HHS Secretary Becerra Mulls Leaving Post To Run For California Governor
April 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
Politico reports Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and supporters have been having conversations on the matter. Separately, the White House carefully downplayed President Biden’s “strong” remarks against GOP attitudes to health care.
To Tackle Cancer, EPA Announces New Chemical Plant Pollution Limits
April 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
Over 200 chemical plants will have to limit toxic chemicals they release into the air in an effort to reduce cancer risks for those living nearby. Separately, seven studies from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have now been retracted over a manipulation controversy.
Bipartisan Bill Aims To Address US Troops’ Blast Exposure
April 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
The New York Times reports on the Blast Overpressure Safety Act, which would require the Pentagon to “track and limit troops’ exposure to damaging shock waves from firing their own weapons.” Also in the news from Capitol Hill: private equity in health care, telehealth policies, and more.
STD Rates Soar For One Surprising Age Group: The Over-55s
April 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
The latest CDC data show that chlamydia, hepatitis C, and syphilis are skyrocketing in Americans aged 55 and up. Separately, the WHO is warning about rising deaths from viral hepatitis. Also in the news: Drug-resistant Campylobacter infections rise.
Texas Hospital Halts Kidney Transplants In Wake Of ‘Irregularities’
April 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
The hospital has declined to describe “a pattern of irregularities” in liver donor acceptance criteria in detail, but Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center has now halted kidney transplants after stopping liver transplants days ago.
Michigan School Shooter’s Parents Get 10 To 15 Years In Prison
April 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
Both James and Jennifer Crumbley were sentenced, separately, for involuntary manslaughter for not stopping their teenage son from shooting and killing four students. Also in the news, Virginia’s governor vetoed a plan to make a drug price affordability board.
Arizona’s Abortion Ruling Turns Election Year Upside Down
April 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Arizona Supreme Court said Tuesday that an 1864 abortion ban can stand. The ruling came as Republicans had begun to rally around expected GOP nominee Donald Trump, who wants to leave abortion decisions up to the states. Democrats see the ruling as an opportunity to make headway in Arizona, which President Joe Biden won in a squeaker in 2020.
Hobbs Slams Lawmakers’ Reactions To Ban, Is ‘Confident’ Voters Will Have Say
April 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
Gov. Katie Hobbs called out Republican lawmakers who suddenly criticized the strict ban, noting they also celebrated the Dobbs decision that enabled it.
Wyoming’s Highest Court Won’t Take Up Challenge To Strict Abortion Ban
April 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
The state’s Supreme Court decided it won’t rule on abortion access, after Teton County District Judge Melissa Owens questioned the strict abortion bans on constitutional grounds. Meanwhile, Florida providers get ready for the state’s “catastrophic” six-week ban.
First Edition: April 10, 2024
April 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
An Arm and a Leg: Attack of the Medicare Machines
By Dan Weissmann
April 10, 2024
Podcast
In this episode of “An Arm and a Leg,” host Dan Weissmann tells a horror story. Instead of monsters and aliens, it’s about private health insurance companies and algorithms that call the shots on patient care.
Doctors Take On Dental Duties to Reach Low-Income and Uninsured Patients
By Kate Ruder
April 10, 2024
KFF Health News Original
More doctors are integrating oral health care into their practices, filling a need in America’s dental deserts.
Médicos de atención primaria asumen tareas de dentista para ayudar a pacientes vulnerables
By Kate Ruder
April 10, 2024
KFF Health News Original
En Denver, la inestabilidad de la vivienda, las barreras del idioma, la falta de transporte y el “costo astronómico” de la odontología sin seguro hacen que la atención dental sea inaccesible para muchos nuevos inmigrantes.
Congress Likely to Kick the Can on Covid-Era Telehealth Policies
By Sarah Jane Tribble
April 10, 2024
KFF Health News Original
With an end-of-year deadline and a presidential election approaching, payment rules that fueled rapid expansion of telehealth in the United States face a last-minute congressional decision.
Becerra Joins the Fray Over Reproductive Rights
By Daniel Chang
April 9, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is racking up frequent-flier miles as he hopscotches the country to highlight health issues the White House hopes will become pivotal for voters this year — none more so than reproductive rights. “No woman today should fear [not having] access to the care that she needs. President Biden […]
Illinois Officials Warn Residents About Risk Of Fake Botox Injections
April 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
According to the Illinois Public Health Department, the fake injections may have led to two people being hospitalized. Also in news from around the country: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a bill ensuring skin cancer screenings for state employees, California aims to ban the weedkiller paraquat, and more.
Lawmakers Press FTC To Examine Optum’s Acquisition Of Steward
April 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, USC and Emory University’s credit ratings are threatened by struggling hospital systems. Also: a widening gap between city, country mortality in Arizona; a security review of Zuckerberg General Hospital in San Francisco; more.