Category: Public Health

KFF Health News’ ‘What the Health?’: New Year, New Congress, New Health Agenda

Health is unlikely to be a top priority for the new GOP-led 119th Congress and President-elect Donald Trump. But it’s likely to play a key supporting role, with an abortion bill already scheduled for debate in the Senate. Meanwhile, it’s unclear when and how the new Congress will deal with the bipartisan bills jettisoned from the previous Congress’ year-end omnibus measure — including a major deal to rein in the power of pharmacy benefit managers. In this “catch up on all the news you missed” episode, Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Shefali Luthra of The 19th, and Lauren Weber of The Washington Post join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more.

Earlier onset of Type 2 diabetes linked to increased dementia risk: Study

A study found a connection between an earlier diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes and a heightened risk of developing dementia, particularly for individuals with obesity. 

Norovirus and the 'quad-demic': What to know

A fourth illness is making waves this virus season alongside the flu, respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19, creating a quadruple threat for the U.S.

CMS selects 15 states for maternal health initiative: 5 notes

CMS has selected 15 states to participate in the agency’s new Transforming Maternal Health Model, designed to focus on improving maternal health care delivery, support and outcomes for Medicaid and CHIP enrollees. 

Health Care Is Newsom’s Biggest Unfinished Project. Trump Complicates That Task.

As Gov. Gavin Newsom enters the second half of his final term, health care stands out as his most ambitious but glaringly incomplete initiative for California residents. The issue will likely shape his national profile for better or worse. And now, Donald Trump brings a new wrinkle.

Paxlovid treats some patients with long COVID

Paxlovid might help treat some patients with long COVID, a recent study found.

5 bird flu updates

Bird flu cases in humans are ticking up as the U.S. government funnels more than $300 million into strengthening its response to the outbreak and health experts find worrisome mutations in H5N1. 

EPA flags cancer risks tied to formaldehyde: 5 notes

Formaldehyde, a toxic chemical found in many common products, poses an “unreasonable risk” to human health, the Environmental Protection Agency said in a Jan. 2 report.

Listen: NPR and KFF Health News Explore How Racism and Violence Hurt Health

KFF Health News Midwest correspondent Cara Anthony and Emily Kwong, host of NPR’s podcast “Shortwave,” talk about Black families living in the aftermath of lynchings and police killings.

Respiratory virus activity continues to climb: 5 notes

Respiratory illness activity remains high nationwide, with emergency department visits and positive test rates rising for COVID-19, seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, according to a Jan. 3 news release from the CDC.