Latest KFF Health News Stories
Early Myeloma Treatment May Prevent It From Turning Cancerous, Study Finds
Johnson & Johnson submitted to the FDA trial data that it hopes will lead to the first approved treatment for smoldering myeloma. Also in the news: 3D mammograms gain popularity; companies want to study GLP-1s for use in Parkinson’s treatment; and more.
Popularity Of Weight Loss Drugs Fuels Rise In Skin-Tightening Surgeries
Other public health news is on: food safety tips amidst outbreaks; fentanyl in dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico; and more.
Supreme Court Won’t Hear PhRMA Appeal Of Arkansas’ Contract Pharmacy Law
The drug industry’s application for a hearing was declined by the Supreme Court Monday. Arkansas’ law allows hospitals to use contract third-party pharmacies while participating in the federal 340B discount program. Other states have similar laws.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
AI Has The Ability To Save Kids’ Lives — And The Capacity To Cause Harm
The New York Times looks at technology that tries to detect self-harm, suicidal ideation, when students type concerning words on school-issued systems, and then alerts officials. On the flip side, NPR reports on a lawsuit that contends chatbots’ encouragements can turn dark, inappropriate, or even violent.
Nobel Laureate Group Details Reasons Why RFK Jr. Should Not Lead HHS
“Placing Mr. Kennedy in charge of DHHS would put the public’s health in jeopardy and undermine America’s global leadership in the health sciences,” more than 75 laureates wrote in a letter to senators. Meanwhile, despite Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s criticism of the industry and history of vaccine skepticism, pharma is staying silent about the nomination.
NYC Police Charge UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting Suspect With Murder
When arrested Tuesday in Pennsylvania, it’s reported that Luigi Nicholas Mangione, a 26 year-old from Maryland, was carrying a 3D-printed ghost gun and a manifesto citing anger with corporate America, including UnitedHealthcare. New York City police have charged Mangione with murder in the shooting of that company’s executive Brian Thompson.
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.
