Abortion Rights Groups Say Missouri Ballot Measures Are Misleading
September 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
AP reports on a push for a rewrite of what abortion-rights advocates say are misleading descriptions on of several constitutional amendments on abortion that may be on Missouri’s 2024 ballot. Among other news: gender care medications, the 988 crisis lifeline, and more.
Protesters Arrested After Demanding HIV Prevention Program At Capitol
September 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Seven people occupied the office of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican, demanding Congress reauthorize the PEPFAR global program, and were subsequently arrested. Meanwhile, reports say Medicare Part D patients with HIV may see lower drug costs under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Your OTC Decongestant Meds May Not Work: FDA Is Investigating
September 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Beginning Monday an advisory committee is discussing oral formulations of nasal decongestant phenylephrine, which trials say may not work at over-the-counter dosages. The same issue arose in 2007, but the FDA decided in favor of the medication.
Some Generic Drugs Cost Thousands More Than They Should, Analysis Finds
September 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
When examining a selection of so-called specialty generic drugs, the Wall Street Journal found that Cigna and CVS were charging at least 24 times higher on average than what the manufacturers charge. Also: medical debt, private equity deals, and more.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, September 12, 2023
September 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Covid boosters, misinformation, HIV programs, AI, OTC decongestant meds, abortion law, low blood supplies, and more are in the news.
FDA Greenlights Updated Shots To Spur Protection Against Covid
September 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
The FDA authorized on Monday new mRNA covid vaccine boosters from Pfizer and Moderna that are updated to target the XBB.1.5 omicron variant. If the CDC signs off today, as expected, the shots should be available to all Americans 6 months or older as early as next week.
As Covid Cases Rise, So, Inevitably Do Conspiracy Theories
September 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
In what might be described as a logic see-saw, as covid cases rise, rational discussion about the virus falls and a wave of new conspiracy theories about mass lockdowns and world events is hitting, the New York Times reports. As this happens, Threads blocks searches for “covid” and “long covid.”
First Edition: Sept. 12, 2023
September 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
‘Dr. Google’ Meets Its Match: Dr. ChatGPT
By Andrew Leonard
September 12, 2023
KFF Health News Original
With the rise of generative AI, people who once turned to “Dr. Google” to check on medical symptoms are now turning to chatbots. Researchers say the bots are often more accurate, but urge caution in the absence of any regulations.
Un padre soñaba con una casa para su familia. La deuda médica casi los deja en la calle
By Noam N. Levey
September 11, 2023
KFF Health News Original
En todo el país, la deuda médica obliga a legiones de estadounidenses a hacer sacrificios dolorosos. Muchos recortan gastos en alimentos, asumen trabajos adicionales o agotan sus ahorros para la jubilación. Miles no pueden conseguir vivienda.
Viewpoints: Extreme Heat Is Taking A Toll On Health; 9/11 Still Causing Illness In Those Who Were There
September 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers discuss extreme heats health effects, 9/11, world-wide medication supplies and more.
As Heart Disease Kills Fewer, Obesity-Linked Heart Deaths Rise: Study
September 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
In fact, a new study shows cardiovascular deaths with obesity as a key contributing factor have tripled between 1999 and 2020, Stat reports. Also in the news: how to acquire a more accurate blood pressure reading; the link between people being born as big babies and then later having big babies themselves; and more.
Over 500 California Schools Face State Audit Over Low Vaccination Rates
September 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
The schools in question, EdSource explains, reported over 10% of kindergarten or seventh-grade students weren’t fully vaccinated — schools that allow not-fully-vaxxed students to attend can have their state funding cut. Other news is on norovirus in Washington state, benzene emissions in Texas, and more.
Biden Administration Presses For Wider Naloxone Availability, Training
September 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Roll Call and Axios report on calls from HHS officials for greater availability of the opioid overdose-reversal medication, even as it went on sale over the counter. There’s a push for more training on how to use it, also. Meanwhile, Kroger has agreed to pay up to $1.4 billion in opioid settlements.
Kaiser Permanente To Pay $49M In Medical Waste Disposal Settlement
September 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
The settlement comes after a California investigation found illegal dumping of medical waste and protected patient information. (Note: KFF Health News is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.) Also in industry news: Meta will face a medical privacy class action.
Tweaked House Transparency, PBM Legislation Wins Backing Of Key Dem
September 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
After some modest changes, a health legislative package aimed at increasing transparency and making modest PBM reforms has gained some bipartisan support from House Energy and Commerce Committee ranking member Frank Pallone, a Democrat from New Jersey.
Possible Link Found Between Long Covid And Earlier Cold Infection
September 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
It’s easy to forget coronaviruses existed long before the covid pandemic, but new research into long covid found that a previous infection of a common cold-causing coronavirus may explain why some people suffer from persistent symptoms. Also in the news: covid is here to stay, as a new normal.
Biden Admin Appeals Abortion Pill Case To The Supreme Court
September 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Biden administration and drugmaker Danco have appealed a lower court decision — that is on currently on hold — restricting access to mifepristone, one of two drugs commonly used in a medicated abortion. The Supreme Court will likely hear the case next year, leaving in place a patchwork of state laws determining access to abortion pills.
White House Urged To Create National Patient Safety Team
September 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
To tackle preventable harm in the medical system, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology have recommended the creation of a national patient safety team. In other administration news: NIH chief confirmation hearings will start in October.
Firefighter Deaths From 9/11 Illnesses Nearly Equal Number Killed In Attack
September 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
The New York City Fire Department has added 43 new names to its memorial wall, bringing to 341 the number of FDNY veterans who died from Ground Zero-related ailments. On Sept. 11, 2001, 343 FDNY members were killed. In related news, two more victims of the terrorist attacks have been identified, the first since 2021.