Night Owls Take Note: Study Finds Late Bedtimes May Harm Mental Health
May 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
Research shows that going to sleep later may have a negative impact on mental health, regardless of whether the person is a night owl or early bird. Separately, another study finds that placebo drugs can improve mental health symptoms.
Fla. Gov. DeSantis Signs Into Law ‘Rural Emergency Hospitals’ Designation
May 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
The legislation, which passed unanimously, goes into effect July 1. Other health news from around the country is on sex designation on Montana birth certificates, naloxone in Texas, homelessness in California’s San Mateo County, and more.
Research Roundup: Dengue Virus; Alzheimer’s; Bird Flu Vaccines; Covid
May 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: Is There Really A Maternal-Mortality Crisis?; EMTALA Threatens Reproductive Health Care
May 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers examine issues in reproductive health care, mpox, syphilis, and more.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, May 30, 2024
May 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
ACA subsidies, drug discount program, Medicaid “unwinding,” vaping, reproductive health, cyber security, weight loss drugs, and more stories.
Girls’ First Periods Are Coming Earlier And Are Less Regular, Study Shows
May 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
Early menstruation – with early exposure to estrogen – is related to an increased risk of myriad health issues, including death. Moreover, the premature periods are more pronounced among Black and low-income girls.
FDA: Nicotine Alternatives In Vapes May Be More Addictive Than Nicotine
May 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
Reuters points out that the synthetic, nicotine-like substances are not subject to U.S. tobacco and vaping regulations. In related news, a New York judge’s ruling offers a break to Pfizer in its legal battle over the smoking-cessation drug Chantix.
‘Botnet’ That Stole Nearly $6 Billion In US Covid Relief Funds Is Shut Down
May 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Department of Justice has charged a Chinese national with operating the “world’s largest botnet” that stole $5.9 billion in covid relief funds and is responsible for other crimes. With the FBI, the agency has also shut down the malware network.
Ascension’s Health Records Are Back Online In One Area After Cyberattack
May 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
The hospital system is still working to restore access in other areas and on its IT systems. Other news is on DocGo, liver transplant policy, Obamacare subsidies, and more.
Weight Loss Drug Shortages Drive Telehealth Company To Offer Tracker
May 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
The popularity of diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro has led to shortages. Patients with prescriptions can now use Ro’s new online tool to find supplies. Other news on the medications reports on the cost to the U.S. health care system and on users’ firsthand experiences.
First Edition: May 30, 2024
May 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Presidential Election Could Decide Fate of Extra Obamacare Subsidies
By Andy Miller
May 30, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Most states that saw enrollment in the Obamacare marketplace double from 2020 to 2024 are in the South. But the enhanced federal subsidies that attracted people with $0 premiums and low out-of-pocket costs will expire next year.
An Obscure Drug Discount Program Stifles Use of Federal Lifeline by Rural Hospitals
By Sarah Jane Tribble
May 30, 2024
KFF Health News Original
A disconnect between two federal programs meant to help keep hospitals afloat discourages struggling rural facilities from accepting the aid.
Safety-Net Health Clinics Cut Services and Staff Amid Medicaid ‘Unwinding’
By Katheryn Houghton
May 30, 2024
KFF Health News Original
One of Montana’s largest safety-net health centers announced it will lay off nearly 10% of its workforce because of revenue losses it attributes to vast Medicaid disenrollments. Such cuts are happening elsewhere too.
J&J, Merck Break Out The Big Bucks In Separate Billon-Dollar Deals
May 29, 2024
Morning Briefing
Johnson & Johnson is paying $1.25 billion to acquire the rights to an experimental skin disorder treatment, while Merck is reportedly nearing a $1.3 billion deal to buy Eyebiotech.
Complex US Health System To Blame For High Cost Of Ozempic, Novo Says
May 29, 2024
Morning Briefing
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Viewpoints: EPA’s Plan To Regulate PFAs Is Just A Start; Melinda Gates Invests In Women’s Health
May 29, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers discuss forever chemicals, female health care, RNA, and uterine fibroids.
Higher Temperatures Are A Factor In Early And Preterm Births, Study Finds
May 29, 2024
Morning Briefing
Moreover, mothers who were younger, less educated, or belonged to a minority racial and ethnic group had an even greater chance of an adverse outcome. In other news, women infected with covid seem to have greater protection from long covid if they are pregnant.
California Flu Spike Investigated; H5N1 Infects Alpacas In Idaho
May 29, 2024
Morning Briefing
At the point in the flu season when levels should be decreasing, wastewater monitoring in Northern California has found unusual spikes. Health officials are investigating if avian flu is playing a role. Meanwhile, the virus is having an impact on alpaca and chicken flocks in other parts of the country.
House GOP Members Allege Health Officials Dodged Public Records Laws
May 29, 2024
Morning Briefing
Republican lawmakers continue their push to try to link covid’s origins with U.S. research groups. Meanwhile, the United States has joined other Western unions in pressing for agreement on pandemic response rules.