health-care47.68 min read
Measles Spillover Alert as Texas Detention Centers Face Public Health Risk
16 days ago•Source: The Texas Tribune
Health Care News
The latest health care stories, summarized by AI
Featured Health Care Stories
View original source
13.66 min•17 days ago
From fringe to clinic: the real science of red-light therapy
Red- and near-infrared light may boost mitochondrial function and blood flow, with evidence of safety and some benefit for ulcers, peripheral neuropathy, dry age-related macular degeneration, and cancer-therapy–related mucositis; however, the overall clinical picture is mixed, optimal doses and delivery methods are unresolved, and while trials are expanding into brain and metabolic effects, hype often outpaces solid, large-scale evidence.
More Top Stories
2
Measles outbreak at El Paso ICE camp fuels push to shutter East Montana
The Texas Tribune•1 month ago
3
Democrats laud FDA move to lift estrogen therapy warning
The Hill•2 months ago
More Health Care Stories
Texas sets ACA enrollment record as open enrollment nears its deadline
Texas opened 2026 with a record 4.11 million Texans selecting ACA plans as of Jan. 3—about 6.5% more than 2025—marking a new state record, though the data are preliminary and may not reflect who will maintain coverage after payments. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 15 amid the expiration of enhanced subsidies and ongoing federal negotiations on a subsidy extension. Experts caution that auto-renewals and income levels will influence the final coverage numbers.
Montana’s Rural Health Windfall: A Bold Bet to Stabilize Care Amid Medicaid Shifts
Montana stands to receive about $233.5 million in 2026 from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, with a potential total of roughly $1.2 billion by 2031 if funding remains level. The state’s plan centers on five initiatives—workforce development, facility sustainability, innovative care models, community health investment, and modern IT—plus a proposed Center of Excellence (costing about $418 million) to assess needs and guide service realignment. Physical infrastructure spending is largely restricted, but funds could cover equipment or IT upgrades; Montana will issue RFPs as projects are defined and submit a revised budget by Jan. 30, with an advisory committee to provide input during the process.
Europe Advances Access to Safe and Legal Abortions
The European Parliament voted in favor of establishing an EU fund to expand access to abortion across member states, supporting reproductive rights and healthcare equality, despite political divisions and varying national laws.
Hochul Considers Signing Medical Aid in Dying Bill
Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act in New York, allowing terminally ill patients to request life-ending medication, after reaching a legislative compromise. The bill, supported by a majority of New Yorkers but opposed by religious groups, includes provisions such as a video request, waiting period, and mental health evaluation, though amendments may weaken some of Hochul's initial demands.
Trump Admin Unveils New Medicaid Drug Pricing Initiatives
The Trump administration's CMS is launching a five-year pilot in 2026 to link Medicaid drug prices to lower international prices through a 'Most Favored Nation' model, allowing participating states to negotiate lower prices for certain drugs, amid ongoing debates about its impact on drug costs and rebates.
CDC Acting Director Advocates for Splitting MMR Vaccine into Three Shots
Acting CDC director Jim O’Neill suggested separating the MMR vaccine into three individual shots, a move unsupported by research and opposed by experts, citing potential decreases in vaccination adherence and increased disease risk. The proposal echoes past discredited claims linking vaccines to autism and raises concerns about complicating vaccine schedules and manufacturing.
Scientists Uncover New Method to Prevent Cancer
Scientists are discovering new powerful methods to prevent cancer, focusing on understanding and intervening in the DNA mutations that lead to tumor development.
Missouri and Ohio See Drop in Childhood Vaccinations, Raising Outbreak Concerns
Missouri's kindergarten vaccination rates have fallen below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, dropping to 90%, which raises concerns about potential measles outbreaks and public health risks, especially amid rising exemptions and misinformation.
CDC to Resume Overdose Prevention Funding Amidst Political Delays
The CDC is restoring full funding for its Overdose Data to Action program, which had faced delays and partial funding under the previous administration, aiming to better track and reduce drug overdoses including fentanyl, with concerns raised about transparency and impact on communities.
Medicare and Hospitals Clash Over Outpatient Care and Payment Policies
The Trump administration's CMS proposed expanding a policy to require Medicare to pay the same rate for outpatient services regardless of delivery location, targeting hospital reimbursement practices and aiming to save billions, though hospitals oppose the move citing patient care complexities.