Latest KFF Health News Stories
After ACA, Number Of Uninsured Americans Dropped By Half: Survey
The Commonwealth Fund 2024 Biennial Health Insurance Survey found that 8 percent of Americans had no health insurance in 2023. It also found that 3 in 5 underinsured adults said they avoided care because of the cost. Separately, a Gallup poll finds that 62% of Americans think it’s the government’s job to make sure everyone has health care coverage.
First Edition: Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Abortion Access In Missouri Still In Limbo, Awaiting Judge’s Ruling
Although a constitutional amendment to roll back the state’s abortion ban passed, it does not override any specific state laws, leaving Planned Parenthood’s plans to offer abortions at the mercy of the judge. Also: opioid settlement funds; methadone clinics fraud complaints in New York, and more.
Allina Health’s Response To Workplace Violence Is Not Enough, Nurses Say
CBS News reports that workplace violence at Allina Health’s Abbott Northwestern Hospital has led to more than $83,000 in fines over the past year. Other news from the health industry is on the demand for obesity drugs, an acquisition of 11 Tennessee nursing homes, and more.
Cancer Treatments Rise For Under 50 Population, Analysis Finds
In other news, HPV vaccine is credited for lower death rate among women under 25; psilocybin is being tested to treat health care worker burnout; and more.
Viewpoints: How Did Basic Procedures Become Surgery?; Mental Health Apps Need An Update
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Flu Rates Show Slight Increase; Overall Respiratory Viruses Rise To Moderate
Meanwhile, Navy quietly begins studying fighter pilot brain injuries; weight-loss drugs may also curb addiction; mosquito-borne chikungunya has hefty price tag; and more.
National Milk Supply Testing For Bird Flu Mandated By USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has ordered testing of the country’s milk supply for bird flu beginning Dec. 16, to better track bird flu spread across the country.
CBO Estimates Millions Will Lose Insurance If ACA Subsidies Expire; Biden Calls For Extension
Premiums will also rise if the subsidies are allowed to expire at the end of 2025, the new CBO report forecasts. President Joe Biden urged Congress to extend the tax credits now, and The Washington Post reports on a deal offered by Democrats to get it done.
RFK Jr. Might Probe Whether Vaccines Cause Autism, Trump Indicates
Even though studies have repeatedly shown that no link exists, “I think somebody has to find out,” President-elect Donald Trump said on NBC’s “Meet The Press.” He also repeated that he doesn’t expect access to abortion pills will change under his administration, but he acknowledged that “things change.”
Police, FBI Manhunt For Killer Of UnitedHealthcare CEO Widens Beyond NYC
“I’m thinking we’re going to know who this is within a matter of a few more days, if that,” a former FBI profiler says. Meanwhile, authorities have released new images of the suspect and are offering reward money for information leading to the suspect’s arrest and conviction.
Survey Finds Nearly 80% Dissatisfied With Cost Of Health Care In US
In the lowest marks in over two decades, a Gallup poll finds that only 19% of Americans are satisfied with the costs of health care in 2024. Quality ratings suffer as well, with less than a majority of people giving “good” or “excellent.” And a separate survey looks at Medicare Advantage plans.
First Edition: Monday, Dec. 9, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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 brain health, dirty water, blindness, comfort dogs, and more.
A Whopping 364 Whooping Cough Cases Plagued US Thanksgiving Week
Although the holiday pertussis surge is the worst the U.S. has seen since 2010, officials note it “is now returning to pre-pandemic trends.” Meanwhile, as flu season gets underway, the antiviral drug oseltamivir is showing promise as a lifesaving treatment for influenza A.
Oklahoma Lawmaker Introduces Bill To Classify Abortion As A Felony
Meanwhile, Michigan moves to safeguard women’s health data; Ohio takes steps to protect sedated patients; Florida rejects children’s health insurance program; and more.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
High-Level Execs Scramble For More Protection After Thompson’s Slaying
Phones have been “ringing off the hook” at Allied Universal, which provides security services for many Fortune 500 companies, The New York Times reported. Plus: Updates on the hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killer.
FDA Needs More Authority And Funds From Congress To Curb Obesity Trend
On Thursday, senators decried the FDA’s lack of action on obesity and diabetes. Commissioner Robert Califf argued that the FDA needs more assistance to get things done. Meanwhile, only under President Joe Biden has the FDA begun to regulate lab-developed tests, Stat reports.
Trainee Doctors At Mass General Brigham Protest Over Exploitation
An estimated 400 doctors protested Thursday, claiming the raises promised by MGB failed to keep up with inflation, while the CEO’s salary jumped nearly 12% in last year alone. Also, Iowa’s physician-to-patient ratio is one of the worst in the country and is expected to get worse.
