Cyberattack Against Ascension Is Latest Hack To Disrupt Patient Care
May 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
News outlets report that patients of some of hospital chain Ascension’s facilities have had procedures delayed or been diverted to other hospitals. Doctors have also lost access to some records.
The Time To Act On Bird Flu Is Now, FDA Chief Advises Lawmakers
May 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
Although the risk to humans is still low, a proactive stance—incorporating protective gear, research, and vaccine readiness—could stem the spread of the virus afflicting mainly poultry and cattle. Meanwhile, the CDC is coming up against resistance over its push for PPE for farm workers.
Gay Couple Launches Class-Action Lawsuit Against NYC For IVF Benefits
May 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
New York City only provides in vitro fertilization benefits to employees who are women or heterosexuals. A first-of-its-kind class-action lawsuit alleges that policy is discriminatory to gay men.
Missouri Governor Signs Bill Targeting Planned Parenthood Funding
May 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
The measure blocks Medicaid reimbursements to health centers affiliated to abortion providers, which the Missouri Independent notes will impact Planned Parenthood’s health services to low-income patients. Meanwhile a Colorado abortion assistance fund is seeing rising demand, much from Texas.
First Edition: May 10, 2024
May 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Their First Baby Came With Medical Debt. These Illinois Parents Won’t Have Another.
By Noam N. Levey
May 10, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Millions of new parents in the U.S. are swamped by medical debt during and after pregnancy, forcing many to cut back on food, clothing, and other essentials.
Democrats Seek To Make GOP Pay for Threats to Reproductive Rights
By Samantha Liss
May 10, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Democrats running for office are using abortion rollbacks to galvanize voters, with abortion rights ballot initiatives amplifying their lines of attack. In Missouri, the leading Democratic candidate for the Senate also blames Republican Sen. Josh Hawley for threatening access to IVF.
KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': Newly Minted Doctors Are Avoiding Abortion Ban States
May 9, 2024
Podcast
For the second year in a row, medical school graduates across specialties are shying away from applying for residency training in states with abortion bans or significant restrictions, according to a new study. Meanwhile, Medicare’s trustees report that the program will be able to pay its bills longer than expected — which could discourage Congress from acting to address the program’s long-term financial woes. Lauren Weber of The Washington Post, Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins University schools of nursing and public health and Politico Magazine, and Anna Edney of Bloomberg News join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more.
Viewpoints: Loneliness Is To Blame For Mental Health Crisis; We Must Prevent Pigs From Contracting H5N1
May 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers examine America’s mental health, bird flu, covid, and caregiving.
To Curb Rabies, US Makes It Tougher For Dogs To Enter The Country
May 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
For most dog owners, it’s as simple as verifying that Fido has an up-to-date rabies vaccination. But for animals from high-risk nations, it could potentially mean a 28-day quarantine.
People, Plants, Animals Suffering Worse Diseases Due To Climate Change
May 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
Several large studies point to the impact that environmental changes are having on infectious diseases. Also in the news: colon cancer rates in younger people, decaf coffee’s health risks, and the Army’s expansion of food kiosks.
Appeals Court Rules That Researchers Can Access California Gun Owner Data
May 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
A federal appeals court backed a state law supporting research into gun and ammunition data, concluding the law doesn’t violate gun owners’ privacy or ownership rights. Meanwhile, in Connecticut, a bill to shorten wheelchair repair times advances.
Neuralink Implant Trial Encounters Setback In First Human Patient
May 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
Some of the “threads” that connect the Neuralink to Noland Arbaugh’s brain have withdrawn from the tissue, but the company has adjusted the system to compensate for reduced data going to the device. Separately, Google reveals an AI tool for biomolecule prediction.
Research Roundup: Bacterial Vaginosis; Leukemia; and Covid
May 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Ascension Hospitals Report Cyberattack That Is Disrupting Clinical Operations
May 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
Nonprofit health system Ascension detected a cyberattack that has impacted hospitals in at least six of the 19 states in which it operates. Clinical operations have been disrupted, and a possible data breach is under investigation.
Study: Abortion Limitations Linked To Rise In Intimate Partner Homicides
May 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
In other news, the fate of a women’s health care bill in Missouri could be in jeopardy because of Senate squabbles. And in Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine thinks the 24-hour wait policy for an abortion should remain intact.
Ex-Public Health Officials Implore Voters To Do No Harm, Elect Biden
May 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
Letter details why medical officials see Donald Trump as a threat and encourages “anyone concerned about the price, availability, and safety of healthcare to keep Mr. Trump out of the White House.” Meanwhile, fallout from the covid pandemic is having an effect on the the 2024 presidential election.
White House To Invest $46.8 Million In Mental Health Programs
May 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
Other health policy news from the Biden administration and Congress relates to telehealth rules, antitrust enforcement, and maternal health.
Officials Blast Steward Healthcare For Overcomplicated Bankruptcy Plans
May 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, in other news, Highmark Health has laid off 47 employees; nursing home merger and acquisitions are heating up in states where Medicaid pay is better; Connecticut lawmakers target better nursing home oversight; and more.
FDA Delays Discussions Over Which Covid Strains To Put In Shots This Fall
May 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
The panel pushed back its date from May 16 to June 5 amid the gaining dominance of a new set of covid variants called FLiRT.