Latest KFF Health News Stories
High Court Allows Insurers To Limit Dialysis, Forcing Patients To Medicare
In a 7-2 decision, the justices said an employer-provided health plan could make all dialysis providers out of network, which reduces reimbursements from the plan. That can have the effect of forcing patients into Medicare, which covers serious kidney disease. The court also refused to take up an appeal by the maker of Roundup, which is facing massive liability claims from people asserting that the weed killer causes cancer.
Senators Unveil Bill That Would Cap Insulin Costs For Many
The anticipated legislation would set most patients’ out-of-pocket costs for insulin at $35 per month and offer pharmaceutical companies incentives to lower overall prices. But it faces an uphill climb in the Senate.
FDA Aims To Eliminate Most Nicotine From Cigarettes
The Biden administration is writing a draft rule that would require tobacco companies to remove most nicotine from cigarettes. Its aim is to drastically reduce smoking-related deaths by removing the addictive ingredient, but the giant tobacco industry is gearing up for a court battle.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers weigh in on the baby formula shortage, monkeypox and mental health issues.
Viewpoints: Overturning Roe Disregards First Amendment; Adoption Is Not A Substitute For Abortion
Opinion writers tackle abortion rights, covid and LGBTQ+ issues in health care.
Expiring Subsidies Poised To Raise Health Premiums For Californians
The Los Angeles Times reports on how the potential expiration of the pandemic’s temporary relief package may lift health care costs in California. Separately, the Detroit Free Press reports on how thousands of people in Michigan and across the U.S. are missing out on HIV prevention treatments.
Infant Sleep Guides Updated, But Key Parts Remain Same
Though the American Academy of Pediatrics has updated guidelines for infant sleeping for the first time since 2016, key points such as babies sleeping on their back, alone, remain unchanged. Baby formula shipments, kids accidentally taking melatonin, cytomegalovirus, and more are also reported.
Toxins In Tennessee Fish Prompt Safety Alerts For At-Risk Groups
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation reported tests in reservoirs revealed high levels of some toxins like mercury, so some people are advised not to eat fish caught there. Meanwhile, in California, a bacterial outbreak at two hatcheries led to mass fish euthanizations.
Lawsuit Claims Facebook Is Gaining Access To Some Patients’ Health Data
The data transfer is said to occur when patients access web portals for some providers, potentially violating federal and state laws. An investigation by The Markup found at least 33 top U.S. hospitals send sensitive data to Facebook via a tracking pixel. Medical debt issues are also in the news.
‘Father Of The HMO’ Dies At 95; Idea Didn’t Turn Out Like He Envisioned
As The New York Times noted in his obituary, Dr. Paul Ellwood Jr. gave up practicing pediatric neurology in the late 1960s to devote himself to national health reform. But as health maintenance organizations became hugely profitable, Ellwood repeatedly voiced disappointment with the way his original ideas had worked out in practice.
Once-Predictable Pattern Of Infections, Surge Of Deaths Appears To Be Shifting
The two occurrences used to be intricately linked. But now, because so many Americans have been vaccinated, infected with covid, or both, the number of people whose immune systems are unprepared for the virus has dwindled, The New York Times says.
Iowa Supreme Court Says Abortion Rights Not Constitutionally Guaranteed
The decision, which allows a 24-hour waiting period for abortion to go into effect, is a shift for the court. In 2018, it ruled that the state constitution protected abortion rights. But the makeup of the court has changed since then. News outlets also look at efforts to teach abortion procedures to medical students, the effect that abortion restrictions may have on maternal health and more.
WHO Stresses A ‘Unified’ Global Monkeypox Strategy Needed
The World Health Organization is changing how it reports case numbers, no longer distinguishing between endemic and non-endemic nations. Other news reports on the viral science and more U.S. infections.
Medicare Could Save Billions Through Mark Cuban’s Generics Pharmacy
Harvard Medical School researchers estimate that in 2020 alone, Medicare could have spent $3.6 billion less on generic acid-reflux, cancer and other drugs if purchased through Cost Plus Drug Company, a new online pharmacy backed by Mark Cuban. The analysis finds that other insurers could also benefit from the business model.
Long Wait Over: Nearly All Kids Can Now Get A Covid Vaccine
Following FDA and CDC approval over the weekend, covid shots started going in the arms of kids over 6 months old Monday. But a majority of parents may not be in a rush to do so: an April survey found only 18% would immediately vaccinate their child.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Heat Waves Harm Health; Small Steps Needed To Improve Refugee Health Care
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on autism, weight-loss drugs, genital cutting, Lizzo, mastectomy, and more.
Reversing A 5-Week Decline, Covid Deaths Rise Globally: WHO
In its most recent pandemic update, the World Health Organization said deaths are rising again after a long period where they’ve been declining. And the World Trade Organization approves a covid vaccine patent waiver with the aim of boosting production of shots in poorer nations.
