Missourians Clear First Hurdle For Putting Abortion Rights Up To A Vote
May 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Abortion-rights advocates delivered 380,000 signatures, twice as many as necessary. Other news is on doulas and their role in shrinking the reproductive health care gap.
Details Emerge Of Mild Symptoms In Only Documented Human Bird Flu Case
May 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
The dairy worker in Texas who caught bird flu from an infected cow was lucky enough to avoid most flu-like symptoms, including respiratory ones. Reports say he had only a bad case of pink eye. Health officials are now urging dairy workers to use protective gear.
Kids Who Lost Parents To Drugs Or Gun Violence Face ‘Double Burden’
May 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Data from 2020 show the number of parents who died from these two causes is double what it was in 1999. A separate study found that not only is the child death rate rising, but there are growing disparities across ethnic and racial groups.
First Edition: May 6, 2024
May 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Could Better Inhalers Help Patients, and the Planet?
By Martha Bebinger, WBUR
May 6, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Puff inhalers can be lifesavers for people with asthma and other respiratory diseases, but some types release potent greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. That, in turn, worsens wildfires, contributes to air pollution, and intensifies allergy seasons — which can increase the need for inhalers. Some doctors are helping patients switch to more eco-sensitive inhalers.
Stranded in the ER, Seniors Await Hospital Care and Suffer Avoidable Harm
By Judith Graham
May 6, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Many older adults who need hospital care are getting stuck in emergency room limbo — sometimes for more than a day. The long ER waits for seniors who are frail, with multiple medical issues, lead to a host of additional medical problems.
Journalists Delve Into Climate Change, Medicaid ‘Unwinding,’ and the Gap in Mortality Rates
May 4, 2024
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News and California Healthline staffers made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Research Finds Less Frequent Colon Cancer Screening OK For Some
May 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Researchers found that a negative colonoscopy could be followed by another screening every 15 years, instead of 10. Separately, studies linking cellphone use with nearsightedness trigger worries over “epidemic” of sight problems and its impact.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
May 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on orangutans, iodized salt, IVF, baby talk, and more.
Viewpoints: Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Is Latest Target In War On Women; Where Are The Doctors?
May 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers examine pregnancy protections, physician shortages, IVF rules, and more.
Bill Proposes Rewards For Hospitals Who Demonstrate Drug Stewardship
May 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
A bipartisan bill suggests hospitals get bonus payments if their business practices help ensure adequate drug supplies in the face of ongoing shortages. Cyberattacks are also in the news, with a top intelligence official warning of rising threat, in the aftermath of the Change Healthcare hack.
Scientists Say Bird Flu Began To Affect Cattle In Texas In Late 2023
May 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Genetic “breadcrumbs,” virus particles left behind, suggest H5N1 was spreading in cattle in Texas in December. Meanwhile, researchers are concerned that human bird flu cases among farm workers may be being missed as the outbreak spreads.
Federal Noncompete Ban Triggers Worries For Rural Hospital Staffing
May 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Attracting new recruits may be harder for rural providers now that the FTC ban is in place, Modern Healthcare says. Separately, Walmart and Walgreens are finding it difficult to make their health care operations profitable.
California Supreme Court To Hear Controversial Case On HIV Drugs
May 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
The complex case involves an argument that drugmakers could be held negligent if they don’t develop a particular drug. Also in the news: Amgen drops plans for an obesity pill, focusing instead on new injectable drugs to compete with Wegovy and Zepbound.
Title IX Trans Rules Should Be Disregarded, Arkansas Governor Says
May 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a Republican, is joining a list of governors ordering their state to ignore new federal civil rights rules. And in Tennessee, an appeals court is weighing whether the state ban on amending gender on birth certificates is unconstitutional.
Morning Briefing for Friday, May 3, 2024
May 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
ACA coverage for ‘Dreamers,’ bird flu, abortion law, doctor and nurse shortages, cancer screenings, and more are in the news. Plus, your weekend reads.
HHS Expects 100,000 ‘Dreamers’ To Enroll In Obamacare Under New Rule
May 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Biden administration has announced that undocumented immigrants with protections under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will be eligible for a federal health plan under the ACA starting in 2025. It’s estimated that about 100,000 of the 800,000 “Dreamers” will become insured under the change.
In Emotional Ceremony, Ariz. Governor Rids State Of 1864 Abortion Ban
May 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
The repeal of the archaic law that outlawed abortions completely will take effect 90 days after the legislative session ends, typically in June or July. After that, state law will ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
New Rule Makes It Easier For People With Disabilities To Visit The Doctor
May 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Health facilities will soon be required to update features such as elevators, ramps, exam tables, scales, mammogram machines, and more. Other health policy news is on Medicaid reimbursements, home health care workers, telehealth, and more.
First Edition: May 3, 2024
May 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.