A New Test Could Save Arthritis Patients Time, Money, and Pain. But Will It Be Used?
By Arthur Allen
December 20, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Stories of chronic pain, drug-hopping, and insurance meddling are all too common among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Precision medicine offers new hope.
The Market for Biosimilars Is Funky. The Industry Thinks PBMs Are To Blame
By Arthur Allen
December 19, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Over the past year there’s been movement to rein in the three big PBMs, which face little regulation though they help set drug prices and drug choices for 80 percent of Americans and their doctors. The House voted Dec. 11, 320-71, for legislation that would require the PBMs to change some of the ways they […]
Another Person Has Died In Cantaloupe Salmonella Outbreak, CDC Warns
December 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
The outbreak of over 300 cases of salmonella has been linked to tainted cantaloupe, with four fatalities. Meanwhile, food inspectors looking into applesauce pouches linked to child poisonings found contaminated cinnamon had lead levels 2,000 times higher than proposed limits.
White House Unveils Effort To Stop ‘Corporate Profiteers’ In Health Care
December 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission, and Health and Human Services Department will add officials to probe price-gouging in the health care industry. Meanwhile, a new Gallup analysis shows that Americans’ dissatisfaction with almost every part of the health system has grown.
Snap Closure Of Largest Nursing Home In St. Louis Forces Out Residents
December 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
Northview Village Nursing Home, the largest skilled nursing home in the city, closed abruptly after workers were told they may not be paid and walked out of the facility. About 170 residents were forced to find other care. Also in the news: California’s sober living homes; AI in hospice care decisions; and more.
‘High’ Covid Levels In US Fueled In Part By Omicron Subvariant JN.1
December 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
CDC data on infections and wastewater analysis indicate that much of the nation is already at “high” or “very high” covid levels just before the height of the holiday season. The fastest growing variant is JN.1, which could be responsible for half of cases by the end of the month.
Vice President To Go On National Tour In 2024 To Support Abortion Rights
December 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
Vice President Kamala Harris’ “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour will begin in Wisconsin on the 51st anniversary date of the original Roe v. Wade legal decision. Meanwhile, in Kentucky a woman who was suing for her abortion rights withdrew the case after learning her embryo no longer had cardiac activity.
Apple Stops Selling Some Smartwatches In Health Sensor Patent Fight
December 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
News outlets cover the surprising news that Apple’s latest smartwatches, launched only in September, will be withdrawn from sale temporarily. The tech giant is embroiled in a legal battle with a smaller company that patented pulse oximeter tech it says Apple is using in the watches.
Study: It’s Official — More US Kids Are Obese
December 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
A new study defeats some earlier hopes that kids in government food programs were bucking a trend in obesity rates. The data says no: severe obesity is actually becoming more common in U.S. children. Meanwhile, other research underlines the brain’s role in obesity.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, December 19, 2023
December 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
Medical devices malfunctioning, high medical bills, Medicaid, covid variants, abortion access, health wearables, and more are in the news.
HHS Warns 9 States Where ‘Alarming’ Number Of Kids Have Lost Medicaid
December 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
Those states are responsible for 60% of children in the U.S. losing Medicaid coverage between March and September. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra sent letters urging their Republican governors to take advantage of CMS tools to make it easier for families to reenroll.
Viewpoints: This Is Why People Are Skipping Covid Boosters; Soldiers’ Own Weapons Are Hurting Them
December 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers tackle covid boosters, brain injury in soldiers, sickle cell, and more.
First Edition: Dec. 19, 2023
December 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
New Doula Benefit ‘Life-Changing’ for California Mom
By Molly Castle Work
December 19, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Doulas, independent workers who act as advocates for birthing parents, have been shown to help prevent pregnancy complications and improve the health of both mothers and babies. California’s Medicaid program started covering their services this year, but some doulas say bureaucratic obstacles and inadequate pay prevent their effective use.
Patients Facing Death Are Opting for a Lifesaving Heart Device — But at What Risk?
By Daniel Chang and Holly K. Hacker
December 19, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The HeartMate 3 is considered the safest mechanical heart pump of its kind, but a federal database contains more than 4,500 reports in which the medical device may have caused or contributed to a patient’s death.
When a Quick Telehealth Visit Yields Multiple Surprises Beyond a Big Bill
By Darius Tahir
December 19, 2023
KFF Health News Original
For the patient, it was a quick and inexpensive virtual appointment. Why it cost 10 times what she expected became a mystery.
When Medical Devices Malfunction
December 19, 2023
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Featured Stories More From The Project Dental Device Investigation Credits Reporters Daniel ChangBrett KelmanFred SchulteNicole Keller, CBS NewsAnna Werner, CBS News Data Reporter Holly Hacker Photographers Eric HarkleroadMatt PendletonAsh Ponders Illustrator Oona Tempest Editors John HillkirkKelly JohnsonSabriya Rice Producers Eric HarkleroadDavid HicksLynne ShallcrossOona TempestLydia Zuraw Copy Editors Terry ByrneGabe Brison-Trezise
Social Security Chief Apologizes to Congress for Misleading Testimony on Overpayments
By David Hilzenrath and Jodie Fleischer, Cox Media Group
Updated December 18, 2023
Originally Published December 18, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi sent the letter days after KFF Health News and Cox Media Group reported that the agency has been demanding money back from more than twice as many people as she’d disclosed in October testimony.
Ketamine In Public Spotlight After Its Role In Actor Matthew Perry’s Death
December 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
Actor Matthew Perry’s death — now revealed to be a result of “acute effects” of ketamine — is renewing scrutiny on the “booming” business of clinics prescribing the anesthetic drug for depression and anxiety.
WHO Says It’s ‘Appalled’ By Destruction Of Northern Gaza Hospital
December 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Kamal Adwan Hospital has been effectively destroyed, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, with the WHO now concerned about diarrhea, jaundice, and respiratory infections. Meanwhile, UN officials called for an investigation into the Israeli military raid targeting the hospital.