Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
October 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on aging, lobotomies, Down syndrome, and more.
The Number Of At-Home Births Is Rising, Hitting Highs In 2020-21
October 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
The at-home birth figures for 2021 reportedly reached the “highest level since at least 1990.” Similarly, CDC data show more midwives joined the profession. Among other news, an app helps Black parents report bias in birth and delivery care; and birth rates have fallen in Arizona and Washington state.
Walgreens To Shut 60 Underperforming VillageMD Clinics To Save Costs
October 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
The closures are part of a $1 billion cost-saving push, which could also see some stores’ opening hours changed and other nonessential projects shuttered. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk is warning of a surge in counterfeit versions of its Wegovy and Ozempic drugs being sold online.
Scientists Unveil Most Detailed Map Of Brain Yet
October 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
The effort is part of the $3 billion government-funded Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies initiative. The map offers insights into brain function, and could result in clues to future treatments. Also: the American Academy of Neurology updates its guidance on brain death.
Research Finds Some Cancer Cells Can Siphon Energy From T Cells
October 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
The new study shows how some cancerous cells tap mitochondria for energy from the immune system’s T cells. In other research, a study found young women get lung cancer at higher rates than men. Also: the FDA approved Pfizer’s Braftovi and Mektovi against some non-small cell lung cancers.
Insurance Dispute Could Kick Nearly 200,000 Patients Out Of Network In NC
October 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
UNC Health and UnitedHealthcare are in the middle of a contract negotiation and said in a letter to patients that the two parties are far apart on reimbursement policies and rate increases. In other news, Kaiser Permanente has resumed contract talks with its workers.
Medicare Premiums Will Go Up 6% Next Year, CMS Announces
October 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced a 6% hike in premiums for Medicare Part A and B in 2024. Meanwhile, open enrollment for next year’s plans starts this weekend.
Lawmakers Optimistic For Action This Year On Bills Cracking Down On PBMs
October 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Capitol Hill denizens and industry stakeholders tell Modern Healthcare that there’s a good chance for passing reforms related to pharmacy benefit managers in 2023. Meanwhile, Stat reports on state efforts to control prescription drug costs.
As Of Wednesday, 7 Million Americans Have Had Updated Covid Shots
October 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
The figure is roughly 2% of the population. Meanwhile, CDC Director Mandy Cohen visited a Bay Area covid vaccine clinic and urged people, especially seniors, to get the updated covid shots.
Morning Briefing for Friday, October 13, 2023
October 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Vaccines, Medicare premiums, PBMs, long covid, vaping, cancer, brain mapping, and more. Plus, enter our Halloween haiku contest.
Philip Morris Mounts Lobbying Push Against WHO’s Anti-Vape Efforts
October 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Philip Morris is perhaps best known as the maker of Marlboro cigarettes, but reports reveal it’s attempting to accuse the World Health Organization of attacking vapes and similar products. Meanwhile, the FDA on Thursday blocked six flavors of British American Tobacco’s main vape brand.
First Edition: Oct. 13, 2023
October 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Goody Gumdrops! It’s Freakin’ Time to Submit Your Scariest Halloween Health Care Haikus.
October 13, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Submissions are open for KFF Health News’ fifth annual Halloween Haiku competition. Send us your best scary poems — if you dare.
The New Vaccines and You: Americans Better Armed Than Ever Against the Winter Blechs
By Amy Maxmen
October 13, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Flu, covid, and respiratory viruses kill thousands of Americans each year, but the latest batch of vaccines could save lives.
Rare ‘Flesh-Eating’ Bacterium Spreads North as Oceans Warm
By Christopher O’Donnell, Tampa Bay Times
October 13, 2023
KFF Health News Original
A rise in cases of Vibrio vulnificus and its spread northward have heightened concern about the bacterium, which can cause human tissue to rot and skin to decay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is trying to make more doctors aware of the dangerous pathogen.
California prohíbe el controversial diagnóstico de “delirio excitado”
By Samantha Young
October 12, 2023
KFF Health News Original
El gobernador demócrata Gavin Newsom firmó un proyecto de ley el 8 de octubre para prohibir que los forenses, doctores, y examinadores médicos incluyeran el síndrome de “delirio excitado” en certificados de defunción o informes de autopsias.
KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': Health Funding in Question in a Speaker-Less Congress
October 12, 2023
Podcast
A bitterly divided Congress managed to keep the federal government running for several more weeks, while House Republicans struggle — again — to choose a leader. Meanwhile, many people removed from state Medicaid rolls are not finding their way to Affordable Care Act insurance, and a major investigation by The Washington Post attributes the decline in U.S. life expectancy to more than covid-19 and opioids. Lauren Weber of The Washington Post, Victoria Knight of Axios, and Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet join KFF Health News chief Washington correspondent Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews physician-author-playwright Samuel Shem about “Our Hospital,” his new novel about the health workforce in the age of covid.
India Says Cough Syrup Factory Linked To Child Deaths Can Reopen
October 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Most production at a Marion Biotech factory can now restart. The firm is one of several that the WHO linked to over 100 child deaths since the middle of last year. In Israel, the health minister has instructed the country’s public hospitals to turn away wounded Hamas members.
Research Roundup: Iron Deficiency And Depression; Infection Control; Covid
October 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.