Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Monday, Dec. 16, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
RFK Jr. Adviser Sought To Have FDA Retract Approval Of Polio Vaccine
Aaron Siri, a lawyer who is helping to vet candidates for top health positions, has a history of challenging vaccine policies in courts. Candidates to fill roles in the incoming administration are specifically asked about their vaccine views, sources say.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on radiation biology, Neanderthals, fertility, pornography, and more.
Ohio Bill Would Force Hospitals To Administer Off-Label Drugs
Meanwhile, two Minnesota autism treatment centers are under FBI investigation; North Carolina seeks heat protections for workers; California’s older homeless population is at risk of hypothermia; and more.
Revised CMS Scores Yield Extra $200M In Bonus Payments For Centene
Centene told investors Tuesday that the company would get additional bonus payments after CMS updated its Medicare Advantage Star Ratings. More health industry news stories report on legal settlements, layoffs, private equity investments, and more.
Man Accused Of Killing CEO Was Not A Member Of UnitedHealthcare
Neither suspect Luigi Mangione nor his mother are customers, the insurance giant said. Many people have speculated whether Mangione was a customer who had been denied a medical claim.
Short-Term Deal To Avert Holiday Government Shutdown Is Close
Lawmakers are “making good progress” on a spending patch to keep the government lights on until March, according to House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole. Other news stories from Capitol Hill report on an investigation of CVS Caremark, funding for Medicaid, Medicare pay rates, and more.
Trump States He Will Not Block Access To Abortion Pills
In other reproductive health news: President-elect Donald Trump appoints an anti-abortion activist to a top job at OMB; South Carolina introduces a bill defining abortion as homicide; abortion access gets tougher as more clinics close; and more.
First Edition: Friday, Dec. 13, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Viewpoints: Here’s How To Improve Health Insurance; Will SCOTUS Uphold Anti-Trans Legislation?
Editorial writers discuss these public health topics.
First-Time ADHD Diagnoses On The Rise In People Over 30
Since 2021, the number of people getting diagnosed with ADHD for the first time has risen significantly. In other news: Americans live with diseases longer than people from other countries; some foods make fighting cancer harder; and more.
Dallas Approves Ordinance To Include Vaping In Citywide Smoking Ban
In other news, Texas health advocates move to improve the Medicaid application process; North Carolina hospitals fight claims that they are not providing price transparency; and more.
CVS, Cigna, UnitedHealth Forced To Sell Pharmacies If Drafted Bill Passes
The bill, drafted by a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, would force prescription drug middlemen to sell off all pharmacies they own. Other news stories cover once-a-year HIV prevention shots, gene therapy to reverse heart failure, and more.
Inaccurate Provider Listings May Become Legal Headache For Insurers
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York is facing a class-action lawsuit that alleges that the insurer intentionally includes out-of-network providers in its lists. The insurance industry will be watching closely as others have been accused of promoting “ghost networks.”
House Passes Bill Banning Tricare From Providing Gender-Affirming Care
Meanwhile, Montana protects health care for transgender minors; Florida prison reverses care for transgender inmates; and more.
White House Defers Decision To Authorize Human Bird Flu Vaccine
Officials are monitoring the U.S. outbreak but say a vaccine isn’t yet warranted. The incoming Trump administration will decide how to proceed. In related news, The New York Times explores whether cats could help the H5N1 virus evolve into a more dangerous form.
The Biden Administration’s Final Days: FDA Proposes Nicotine Limits
As the Biden administration winds down, the FDA proposes nicotine limits on tobacco products to help people quit. Also: progress in women’s health research; a large drop in overdose deaths; and more.
Man Accused In UHC Slaying Saw It As ‘Symbolic Takedown,’ NYPD Says
Police now have possession of a notebook that reportedly describes the alleged suspect’s rationale. Plus, more of the latest details in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
