Research Roundup: Food Allergies And Asthma; Alzheimer’s; MDRO
July 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: Expanded Newborn Genetic Testing Can Save Lives; Cities Must Prepare For Extreme Heat
July 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers discuss genetic testing, climate change, covid preparedness and more.
As Insurer Friday Health Plans Falls, Nevadans Need New Coverage
July 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
The company is set to be liquidated in September, so over 2,800 Nevadans will need to find a new insurer. Meanwhile, in Michigan, the discredited practice of LGBTQ+ conversion therapy is banned for minors as new legislation is passed. Other news is from Arizona, New Jersey, and elsewhere.
UHS Admits To Cherry-Picking Patients With Higher-Paying Insurers
July 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
The company is the country’s largest private psychiatric hospital operator, Stat reminds us. Its CFO admitted its patient selectiveness during a quarterly earnings call. Meanwhile, Axios reports that hospitals are still finding it hard to discharge recovering patients amid the ongoing staff shortages.
Factory That Fills Wegovy Shots Repeatedly Broke Sterility Rules
July 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
Reuters reports that a factory involved in producing the blockbuster weight-loss drug has repeatedly breached sterile-safety rules and failed to perform quality checks, as found by FDA inspectors. Meanwhile, obesity drugs weren’t added to a list of essential medicines in the WHO’s latest update.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, July 27, 2023
July 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
PBMs and drug pricing, long covid, disability rules, opioids settlement funds, Medicaid, weight loss, insurers, and more are in the news.
Opioid Settlement Funds In Jeopardy From Bankruptcy Plan By Mallinckrodt, Hedge Funds
July 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Wall Street Journal reports that drugmaker Mallinckrodt is talking to hedge funds about filing for bankruptcy and avoiding about $1 billion in payments intended to help people addicted to opioids — a plan that would allow the funds to keep a portion of the money themselves.
NC Governor Sets Medicaid Expansion Date For Oct. 1, Pressuring Legislature
July 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
Politico reports on what it labels an “unusual move,” since state lawmakers have yet to approve the funding needed for expansion. It pressures the Republican-controlled legislature to either pass a budget or fund Medicaid. Other Medicaid news is from Minnesota, Virginia, and elsewhere.
Study: Some With Long Covid Have Cognitive Problems For 2 Years
July 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
A recent study found some patients showed reduced performance in tests for memory, reasoning, motor control, and more for up to two years. A separate study, reported in CIDRAP, shows wastewater surveillance may be the best way to spot community covid outbreaks.
Regulations Require Better Bathrooms On Jets For Those With Disabilities
July 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
The new regulations, from the Transportation Department, apply to new single-aisle aircraft with at least 125 seats and are aimed at improving accessibility. The New York Times notes the move is “long-awaited.” Also in the news: Amazon is criticized for failing to accommodate disabled workers.
House And Senate Committees Pass Bills Targeting PBM Practices
July 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
Bills targeting the opaque and influential business practices of pharmacy benefit managers advanced out of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means committees Wednesday. But the Senate panel punted on moving ahead with more challenging measures.
First Edition: July 27, 2023
July 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Covered California to Cut Patient Costs After Democratic Lawmakers Win Funding From Gov. Newsom
By Angela Hart
July 27, 2023
KFF Health News Original
California’s health insurance exchange will reduce how much some patients pay for care next year, including hospital deductibles, appointment copays, and prescription drugs. Lawmakers pressed Gov. Gavin Newsom to make good on a four-year-old pledge to use proceeds from a tax penalty on uninsured people to help people pay for treatment.
Home Sweet Parking Lot: Some Hospitals Welcome RV Living for Patients, Families, and Workers
By Christina Saint Louis
July 27, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Medical and RV industry professionals say hospitals that offer RV parking are easing access to health care for some patients who drive long distances for treatment, like many rural residents.
A un año del lanzamiento de la línea 988, ¿Funciona? ¿Qué desafíos enfrenta?
By Colleen DeGuzman
July 26, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Esta línea fue diseñada con la idea de que las personas que experimentan angustia emocional se sintieran más cómodas buscando ayuda capacitada sin tener que llamar al 911.
Less Antibiotics Needed For Treating Sinusitis; New Drug Delivery System Enhances Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment
July 26, 2023
Morning Briefing
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
A Spotlight On Chemical Incidents, As Texas Leads List For Number This Year
July 26, 2023
Morning Briefing
A USA Today analysis shows an increase in hazardous material spills in the Midwest, while the Texas Tribune reports that 25 hazardous chemical incidents have happened in Texas so far this year. AP covers efforts to investigate chemical exposure in Ohio after the East Palestine train crash.