Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Texas Hospitals Regain $12B In Medicaid Funds As Federal Impasse Ends
The Texas Tribune: Texas Gets Back $12 Billion In Hospital Medicaid Funds From Feds
Nearly $12 billion in Medicaid funding to Texas hospitals will be restored, Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday, ending a near year-long impasse between Texas and the federal government. (Langford, 9/17)
CalMatters: Newsom Signs Law To Let California Seniors Get Out Of Jury Duty
Starting Jan. 1, 2028, Californians ages 80 and older can opt-out of jury service permanently due to a medical condition, without needing a note from a health care provider. The change comes after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1359 on Monday, which enables seniors to request a permanent exemption by attesting that they have an impairment that renders them incapable of performing jury service. Further medical documentation will not be required. Seniors who still want to serve on a jury can still do so. (La, 9/15)
Cardinal News: Virginia Food Pantry Gets Creative To Weather SNAP Cuts, Loss Of USDA Food
As she stood behind the folding table, weighing boxes and taking notes, Teresa O’Donnell focused on what wasn’t there yet. “What’s we got? What do we have?” she asked, picking up a call, setting her phone on the table and turning to a new page in her notebook. (Rubenstein, 9/18)
KFF Health News: Cost-Saving Medicaid Meal Deliveries Threatened By Cuts, Policy Uncertainty
On a weekday morning in a quiet Boston neighborhood, a kitchen bustled with activity. Volunteers sliced chicken breasts, stuffed bell peppers, filled trays, and carefully labeled each item. It was part of an experiment to offer nutritious and medically tailored meals to Medicaid patients who are unable to shop for groceries and cook for themselves. “Once I started to eat these meals that were geared toward my illness, I built up my muscle mass again, built up my strength, built up my confidence in myself,” said Vanessa Georges, who is in remission from throat cancer and said she would struggle to consume enough calories without the deliveries. “These meals have given me a second chance.” (Dayal McCluskey, 9/18)
The New York Times: Toxic Fracking Waste Becoming A Political Issue In Ohio
For years, Ohio has been a disposal destination for hundreds of millions of gallons of toxic wastewater produced by the fracking industry. The wastewater, which contains hazardous chemicals and radioactive material, is pumped deep underground into injection wells, where it’s supposed to stay. But recently it has been bubbling up to the surface, raising fears about health risks and drinking water contamination. Now, as elections loom, the issue is gaining political traction. (Glabicki, 9/17)
Verite News: Livingston Parish Residents Worry About CO2 Pipeline Proximity
Residents are speaking out against the construction of a carbon dioxide pipeline they say will bring risks right up to their backyards and near community schools. Property owners near the planned CF Industries CO2 pipeline voiced their opposition to the project and displeasure with the lack of information from public officials about details including safety plans. The proposed line will stretch 50 miles from Ascension Parish to Livingston Parish, crossing through a cypress swamp as well as near schools and residential areas. (Plunk, 9/17)
