Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Insurers Brace For Expected Medicare Advantage Losses Next Year
CVS Health and Humana are making moves ahead of anticipated drops in Medicare Advantage memberships in 2025. Meanwhile, low Medicare Advantage pay further stresses rural hospitals.
Critics Highlight Health Implications Of North Carolina Protester Mask Ban
Republican supporters of the proposed ban say it was triggered by student protests, but some note it could also limit how you can wear masks in public for health reasons. Also in the news: California’s Prop 1 fund allocations will begin in July, ahead of schedule.
Relyvrio Manufacturer Withdraws Ineffective ALS Drug From Sale
Withdrawing the drug is actually Amylyx Pharmaceuticals making good on a promise to put patients first: In a large study, Relyvrio was found not to help patients who have Lou Gehrig’s disease. Among other news, Roche received FDA approval for its HPV self-test kits.
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Viewpoints: Can The CDC Regain Public Trust?; Palliative Care Should Start Much Sooner
Editorial writers discuss the CDC, palliative care, asbestos, and ‘digital twins’.
Study Links Some Sepsis-Treating Antibiotics With Higher Risk Of Death
A new study found that for some suspected sepsis cases treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, a slightly higher risk of death resulted. Separately, researchers investigated inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in U.S. emergency departments.
32% Of Outbreaks Linked To Food That Could’ve Been Treated To Avert Illness
Food irradiation, a safe and effective method to reduce foodborne illness, is not widely used in the United States, a study’s authors said. Meanwhile, sales of raw cow’s milk are on the rise despite FDA and CDC concerns about bird flu and other germs tainting the supply.
Biden Administration’s New Tariffs Include Chinese Medical Supplies
The White House announced Tuesday that it will increase taxes from zero to 50% on syringes and needles, and to 25% for personal protective equipment including respirators, face masks, and surgical gloves.
8,000 Women A Month Skirt Abortion Bans Via Telehealth, Survey Finds
In a legislative twist, an Arizona lawmaker’s vote helped reverse her state’s 1864 abortion law, which her husband, a judge, had previously reinstated.
Number Of People At Risk From Extreme Heat Will Double By 2050
New research published Tuesday in Nature Communications explains the rising risk, coming from the combination of an aging population worldwide, alongside a warming planet Earth. Other climate news is on the hottest summer in the Northern Hemisphere in more than 2,000 years and rules for physical education during extreme weather.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Wastewater In 9 Texas Cities Tests Positive For H5N1 Avian Flu
Ten cities were part of a research effort: Nine had H5N1 bird flu virus levels in wastewater, sometimes at concentrations matching seasonal flu. Also in the news: probation for a West Virginia health official in a covid testing scandal; gas stove warnings in California; and more.
Providers Worry About Liability In Aftermath Of Change Healthcare Hack
Modern Healthcare reports on rising concern among health providers over what costs and what legal or regulatory consequences could follow the Change Healthcare hack. And Crain’s Detroit Business covers how a digital forensics firm negotiates deals during cyberattacks.
Large Study IDs New Breast Cancer Genes In Women Of African Ancestry
Twelve genes were identified in women with African ancestry in a study, which could help better predict some people’s risk of the disease in the future. A separate study found people of West African ancestry have a higher risk of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.
Editorial writers discuss mental health awareness, accessing health care, developmental milestones, and more.
Fentanyl Seizures Soared Between 2017 And 2023: Study
In fact, seizures more than quadrupled during that time period. Last year alone, over 115 million pills were seized by law enforcement. Also in the news: a warning about false results from Cue Health covid tests; cortisol and stress; “heart age” and health levels; and more.
Despite Coverage Gains, Costs May Mask Biden’s Health Care Efforts
A closer look at the numbers helps to explain the shift in political discourse from coverage to affordability. Also in the news: pressure to reduce drug prices, removing insurance perks for seniors, Medicaid unwinding, and more.
Arizona Supreme Court Rules To Pause Enforcement Of 1864 Abortion Ban
Although a repeal of the Civil War-era law has cleared the state, it won’t take effect until 90 days after the state legislative session ends. In the interim, Arizona’s attorney general asked the court to halt enforcement until late September. In other news: a new study confirms the safety of abortion pills; and more Americans support abortion access since Roe was overturned.
Weight Loss Drug’s Effectiveness Is Good For Four Years, Study Finds
The popular drug Wegovy also is found to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks in patients no matter how much they weighed, a new study concludes.
