An Arm and a Leg: Wait, Is Insulin Cheaper Now?
By Dan Weissmann
February 28, 2024
Podcast
Did the price of insulin go down? It’s not quite that simple. On this episode of “An Arm and a Leg,” producer Emily Pisacreta explores recent changes to the cost of the diabetes medication.
California Lawsuit Spotlights Broad Legal Attack on Anti-Bias Training in Health Care
By Ronnie Cohen
February 28, 2024
KFF Health News Original
State laws requiring doctor training on how bias affects treatment violate teachers’ right to free speech, opponents say.
Health Industry Consolidation In The Spotlight In Change Healthcare Hack
February 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
A report in Stat says experts are concerned that health industry consolidation exposes more risks for cyberattacks, with Change Healthcare’s systems downed for many days. A ransomware gang is now suspected to be behind the attack, which has left some pharmacies unable to fill prescriptions.
$1 Billion Gift Covers All Tuition At Albert Einstein College Of Medicine
February 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
The gargantuan donation comes from Ruth Gottesman, a former faculty member and board chair. The Wall Street Journal notes that tuition fees alone at the college cost $60,000 a year. Also in the news, Steward Health Care, UnitedHealth, Elevance, Centene, VillageMD, and more.
Study Says 134,000 Cancer Diagnoses Were Missed In Early Covid Months
February 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
“There will undoubtedly — and unfortunately — be a subsequent rise in cancer mortality,” the authors said. Separately, a survey shows that over half of Americans don’t know that drinking increases risks of colon and rectal cancer.
San Francisco Will Try Drug Dealers For Murder
February 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
The legal strategy is an attempt to lower the death toll from fentanyl overdoses and is already being used by several California counties. Also in the news from California, an effort to steer public health decisions based on wastewater analysis for drugs; STD in-home tests; and more.
3 Prisoners Escape 3 Different Hospitals In Same 24-Hour Period
February 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
The unrelated incidents happened in Louisiana, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, a man accused of stealing a Virginia ambulance after being taken to the hospital for an earlier car crash has been found and arrested. Also in the news: An adult in Polk County, Florida, has measles.
Global Endocrinologists Society To Review Gender Care Guidelines
February 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Endocrine Society said its move was mere routine, and not prompted by politics — with high-profile efforts by some U.S. states to limit gender-affirming care. The process is set to take three years. Meanwhile, the VA says it won’t cover gender care for vets until it reviews PACT Act implications.
Lubricant Eye Ointments Are Recalled Because Of Infection Risk
February 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
CBS News reports on the recall, which involves four products under the brands Equate, CVS Health and AACE Pharmaceuticals. Also in the news: New Zealand will repeal its tobacco ban, what eating disorder experts want to know about weight-loss drugs, and more.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, February 27, 2024
February 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
Air-ambulance bill, IVF and ‘fetal personhood,’ covid, cancer, illegal drugs, a medical school tuition gift, and more are in the news.
Health Measures Don’t Make The Cut In Talks Over Smaller Spending Bill
February 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
The latest negotiations to keep the federal government funded have ruled out including health proposals that some lawmakers hoped to include. The tabled measures would have impacted drug costs, price transparency, site-neutral Medicare payments, as well as others policies.
Florida ‘Fetal Personhood’ Bill Derailed For Now After Alabama IVF Ruling
February 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
Republican lawmakers have postponed advancing a bill that would establish new protections for any “unborn child” after Democrats raised concerns that the broad language would impact IVF, as the Alabama decision on frozen embryos have done in that state. News outlets report on other fallout from the controversial ruling.
First Edition: Feb. 27, 2024
February 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A Government Video Would Explain When Abortion Is Legal in South Dakota
By Arielle Zionts
February 27, 2024
KFF Health News Original
South Dakota allows doctors to terminate a pregnancy only if a patient’s life is in jeopardy. Lawmakers say a government-created video would clarify what that exception actually means.
Without Medicare Part B’s Shield, Patient’s Family Owes $81,000 for a Single Air-Ambulance Flight
By Tony Leys
February 27, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Sky-high bills from air-ambulance providers have sparked complaints and federal action in recent years. But a rural Tennessee resident fell through the cracks of billing protections — and a single helicopter ride could cost much of her estate’s value.
Toxic Mix Of Substances Playing Role In Overdose Crisis In Massachusetts
February 26, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Boston Globe covers what it says is a “more powerful” wave of overdoses across the state, driven by polysubstance abuse. Separately, there’s rising use of the horse sedative drug known as “tranq,” in fentanyl drug abuse. And NPR reports on how Portugal’s drug overdose death rates are a tiny fraction of U.S. fatalities.
Jury Finds South Carolina Man Guilty Of Hate Crime Killing Of Trans Woman
February 26, 2024
Morning Briefing
Authorities note this is the first conviction at federal trial level for a gender identity-based hate crime. Also in the news, how shrinking Medicaid is hitting clinics in poorer areas; New Hampshire passes a gun rights bill; a bill to provide services to deaf people in Wyoming advances; and more.
Viewpoints: We Need To Find New Ways To Treat Anorexia; States Must Act On Eliminating Medical Debt
February 26, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers examine eating disorders, medical debt, academic medical institutions, and the latest in reproductive health care.
Morning Briefing for Monday, February 26, 2024
February 26, 2024
Morning Briefing
IVF and fertility treatments, measles, flu, industry cyberattacks, social media addiction, food allergies, and more are in the news.