KFF Health News Weekly Edition: July 26, 2024

The CDC’s Test for Bird Flu Works, but It Has Issues
By Arthur Allen and Amy Maxmen The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention promises better tests are being developed, but the episode points to vulnerabilities in the country’s defense against emerging outbreaks.

Union With Labor Dispute of Its Own Threatened To Cut Off Workers’ Health Benefits
By Phil Galewitz The National Education Association, the nation’s largest union, told striking workers that their health coverage would be cut off Aug. 1 absent a deal on a new contract. Tensions have mounted after staff disrupted the union’s convention, at which President Joe Biden had been scheduled to speak.

KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': Harris in the Spotlight
For the 2024 campaign, Joe Biden is out, and Kamala Harris is in. As the vice president makes moves toward the top of the Democratic presidential ticket, health policy is resurging as a campaign issue. Meanwhile, Congress tries — and again fails — to make timely progress on the annual government spending bills as abortion issues cause delays. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Stephanie Armour of KFF Health News, and Rachel Cohrs Zhang of Stat join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews Anthony Wright, the new executive director of Families USA, about his plans for the organization and his history working with Harris on health topics. 

Montana Looks To Become Latest State To Boost Nonprofit Hospital Oversight
By Katheryn Houghton Montana’s proposal to increase oversight is part of a national trend by states to ensure nonprofit hospitals act as charitable organizations as they claim tax-exempt status. But the state has yet to set standards for how much the hospitals must do.

California Speeds Up Indoor Heat Protections Amid Sweltering Summer Weather
By Samantha Young Indoor workers who toil in hot jobsites in California gain immediate protection from this summer’s extreme heat. The state’s worker safety chief announced finalized rules Wednesday, capping a years-long push by workers.

Oregon Senator Proposes Criminal Charges and Fines for Rogue Obamacare Agents
By Julie Appleby Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden introduced legislation intended to curb a growing problem in which consumers, without their consent, are enrolled in Affordable Care Act plans or their coverage is switched.

World-Famous Wall Drug Isn’t Immune From Challenges Facing Rural Pharmacies
By Arielle Zionts Even as part of a popular South Dakota tourist attraction, an independent pharmacy serving locals, remote ranchers, and sightseers struggles with staffing and insurer payments.

Louisiana Reclassifies Drugs Used in Abortions as Controlled Dangerous Substances
By Rosemary Westwood, WWNO Louisiana lawmakers have added two drugs commonly used in pregnancy and reproductive health care to the state’s list of controlled dangerous substances, a move that has alarmed doctors in the state.

Why Millions Are Trying FDA-Authorized Alternatives to Big Pharma’s Weight Loss Drugs
By Arthur Allen Illustration by Oona Zenda Although Novo Nordisk and Lilly lump together the pharmacies that compound semaglutide and tirzepatide with internet cowboys selling fake drugs, there is a distinction. The FDA has offered Americans little clarity about the vast gray and black markets for the drugs.

California Forges Ahead With Social Media Rules Despite Legal Barriers
By Mark Kreidler State lawmakers are advancing two bills aimed at protecting children from the harms of social media, part of a nationwide wave of efforts to address the issue. Yet the bills’ proponents face hurdles in finding an approach that can survive legal challenges from the tech industry.

Covid Is Still With Us, but the Guidance Has Changed. Here’s What to Know if You’re Exposed.
By Tarena Lofton President Joe Biden tested positive for covid-19 last week, but his symptoms were reportedly mild. With covid still circulating and putting Americans at risk, KFF Health News reviews the latest safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Rescue From Above: How Drones May Narrow Emergency Response Times
By Michelle Andrews Public safety and health care organizations are using drones to speed up lifesaving treatment during medical emergencies in which every second counts.

Harris, Once Biden’s Voice on Abortion, Would Take an Outspoken Approach to Health
By Stephanie Armour and Julie Appleby and Julie Rovner If she grabs the baton from President Joe Biden to become the new presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris would widely be expected to take an aggressive stance in support of abortion access — hitting former President Donald Trump on an issue that could undermine his chances of victory.

Journalists Discuss Abortion in GOP Platform and How Idaho’s Ban Drove Away OB-GYNs
KFF Health News and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media in the last couple of weeks to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.

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