Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Near-Premature Organ Procurement Incident Prompts Donors To Reconsider
Registries in America and abroad are suffering after people became spooked when a man in Kentucky was declared dead and sent to have his organs harvested.
Biden Administration Amps Up Signature Cancer Moonshot Policy
The government is calling for greater cooperation among hospitals, nonprofits, and wholesalers to alleviate pediatric drug shortages. Other cancer news looks at cancer vaccines, rising lung cancer rates, colon cancer testing, and more.
Harris Or Trump? Grieving Parents Split On Who Can Fix Fentanyl Crisis
The issue of border security is a priority, regardless of which candidate they support. In other election-related health news: abortion, rural hospital closures, RFK Jr.’s role in a Trump administration, and more.
1 Death Reported In Iowa From Lassa Fever, An Ebola-Like Virus
The resident had recently returned from West Africa. Iowa health officials say the risk of transmission is “incredibly low.” Also in the news, locally acquired malaria, “walking pneumonia” in children, bird flu in California, and more.
First Edition: Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Health Care Access Hampered By Helene
In the aftermath of hurricane Helene, North Carolinians struggle to fulfill their health care needs, volunteers from other states arrive to help. Also: more environmental stories and the challenges faced by rising heat and storms across the country.
Louisiana Must Stop Homeless Sweeps Without Proper Notice, Judge Rules
Homeless encampments were cleared ahead of Taylor Swift’s concerts this weekend. In other news, mental health initiatives from across the country, accidental THC in pizza, and more.
FDA Approves New UTI Drug For Women Who Have Run Out Of Options
The drug, Orlynvah, treats uncomplicated urinary tract infections in adult women and will be available around mid-2025. Also in the news: chemotherapy, Ottimo Pharma, a blood-sugar monitoring app, and more.
How Much Will Insured Medicines Cost? Most Americans Haven’t A Clue
Pharmaceutical group’s survey examines prescription drug costs as the industry calls for more transparency from insurers and PBMs. Other health industry news looks at the False Claims Act, Massachusetts hospital closures, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas’ break with MD Anderson Cancer Center, and more.
Dozens More E. Coli Cases Linked To McDonald’s; Quarter Pounders Back On Menu Already
The number of people infected in the outbreak has risen from 49 to 75, the FDA said Friday. The burgers will be sold without onions, which are thought to be the source of contamination. Plus: updates on listeria outbreaks, bird flu, covid, and more.
Abortion Opponents Seek High Court’s OK For In-Your-Face Interactions
Activists want the 8-foot protest-free zone around abortion clinics lifted. Also, The New York Times breaks down Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s stance on abortion quote by quote.
If Elected, Trump Says He’ll Give RFK Jr. Carte Blanche Over Medicine, Health
GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump said Sunday that he’d let Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “go wild” on nearly every health-related topic in America except when it comes to oil. Trump also unveiled a new tax credit for caregivers who take care of a parent, echoing a proposal by Democrat Kamala Harris.
