Latest KFF Health News Stories
Maryland Tracking Marijuana Trends
The health dashboard is intended to identify areas of concern so that officials can ensure residents use cannabis safely. Elsewhere, social services struggles in North Carolina, climate change in Florida, and more.
Viewpoints: The Newest Abortion Fight Is An Old One; The Danger RFK Jr. Poses To Our Health
Editorial writers discuss reproductive rights, forced sterilization, gun control, and more.
Multistate E. Coli Outbreak Traced To Organic Carrots From California
Fifteen people have been hospitalized and one has died after eating the tainted carrots, CDC officials say. More public health news is about vape sales, MeRT therapy, cow fat, and more.
Small Study Finds ChatGPT Outperforms Docs At Diagnosing
In the study, ChatGPT operating alone outperformed both doctors who were using ChatGPT to help them diagnose and those who were using only conventional resources. Other health industry news is on CareMax, Indiana University Health, and more.
First US Case Of Aggressive New Mpox Strain Confirmed In California
The individual in question had recently returned from eastern Africa, the state health department said. Also in the news: bird flu, covid, and dengue fever.
Texas Lawmaker Pushes For Abortion Pill Reclassification
Pat Curry, a Republican in the Texas House, has pre-filed a bill to classify abortion pills as “controlled substances.” If passed, it would go into effect late next year.
How Could RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Skepticism Hurt The US? Just Ask Samoa.
The independent, Pacific nation of Samoa — a stone’s throw from the U.S. territory of American Samoa — experienced a disastrous epidemic of measles in 2019. Kennedy had visited Samoa four months before the outbreak and met with anti-vaccine advocates, The Washington Post reported.
PBM Restrictions Could Be Passed Or Punted By Lame-Duck Congress
Analysts look at the likelihood of lawmakers making moves to rein in drug middlemen this session. Also, covid-era prescription flexibility is kept in place, pharmaceutical companies take on GLP-1 copycats, and more.
Health Executives Banking On Political Risks To Preserve ACA Subsidies
Some Republicans oppose extending enhanced tax credits for Affordable Care Act insurance plans that are set to expire at the end of 2025. Not doing so, though, would risk millions of people losing coverage, many of whom live in red states. Health care executives are optimistic that the subsidies will be extended even when Republicans take power.
First Edition: Monday, Nov. 18, 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 DNA sequencing, sickle cell, ADHD, toad venom, and more.
Viewpoints: Ultra-Processed Foods Require Better FDA Research; How Will RFK Jr. Perform In New Job?
Editorial writers dissect these public health topics.
To Compete With Hims & Hers, Amazon One Medical Adds To Its Telehealth Menu
The expanded services help customers receive consultations and medications for erectile dysfunction, men’s hair loss, eyelash growth, motion sickness, and anti-aging skin care.
FDA Rules Aim To Rein In Distracting TV Drug Ads
The agency’s new guidelines require drugmakers to provide viewers with a clearer picture of medications’ risks and side effects. Congress also is looking at giving the FDA authority to regulate drug promotions on social media platforms. Also in the news: Botox; CAR-T therapy; and more.
Mental Health Study Points To Loneliness As Risk Factor For Dementia
In other news: a dramatic increase in obesity rates; standing desks may not actually be a healthier choice; laughter is effective in combating dry eye disease; and more.
Trump Picks Former Rep. Doug Collins To Lead Veterans Affairs Department
Collins, a Republican and a previous lawyer for Donald Trump, would take charge of the VA and its massive health care programs. Collins is a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command.
Measles Cases Rise As Vaccinations Fall; Is It A Sign Of Things To Come?
Globally, measles cases surged 20% in 2023, the CDC said Thursday. The news comes just as Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has advocated against covid-19 vaccines and has repeated the debunked claim that childhood vaccines cause autism.
Medicaid, Medicare, Vaccines, Disease Surveillance, Drug Safety — And RFK Jr.
New outlets explore what’s at stake for the broad array of health programs run by the federal government should vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. take the helm at HHS.
Agency Workers, Scientists ‘Aghast’ At Role RFK Jr. Could Play As HHS Head
Leaders in the scientific community, biopharma world, and veterans of the federal health agencies provide wide-ranging reactions to the news that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be nominated as the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Unhealthy Conditions At Georgia Jail Violate Rights, Justice Department Says
In other health news: Meta will appeal court rulings over “addictive” social media apps; a school event in Missouri is linked to an E. coli outbreak; an abortion clinic “buffer zone” is challenged in Illinois; and more.
