Tennessee, Alabama In $500M Deal
The facilities — 30 in Tennessee and one in Alabama — will be operated by CareTrust partners the Pacs Group, the Ensign Group, and Links Healthcare Group. Elsewhere, nurses and other union workers in California and Rhode Island are staging protests over staffing shortages.
More Adults In Their 20s And 30s Are Being Diagnosed With Autism
USA Today reports on a study published Wednesday in JAMA Network Open that says the rate of autism for adults ages 26 to 34 grew more than 450% from 2011 to 2022. Also in the news: daylight saving time, gun violence, vaping, and more.
Viewpoints: Bird Flu Is Moving Faster Than A Potential Vaccine; Why Is Medicare So Hard To Navigate?
Editorial writers dig into these public health topics.
US Confirms 1st Case Of Bird Flu In Pig
Five pigs on a noncommercial farm in Oregon were tested for the virus after other animals fell ill. As NBC News points out, “pigs can become infected with both bird and human viruses at the same time, which can give rise to mutated strains that can more easily infect humans.” Meanwhile, the USDA will start bulk testing the milk supply for signs of the virus.
California Catholic Hospital To Provide Emergency Abortions As Suit Proceeds
Providence St. Joseph Hospital, under fire after allegedly giving a hemorrhaging patient a bucket and towels and sending her to another hospital, agreed to comply with the California Emergency Services Law, which requires hospitals to provide abortions in life-threatening situations.
Speaker Johnson Says Obamacare In For ‘Massive Reform’ If Trump Wins But Denies Repeal Accusation
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson’s comments about the future of Obamacare under a possible Trump administration is becoming campaign trail fodder. Kamala Harris’ campaign seized on them, saying that Republicans will repeal the Affordable Care Act. Johnson called that a “dishonest” characterization, and Donald Trump’s campaign is distancing itself from the speaker’s plan.
First Edition: Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 🎃
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
California County Extends Health Aid To Prisoners Reentering Society
Santa Clara County’s Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative already has 100 youth and adults enrolled in the program, which offers medical and behavioral health services, officials say. Also: Florida’s low flu vaccination rate in nursing homes; Michigan teachers face health care rate hikes; and more.
Workplace Violence Nearly 5 Times More Likely For Health Care Workers
Federal data show that health care workers are 4.9 times more likely to experience workplace violence than private industry workers, due in part to staff and resource shortages. Meanwhile, Walgreens continues with layoffs, cutting 3.6% of its support center team employees.
Hospitalizations Increased After Asthma Med Flovent Was Dropped
ABC News reports a 17.5% increase in asthma-related hospitalization in the three months after Flovent was discontinued and a 24.1% increase in the next three to six months. Other pharma news covers the IV fluid shortage, Eli Lilly’s Alzheimer’s drug Kisunla, weight loss drugs as an employer perk, and more.
Human Bird Flu Cases In Wash. And Calif. Bring Total To 36 Nationwide
Nine new cases of human infection have been confirmed, but according to the CDC, all cases occurred on farms that have been affected by bird flu. In other public health news: respiratory illnesses on the rise; health impacts of climate change; and more.
First Edition: Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Under A Trump Administration, CDC Could Face Deep Budget, Program Cuts
Some conservatives want to downsize the scope of the agency or move areas of research to other government agencies. An added complication: It’s unclear how Donald Trump’s support of Robert Kennedy Jr. as a health adviser fits into the puzzle.
Harris Has Been Unwavering Advocate Of Reproductive Freedom. Here’s Why.
The New York Times digs into Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ record and history to explain why she is so passionate about the issues women face. Also, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Missouri weigh in on abortion election matters.
Delayed Miscarriage Care Led To Fatal Infection For Texas Mom
Josseli Barnica’s death could have been prevented, medical experts say, if doctors had intervened sooner and not allowed bacteria to enter her uterus. In California, a Catholic hospital and the state’s attorney general reach an agreement on emergency abortion care while a lawsuit moves forward.
Viewpoints: Weight Loss Drugs Should Be Available To All; Biomedical Innovation Is Taking A Beating
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Over $600 Million In Medicaid Funding For Special Ed Program Cut In Texas
The move is expected to worsen already strained care budgets for low-income students with disabilities in the coming year. More than 775,000 students receive special education services in Texas, though not all through Medicaid. In other news: California wants to ban slavery; mental health hotline for first responders; and more.
VR Treatment For Hallucinations Shows Promise In Ongoing Trial
In a new phase 2/3 trial, virtual avatars are being used to treat auditory verbal hallucinations, especially in people with schizophrenia (which affects 24 million people globally). Also: new health technology, health tracking apps, AI, and more.
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
