Morning Briefing for Tuesday, December 5, 2023
December 5, 2023
Morning Briefing
Medical device safety, Medicaid unwinding, race and health, drug pricing, covid boosters, cyberattacks, opioids, and more are in the news.
CVS To Shift To Simpler Model For Pricing Prescription Drugs
December 5, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Wall Street Journal reports that CVS will move away from complex formulas and instead set prices based on the amount it pays for drugs, plus a small markup and flat fee. A change by the nation’s largest drugstore chain to a “cost-plus” pricing model would likely shake up the pharmacy industry.
Patients Expected Profemur Artificial Hips to Last. Then They Snapped in Half.
By Brett Kelman and Anna Werner, CBS News
December 5, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The FDA and the manufacturer were alerted to Profemur titanium hips breaking inside U.S. patients as of 2005. It took 15 years to recall the devices. Many fractures could have been avoided.
First Edition: Dec. 5, 2023
December 5, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Many People of Color Worry Good Health Care Is Tied to Their Appearance
By Colleen DeGuzman
December 5, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Many people from racial and ethnic minority groups brace themselves for insults and judgments before medical appointments, according to a new survey of patients that reaffirms the prevalence of racial discrimination in the U.S. health system.
California’s Ambitious Medicaid Experiment Gets Tripped Up in Implementation
By Angela Hart
December 5, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The health care insurers, nonprofit organizations, and other groups responsible for implementing Gov. Gavin Newsom’s ambitious plan to infuse Medicaid with social services say their ability to serve vulnerable, low-income Californians is hamstrung.
Nurses In New Jersey Reach A Deal With Hospital To End 4-Month Strike
December 4, 2023
Morning Briefing
The strike, which NJ.com calls “bitter,” began on Aug. 4 over pay, benefits, and enforceable nurse-to-patient ratios similar to those mandated in California. Personnel news is also reported for Kapiolani Medical Center, HCA in West Florida, Northwestern University, and more.
Connecticut Agrees Labor, Delivery Services At Windham Hospital Will End
December 4, 2023
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, in Florida, Community Health Systems sold three hospitals to Tampa General Hospital, and HCA Healthcare in Houston acquired 11 area emergency departments Friday. Also in the news: new CDC data show health care-associated infections at U.S. hospitals fell in 2022.
Wegovy Maker Paid $25.8M To US Doctors, Experts Over Past Decade
December 4, 2023
Morning Briefing
A Reuters analysis finds that Novo Nordisk spent at least $25.8 million over the past decade on U.S. medical professionals to promote its two anti-obesity drugs. They money was party of the drugmaker’s campaign to convince U.S. doctors to prescribe Wegovy and persuade insurers to pay for it.
Analysis: Few States Stop Gun-Buying After Mental Health Hospitalizations
December 4, 2023
Morning Briefing
An investigation by The Trace found that only 5 states have some form of gun ban after emergency mental health hospitalizations that are not followed by court-ordered commitments. Separately, RemArms will close a historic gun manufacturing plant in New York.
$1 Million In Tax Dollars Will Support West Virginia Anti-Abortion Centers
December 4, 2023
Morning Briefing
The West Virginia Pregnancy Center Coalition was chosen to run the new West Virginia Mothers and Babies Support Program to encourage people not to end their pregnancies. Also in the news, Tennessee’s penalties for HIV-positive people, infant suffocation deaths in Missouri, and more.
Viewpoints: What’s Behind The Explosion In Autoimmunity?; Pediatric Trials Needed To Improve Cancer Drugs
December 4, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers examine autoimmune disorders, pediatric cancer, senior care and more.
Morning Briefing for Monday, December 4, 2023
December 4, 2023
Morning Briefing
Home care, opioid settlements, the ACA, covid and flu, smoking, labor strikes, obesity drugs, gun violence, and more are in the news.
Supreme Court To Review Legal Shield In Purdue’s Bankruptcy Deal
December 4, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments Monday about a controversial aspect of the bankruptcy plan that shields the Sackler family — the owners of Purdue Pharma which makes OxyContin — from future opioid-related lawsuits. The measure has been challenged by the Biden administration, and divides some of the families who will get a settlement from the deal.
DeSantis Pledges Health Plan That Would ‘Supersede’ Obamacare
December 4, 2023
Morning Briefing
Outside of maintaining coverage for preexisting conditions and publishing health care costs, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis did not offer specific policies of his health plan when interviewed by NBC News. The presidential candidate’s comments come on the heels of his 2024 rival, former President Donald Trump, also promising to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
Covid, Flu Are On The Rise, But The Worst Of RSV Might Be Passing
December 4, 2023
Morning Briefing
New data say that U.S. flu season is intensifying over time, but RSV may be peaking. Also: the pneumonia rate is apparently no worse than usual, but covid is picking up. Meanwhile, a study shows that your mood when receiving a flu shot may impact how your body creates antibodies.
Menthol Cigarette Ban May Be Delayed Into Next Year
December 4, 2023
Morning Briefing
NBC News reports that officials from national public health groups say that a ban on the flavored cigarettes may not be announced by the end of this year. Meanwhile, chemical additives are being used to replace menthol in new “fresh” alternative-flavored cigarettes.
First Edition: Dec. 4, 2023
December 4, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
What to Know About Home Care Services
By Reed Abelson, The New York Times
December 4, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Finding an aide to help an older person stay at home safely takes work. Here’s a guide.
Doctors on (Video) Call: Rural Medics Get Long-Distance Help in Treating Man Gored by Bison
By Arielle Zionts
December 4, 2023
KFF Health News Original
A rural South Dakota medic said using an ambulance video system to communicate with a doctor gave him peace of mind as he treated a patient who was seriously injured when gored by a bison.