First Edition: Jan. 25, 2024
January 25, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
The Colonoscopies Were Free. But the ‘Surgical Trays’ Came With $600 Price Tags.
By Samantha Liss
January 25, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Health providers may bill however they choose — including in ways that could leave patients with unexpected bills for “free” care. Routine preventive care saddled an Illinois couple with his-and-her bills for “surgical trays.”
New York Joins Local Governments in Erasing Billions in Medical Debt
By Yuki Noguchi, NPR News
January 25, 2024
KFF Health News Original
New York City is the latest jurisdiction to buy and forgive a backlog of unpaid medical bills for its residents. Local governments across the country, including in the Chicago area, are doing the same to reduce debt burdens for lower-income residents.
Native American Communities Have the Highest Suicide Rates, Yet Interventions Are Scarce
By Cheryl Platzman Weinstock
Updated January 26, 2024
Originally Published January 25, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Native Americans die by suicide at a higher rate than any other racial or ethnic group, yet research into effective and culturally appropriate interventions is uncommon.
Una decisión difícil: cuando los adultos mayores tienen que dejar de conducir
By Judith Graham
January 24, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Los riesgos para los conductores mayores aumentan con la edad y el desarrollo de afecciones como la artritis, el glaucoma y el Parkinson. Y cuando ocurren accidentes, son más propensos a sufrir heridas graves o morir porque son físicamente más vulnerables.
Covid sigue matando gente. Esto recomiendan los médicos para protegerse
By Amy Maxmen
January 24, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Las pandemias no se definen por el tiempo ni por la gravedad, sino por grandes cantidades de infecciones en curso en todo el mundo. Las emergencias son agudas y se declaran para desencadenar una respuesta urgente.
Estados utilizan dinero de Medicaid para combatir la violencia con armas de fuego
By Samantha Young
January 24, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Una inyección de financiamiento federal confiable podría permitir que organizaciones sin fines de lucro amplíen su alcance para llegar a más residentes con mayor riesgo de ser víctimas de disparos, o de disparar a alguien.
Scientists Find Workaround For Troubled Prostate Cancer Treatment
January 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Viewpoints: Here’s How We Prepare For The Next Pandemic; Red States Are Seeing The Advantage Of ACA
January 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers tackle pandemic preparedness, ACA expansion, adult ADHD and more.
States Are Bargaining For Medicaid Waivers To Divert Cash To Other Needs
January 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
New York recently became the latest state to receive a Section 1115 Demonstration waiver from the federal government, with a goal of narrowing health disparities and reducing long-term spending. Meanwhile, Republican-controlled states are pushing for employment requirements in Medicaid.
Data Suggest Covid Variant JN.1 Is Not More Severe, But Infections Are Surging
January 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
Wastewater testing indicates a new possible wave of covid infections, saying that potentially a third of Americans are expected to be infected by late February. Other covid news covers the Corbevax vaccine; long covid and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome; and more.
FDA Endorses Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide As Medical Device Sterilizer
January 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
Ethylene oxide has long been the go-to for sterilizing medical devices, but the chemical is dangerous and a known carcinogen. Meanwhile, the FDA told several drugmakers that their CAR-T cancer therapy drugs’ boxes should carry a warning that the treatment may add to cancer risks.
Gene Therapy Breakthrough Gives Deaf 11-Year-Old Ability To Hear
January 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
The boy in question was born deaf and had never heard a sound — but after becoming the first person to be treated with gene therapy in the U.S. for congenital deafness, he can hear. In other news: Racism is linked to health risks in minorities; energy drinks are linked to sleep problems; more.
New Partnership Aims To Further Instacart’s Health Care Push
January 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
A new partnership between grocery tech firm Instacart and DispatchHealth has a goal of furthering Instacart’s efforts to move into the health care market — via prescribed “food interventions.” Also in the news; Careismatic’s bankruptcy; human longevity research; and more.
Democratic Lawmakers In Oregon Backtrack On Drug Decriminalization
January 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
The state had been leading a first-in-nation push for decriminalization of drug use, but now a new bill will re-criminalize possessing small amounts of drugs — it’s a reflection of the fentanyl crisis. Separately, Southwest Airlines will now carry the overdose reversal drug naloxone on flights.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, January 24, 2024
January 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
The NH primary, Medicaid waivers, abortion pill access, covid variants, the next pandemic, 988 hotline, older drivers, and more.
Justice Department Files Brief To Supreme Court In Mifepristone Appeal
January 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
In the document, the Justice Department is urging the Supreme Court to overturn a lower court ruling that would severely restrict access to one of the two drugs used in an medication abortion. The Biden administration also argues that upholding the decision would threaten FDA authority.
Judge Allows ND Abortion Law To Stand That Puts Doctors In Legal Jeopardy
January 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
A North Dakota judge denied a preliminary injunction request from doctors who say that the state’s abortion law allows them to be prosecuted for providing emergency care.
First Edition: Jan. 24, 2024
January 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.