Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Viewpoints: IUD Insertion Doesn't Have To Be Painful; Loophole In No Surprises Act Is Being Exploited
Stat: IUD Insertion Shouldn’t Be Traumatizing — It Should Be Empowering
In recent years, a growing outcry has drawn long-overdue attention to a difficult truth: girls’ and women’s pain has too often been dismissed and undertreated in medicine. A 2022 study found that most TikTok content on intrauterine devices, or IUDs, is negative and centered on pain. While not always accurate, these posts reflect a broader truth supported by high-quality research, reputable journalism (like The New York Times podcast “The Retrievals”), and decades of shared clinical experience. But there is good news: This is changing, starting with IUDs. (Maryl Sackeim, 3/20)
Stat: Doctors Are Abusing Part Of The No Surprises Act
Five years ago, President Trump delivered a historic victory for American patients when he signed the No Surprises Act (NSA) into law. The promise of this legislation was simple: Families would be protected from financial ruin caused by virtually unavoidable surprise medical bills. (James Gelfand and Patricia Kelmar, 3/20)
The Washington Post: Medicare-For-All Makes A Comeback
But don’t expect any Democrats to have an easier time selling it. (Ramesh Ponnuru, 3/20)
Bloomberg: Generic Ozempic Is A Game Changer For China And India
Until now, the revolutionary weight-loss drugs have been available largely to people with means. The entry of affordable generic versions will be a leveling force in healthcare, with global consequences. (Juliana Liu, 3/19)
The Washington Post: Technology Can Help Seniors Age In Place And Stay Healthier For Longer
When implemented thoughtfully, these tools can help create a safer home environment while preserving independence. (Leana S. Wen, 3/19)
