At NIH Confirmation Hearing, Senate Frets Over Politicization Of Research
October 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
Monica Bertagnolli, President Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the NIH, spent her hearing battling Republican and Democratic political stances and blame games over high drug costs. Hot-button health issues like government funding for gender care research were also raised.
Senate Finance Panel Grills Medicare Advantage Brokers Over Incentives
October 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing Wednesday, questioning national insurance brokers about their practice in guiding Medicare Advantage enrollees through choosing among many plan options. Financial incentives and privacy were among the issues discussed.
First Edition: Oct. 19, 2023
October 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Health Care ‘Game-Changer’? Feds Boost Care for Homeless Americans
By Angela Hart
October 19, 2023
KFF Health News Original
This month, the federal government started paying for treatments delivered outside hospitals and clinics, expanding funding for “street medicine” teams that treat homeless patients. California led the way on the change, which could help sick and vulnerable patients get healthy, sober, and, in some cases, into housing.
Feds Try to Head Off Growing Problem of Overdoses Among Expectant Mothers
By Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez and Katheryn Houghton
October 19, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Homicides, suicides, and drug overdoses have driven rising rates of pregnancy-related death in the U.S. This fall, six states received federal funding for substance use treatment interventions to prevent at least some of those deaths.
Under Fire, Social Security Chief Vows ‘Top-to-Bottom’ Review of Payment Clawbacks
By David Hilzenrath and Jodie Fleischer, Cox Media Group
October 18, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi was pressed by a House Ways and Means subcommittee to explain why so many poor, disabled, or retired people are suddenly hit with demands that can reach tens of thousands of dollars or more.
Suzanne Somers’ Legacy Tainted by Celebrity Medical Misinformation
By Liz Szabo
October 18, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The popular actress and author, who died this week, also can be remembered as a progenitor of selling dubious medical information to a trusting public.
Viewpoints: Why Are Covid Booster Rates So Low?; Chaplains Should Not Replace Trained School Counselors
October 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers delve into covid booster rates, adolescent mental health, SNAP and more.
Scientists Eye 3D Mammograms To Improve Cancer Detection, Especially In Black Women; AI May Help
October 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
A large clinical study is looking at the differences between 2D and 3D mammogram imaging. A large number of Black women are being recruited to try to close the racial gap in breast cancer diagnosis. Meanwhile, scientists in Florida are using AI to see if detection rates in 3D mammograms can be improved.
Maryland Medical Waste Incinerator Fined For Biohazard Material Release
October 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
The firm will pay a $1.75 million fine after pleading guilty to environmental charges for exposing the public to biohazardous material. Also in the news: More decaying bodies have been found at a rural Colorado funeral home, bringing the total to nearly 200.
Doxycycline Used As STI Preventive; Mupirocin Effective Against MRSA
October 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Warnings That Doctors’ Mental Health Crisis Is Impacting Patients
October 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
A story in Vox highlights how resistant doctors are to receiving mental health care or medication. Also: Iowa plans to remove mental health questions from medical license paperwork. Separately, a recent study shows that transcendental meditation can help combat nurse burnout.
Trial Data Show Antiviral Pill May Help With Covid’s Loss Of Smell, Taste
October 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
The pill, ensitrelvir, may help shorten the symptoms that many patients experience. The drug is not reserved for those at high risk of severe illness, and is the first that may alleviate the effects. Separately, a study shows mRNA covid vaccines strongly protect young kids.
Abortion Politics Add More Obstacles To Defense Authorization Bill Path
October 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
Members of the House Democratic Women’s Caucus wrote to House and Senate Armed Services committee leaders, warning that they will not support the fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act if added provisions limiting abortion are included. Other abortion news comes from Colorado, Michigan, Texas, and elsewhere.
Rite Aid Secures Deal So Prescriptions Will Be Filled During Bankruptcy
October 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
The pharmacy chain has settled a dispute with drug supplier McKesson Group triggered by its filing. The bankruptcy plan itself is stirring worries over the formation of new pharmacy “deserts” where people may have difficulties finding their medications.
A Third Of A Billion Dollars Of Medical Debt Forgiven In Columbus, Ohio
October 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
Announced yesterday, four hospitals are relieving $335 million in medical debt accrued by many thousands of Columbus residents. Other Ohio cities are reportedly tackling relief of medical debt for their residents. Also in the news, accusations of roaches, rusty tools in a Kansas City hospital OR.
Doctors Battle To Help Survivors Of Gaza Hospital Blast
October 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
World leaders condemned the attack, which a World Health Organization representative called “unprecedented” in scale, with a death toll of at least 200.
Rising Care Costs Have Driven Health Insurance Premiums To $24,000
October 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
Post-pandemic care costs have led to a 7% jump over last year’s annual insurance premiums, according to the latest employer health benefits survey by KFF. That level reaches a price equivalent to a small car and driving up concerns over coverage for employers. In other news, research into a promising Medicare pilot program on heart health and strokes.
NIH Nominee Monica Bertagnolli To Appear Before Senate Health Panel
October 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
A confirmation hearing is scheduled for Wednesday for the National Institutes of Health director nominee, with drug development and pricing set to to take center stage. Meanwhile, reports suggest that some health care legislation could pass Congress despite the current leadership turmoil.