KFF Health News Weekly Edition: Oct. 4, 2024
Trauma Lives in the Body
By Cara Anthony
Denzel Taylor, a young Black father, moved from Chicago to Sikeston, Missouri, for a fresh start in life. There, he proposed to his girlfriend, started a family, and then, in April 2020, was fatally shot by police officers. Taylor had two young daughters and another on the way when he was killed. Pediatrician Rhea Boyd talks about how children process such loss.
Here’s Why Getting a Covid Shot During Pregnancy Is Important
By Jackie Fortiér
New data from the CDC shows covid vaccination during pregnancy is key to protecting vulnerable newborns from the virus.
Trump Leads, and His Party Follows, on Vaccine Skepticism
By Darius Tahir
Former President Donald Trump has presided over a landslide shift in Republican views on vaccines, reflected in false claims by candidates in election primaries, puzzling conspiracies from prominent conservatives, and a surge in anti-vaccine policies in statehouses.
More Restrooms Have Adult-Size Changing Tables To Help People With Disabilities
By Tony Leys
Adults with disabilities and their caregivers are pressing governments and private businesses across the U.S. to help them avoid undignified public bathroom experiences.
Doctors Urging Conference Boycotts Over Abortion Bans Face Uphill Battle
By Ronnie Cohen
A famed breast cancer surgeon has created a California alternative to a major Texas event. Yet many doctors believe boycotting medical conferences in states that criminalize abortion accomplishes nothing and can be harmful.
Harris Correct That Trump Fell Short on Promise To Negotiate Medicare Drug Prices
By Jacob Gardenswartz
The former president instead favored a temporary model that could’ve brought down prices of some prescription drugs, but it was blocked by the courts.
Vance-Walz Debate Highlighted Clear Health Policy Differences
By KFF Health News and PolitiFact staffs
The vice presidential debate showcased the very different views of Ohio Republican Sen. JD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate, and Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’ VP pick, on health policies past and present.
Harris’ Emphasis on Maternal Health Care Is Paying Dividends With Black Women Voters
By Stephanie Armour
Polls are showing renewed support from Black women voters for the Democratic ticket. Vice President Kamala Harris has backed key health priorities for Black women.
Some Employers Test Arrangement To Give Workers Allowance for Coverage
By Michelle Andrews
Employers are showing interest in a type of health reimbursement account that gives workers a contribution to choose and buy their own plans, rather than participating in group plans.
Setting the Record Straight on the FDA’s Authority Over Drug Ads
KFF Health News gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.
How Minnesota Figures Into the Presidential Politics of Insulin Prices
By Bram Sable-Smith
Minnesota led the way on insulin affordability, culminating in 2020 when Gov. Tim Walz signed a law going further to cut costs than other state laws. Now, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are vying for support from people with diabetes.
The Medicare Advantage Influence Machine
By Fred Schulte and Holly K. Hacker
New court filings and lobbying reports reveal an industry drive to tamp down critics — and retain billions of dollars in overcharges.
California Voters Consider Tough Love for Repeat Drug Offenders
By Don Thompson
A California ballot measure would roll back some decade-old criminal justice reforms that have become fodder for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Stiffer penalties for shoplifting have gotten much of the attention, but the measure also allows controversial treatment requirements for repeat drug offenders.
Get Your BOO On! Submit Your Scariest Halloween Health Care Haikus
Submissions are open for KFF Health News’ sixth annual Halloween haiku competition. Send us your best scary poems — if you dare.
Journalists Weigh In on Racial Trauma, Medicaid Expansion, and Opioid Settlements
KFF Health News and California Healthline staffers made the rounds on national and local media recently to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
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