Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
New Michigan Law Aims To Cut Health Care Delays
AP: Whitmer Signs Bill To Speed Pre-Approvals Of Health Care
Michigan insurers that require health providers to get pre-approval to cover treatment will have to promptly respond to doctors’ requests or those requests will be automatically granted under legislation signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday. Supporters said the law will speed delays in care and provide more transparency around the process known as prior authorization. (Eggert, 4/7)
In other health news from across the U.S. —
AP: Trans Youth Medication Ban Passed By Alabama Lawmakers
Alabama lawmakers approved sweeping legislation Thursday to outlaw gender-affirming medications for transgender youths, as well as a separate measure setting rules about school bathrooms and prohibiting early classroom instruction on sexual and gender identity — a bill critics have dubbed “Don’t Say Gay.” The legislation now goes to Republican Gov. Kay Ivey for her consideration as Alabama becomes the latest red state to seek legislation and policies aimed at trans young people. Ivey, who is running for reelection, has not indicated whether she will sign the measures. (Chandler, 4/8)
Iowa Public Radio: State Plans To Close Troubled Glenwood Facility For Iowans With Disabilities In 2024
The state-run Glenwood Resource Center for Iowans with severe disabilities will be closed in 2024, according to state officials. In 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice found Glenwood residents were subjected to harmful human experimentation and poor medical care. The DOJ later said the state was likely violating federal law by caring for Iowans with disabilities in institutions rather than in their homes and communities. There was also a spike in deaths at the southwest Iowa facility a few years ago. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the plan to close the GRC in a news release Thursday. (Sostaric, 4/7)
Dallas Morning News: Dallas Man Has County’s First West Nile Virus Case Of 2022
A Dallas man has Dallas County’s first human case of West Nile virus this year, health officials said Thursday. The man is a resident of the 75219 ZIP code, which includes parts of Oak Lawn and the Love Field area. He was diagnosed with West Nile neuroinvasive disease, a more severe form of the illness. No additional information about the man was released. “We are in the early stages of WNV season and must start thinking about the possible threat that West Nile virus poses to our community as people go outside to enjoy outdoor activities,” Dr. Philip Huang, the county’s public health director, said in a written statement. (Jones, 4/7)
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Drinking Water Shows Very Low Levels Of 'Forever Chemicals'
Milwaukee's drinking water remains below recommended standards for "forever chemicals" and compliant with requirements for lead, according to a report from the Milwaukee Water Works. The agency released its annual consumer compliance report Thursday, showing very low levels of PFAS in its treated water, ranging from 0.7 parts per trillion to 2.3 parts per trillion, well below the number of 20 ppt recommended by the state Department of Natural Resources. (Schulte, 4/7)
KHN: California Handed Its Medicaid Drug Program To One Company. Then Came A Corporate Takeover
Prescription drug costs for California’s massive Medicaid program were draining the state budget, so in 2019 Gov. Gavin Newsom asked the private sector for help. The new Medicaid drug program debuted this January, with a private company in charge. But it was woefully unprepared, and thousands of low-income Californians were left without critical medications for weeks, some waiting on hold for hours when they called to get help. (Young, 4/8)
