Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Friday, Nov. 15, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Treated Wastewater Still Might Contain Dangerous Pathogens, Study Finds
Researchers found evidence that listeria, E. coli, norovirus, and adenovirus — pathogens that likely hitched a ride on plastic fragments — can still be detected in treated water. In unrelated news, meningococcal disease is on the rise in the U.S., CDC data show.
Ohio Bill On Trans Student Bathroom Use Heads To Gov. Mike DeWine
The bill cleared the Ohio Senate on Wednesday. In South Carolina, an eighth grade transgender student sues his school district and the state over the bathroom rule. Other news from across the nation comes from Tennessee, Minnesota, Connecticut, and California.
Semaglutide Appears To Aid People With Alcohol Use Disorder, Study Says
Meanwhile, Hims & Hers tackles the GLP-1 shortage with a new app; Eli Lilly releases data on tirzepatide efficacy; 23andMe faces privacy concerns; and more.
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Medicare Paid $2B On Thousands Of Unessential Back Surgeries: Analysis
In other news, University of Illinois nurses strike; Baystate Health makes leadership cuts; St. Louis University tackles a lack of palliative care; and more.
US Gets D+ Grade From March of Dimes For Stubbornly High Preterm Birth Rate
The nation’s preterm birth rate, which last year was 10.4%, has not budged much in the past decade. Separately, a CDC report finds that babies born to Black moms die at a rate that’s more than double the rate of those born to white moms.
Virginia Democrats Push Ahead With Promise To Protect Reproductive Rights
Lawmakers are putting forward constitutional amendments to protect abortion access, marriage equality, and voting rights. Meanwhile, a Republican legislator in Ohio backs a measure to prohibit funding from flowing to those who provide abortions and to those who help in other ways.
CDC, FDA Officials Warn Kids Could Die From RFK Jr.’s Anti-Vaccine Stance
In separate appearances, both CDC chief Mandy Cohen and Peter Marks, the FDA’s top vaccine regulator, spoke about the consequences of not being vaccinated. “I like to be respectful of people’s opinions, but to me, this is not an opinion issue. It’s just black and white,” Marks said.
With Republican Trifecta Clinched, Health Care Policy Changes Loom
Stat and Roll Call break down what GOP control could mean for ACA subsidies, Medicaid funding, Medicare, mental health services, drug pricing, and more. Meanwhile, aides to President-elect Donald Trump are looking at ways to bypass Congress on federal spending.
Opioid Deaths In US Fall To Lowest Level Since 2020
The CDC reports that opioid overdose deaths have dropped for a 12th straight month, with the decline being seen in a majority of states.
Gaetz As Attorney General Would Sway Abortion, LGBTQ+ Health Laws
If confirmed to the top job at the Justice Department, the now-resigned Rep. Matt Gaetz would be in the position to decide what Affordable Care Act, emergency medicine, abortion, and LGBTQ+ laws the federal government would challenge or defend. Other Trump transition news relates to veteran health and gun violence.
First Edition: Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
St. Paul, Minnesota, Will Erase $40M In Medical Debt For 32,000 Residents
Meanwhile, Illinois will receive a large opioid settlement; North Carolina makes progress in overdose rates; health advocates seek to extend insurance subsidies for young adults in Maryland; and more.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Small Change For PT, OT Practitioners May Have Big Effect On Health Systems
As Modern Healthcare reports, CMS has relaxed supervision requirements for physical and occupational therapist assistants from “direct” to “general.” The change could help health systems manage patient volume and reduce Medicare spending.
STI Infections Are Slowing; Health Experts Call For Cautious Optimism
Gonorrhea cases fell in nearly all age groups last year, CDC data show, and a new doxyPEP protocol is being hailed amid a drop in syphilis infections. Also: A Canadian teen hospitalized with bird flu is in critical condition.
Abortion Opponents Intend To Whittle State Protections Backed By Voters
One of their key goals is to either ban or restrict access to mifepristone, which is used in more than two-thirds of abortions nationwide. Meanwhile, women in Idaho are suing to get clarity on when a pregnancy complication is dangerous enough to warrant medical intervention.
RFK Jr.’s Health Targets Extend To Food Toxins, Raw Milk, Stem Cells
While the question of how much influence Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will have on health policy in a new Trump administration is closely watched, news outlets explore the flashpoints on which Kennedy has previously focused, including raw milk, stem cells, heavy metals, fluoride, and food safety.
Trump Picks TV Host Pete Hegseth To Run Defense Department
Hegseth, an Army National Guard veteran, is co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend.” He once led a group that sought to privatize health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, The Wall Street Journal reported. Plus: More health conditions are added to the burn pit list.
