Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Study Links Louisiana Pollution To Pregnancy Risks, Learning Disabilities
Verite News: New Study Ties Industrial Air Pollution In Louisiana To Increased Risk Of Pregnancy Complications And Learning Disabilities
Louisiana residents living near industrial areas are at a greater risk of experiencing learning disabilities, anemia miscarriage and many other health conditions according to a new research study based on data from Medicaid claims made in the state. The Collaborative Data Analysis (CoDA) research team — which included researchers from Dillard University, Virginia Tech and the University of California San Francisco — looked into the negative health impacts of residential exposure to industrial pollution using data from Louisiana Medicaid claims from 2017 to 2019. (Yehiya, 4/16)
AP: Tijuana River Sewage Is Making The Air Toxic And Sickening Thousands In California
Since 2018, more than 100 billion gallons (378 billion liters) of raw sewage laden with industrial chemicals and trash have poured into the Tijuana River, according to the International Boundary and Water Commission. The river traverses land where three generations of the Egger family once raised dairy cows. The United States and Mexico signed an agreement last year to clean up the longstanding problem by upgrading wastewater plants to keep up with Tijuana’s population growth and industrial waste from factories, many owned by U.S. companies. (Watson and Pineda, 4/17)
In other news from California —
Bloomberg: Biden Health Chief Rises In California Race After Swalwell Exit
California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra surged in the first poll following the abrupt departure of former Democratic front-runner Eric Swalwell. Becerra, who served as US secretary of health and human services in the Biden administration, now has 10% voter support, up from just 3% last month, according to an Emerson College survey released Thursday. (Clanton, 4/16)
From Florida —
Central Florida Public Media: Black Maternal Mortality Remains High In Florida. Groups, Hospitals Look For Change
Nationally, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Florida, it's worse. (Pedersen, 4/16)
The Athletic: Tiger Woods’ Attorney Challenges Subpoena Seeking Prescription Drug Records
Tiger Woods’ attorney is challenging Florida prosecutors seeking a subpoena for the golfer’s prescription medications from a pharmacy, according to court records filed in Martin County (Fla.) Circuit Court on Tuesday. (Powell, 4/16)
From Virginia —
Cardinal News: 10 Virginia Hospitals Listed As ‘At Risk,’ But What Does That Really Mean?
Rural hospitals often operate on thin margins due to the high proportion of Medicaid patients they serve. They rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursement to keep the doors open, though those payments don’t cover the full cost of delivering care. Hospitals typically lose money when treating Medicaid patients. (Schabacker, 4/13)
Cardinal News: Del. Wren Williams' Wife Gives Birth On The Side Of The Road En Route To Hospital
The official announcement from the family came with the tagline: “Mother and baby are doing well after a wild ride.” (Yancey, 4/16)
On Medicaid work rules in Missouri and Minnesota —
St. Louis Public Radio: Study Finds Two-Thirds Of Missouri Medicaid Recipients Have Jobs
Starting next year, many adults who receive benefits from Medicaid, the government-sponsored health coverage program for low-income and disabled people, will need to prove they’re working, volunteering or searching for a job. The federal directive was included in last year’s massive spending bill and is designed to foster “agency” and “community engagement” among recipients. But an analysis of Missouri census data shows that two-thirds of the state’s adult Medicaid recipients are already working. (Fentem, 4/16)
Minnesota Public Radio: Minnesota Up Against The Clock On Medicaid Changes
Minnesotans between the ages of 21 and 64 who apply for Medicaid will need to demonstrate that they have been working, attending school, or volunteering for at least 80 hours each month to qualify for or retain health insurance under the joint federal-state program. This requirement follows President Trump’s signing of HR. 1 into law, a sweeping tax and spending bill, last July. The new law is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, leaving Minnesota lawmakers grappling with how to implement changes to the state’s administration of Medicaid funds before the legislative session ends on May 18. (Zurek, 4/17)
