What Would a Nikki Haley Presidency Look Like for Health Care?
By Lauren Sausser
January 12, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley’s tenure in the Palmetto State — which overlapped with several tumultuous years of health care reform — and her recent comments offer clues to how her presidency might affect national health care policy.
Rural Hospitals Are Caught in an Aging-Infrastructure Conundrum
By Markian Hawryluk
January 12, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Small, community hospitals face challenges in paying for the capital improvement projects they need to stay open.
KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': All About the (Government) Funding
January 11, 2024
Podcast
With days to go until a large chunk of the federal government runs out of money needed to keep it operating, Congress is still struggling to find a compromise spending plan. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court agreed to hear — this year — a case that pits federal requirements for emergency treatment against state abortion bans. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet, and Tami Luhby of CNN join KFF Health News chief Washington correspondent Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews American Medical Association President Jesse Ehrenfeld about the choppy waters facing the nation’s physicians in 2024.
In a Fractious Rerun, GOP Rivals Haley and DeSantis Debate Health Care. Trump Sits It Out.
By KFF Health News and PolitiFact staffs
January 11, 2024
KFF Health News Original
The fifth debate of the 2024 GOP presidential primary season took place days before Iowa Republicans will caucus to determine their pick for the top of the party’s ticket. The front-runner, former President Donald Trump, once again did not participate.
The AMA Wants a Medicare Cut Reversed – And Lawmakers To Stay Out of Care
By Julie Rovner
January 11, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Congress is back this week and feverishly working on a bipartisan agreement to fund the government for the rest of the 2024 fiscal year. Ahead of a potential vote, I spoke with Jesse Ehrenfeld, the president of the American Medical Association, the nation’s largest lobby group for doctors, about his organization’s priorities in Washington. Some […]
Study Found 60% Of Doctors On DSM-5 Panel Received Industry Payments
January 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
The payments totaled over $14 million, the study found, and raise questions about the editorial independence of the psychiatric “bible.” A separate study looked into ADHD treatment during the pandemic and concluded that prescriptions for adults surged, helping to fuel drug shortages.
Spotlight Falls On US Diet Panel Member’s Ties To Alcohol Industry
January 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
The New York Times says the national organization charged with assembling a committee to examine evidence about drinking and health has chosen a new panelist who has financial ties to the alcohol industry shortly after it dropped two scientists with financial interest conflicts.
FDA Says French Syphilis Drug Can Be Imported To Tackle Shortages
January 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
In June, Pfizer warned it would run out of its Bicillin L-A drug in the face of high demand, so the FDA has now temporarily allowed import of a drug from France’s Laboratoires Delbert. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, authorities seized a poisonous solvent that was used in cough syrup.
Reflecting Growing Demand For Care, Gender Dysphoria Cases Are Rising
January 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
Nearly every state saw a rise in gender dysphoria diagnoses between 2018 and 2022, a new report shows, with only South Dakota showing a fall. The report suggests increases are due to trans and gender issues being “more accepted by society.” In Ohio, the House voted to restrict gender care for minors.
Your High Rent May Be Hurting Your Health, Shortening Your Life: Report
January 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
A recent study linked paying a higher proportion of income on rent with poorer health experiences and a greater risk of premature death. Meanwhile, other researchers found Black Americans are facing higher stroke risks at a younger age than white patients, although overall stroke rates fell.
Research Roundup: Neurodegenerative Diseases; Covid; Mpox; More
January 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: How Damaging Are Private Equity Firms To Health Care?; Ohio Backtracks On Transgender Care
January 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers discuss private equity firms, transgender health care, botox and more.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, January 11, 2024
January 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
Obamacare enrollment, anti-hunger programs, covid deaths, cancer, abortion law, doctors’ conflicts of interest, and more are in the news.
Record-Breaking 20 Million Sign Up For 2024 Obamacare Plan
January 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
With the Jan. 17 open enrollment deadline approaching, CMS announced Wednesday that over 20 million people have signed up so far for an Affordable Care Act marketplace insurance plan. That number surpasses last year’s record tally of 16 million.
Anti-Hunger Programs For Kids May Lose Out In Spending Negotiations
January 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
While demand for WIC increases, Congress appears poised to not add any money to federal spending as negotiations to avert a shutdown continue. The Agriculture Department warns that could leave many mothers and kids without food assistance. In related news, find out if your state opted in or out of a new federal program to help feed children over the summer.
Austin’s Secret Cancer Battle Seen As Missed Chance To Spread Awareness
January 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Defense Department chief had an opportunity to educate both his troops and other men about the risks of prostate cancer, which affects 1 in every 6 Black men during their lifetime. There are many reasons why people keep their diagnoses secret, and it’s hardly new among public officials.
‘Not Acceptable’: WHO Reports Almost 10,000 Died From Covid In December
January 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
The WHO also notes that hospital admissions in almost 50 countries jumped 42% in December, mostly in Europe and the Americas. Inside the U.S., ABC News reports on the last week of complete CDC data, showing 1,614 covid deaths during the week ending Dec. 9.
Maine Democrats To Push For Abortion-Rights Protections In Constitution
January 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
Maine Senate Democrats announced that the Judiciary Committee would hold a public hearing on a proposed constitutional amendment this month. And in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, used his State of the State address to condemn attacks on abortion rights.
First Edition: Jan. 11, 2024
January 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Delicate Labor-Industry Deal in Flux as Newsom Revisits $25 Minimum Health Wage
By Don Thompson
January 11, 2024
KFF Health News Original
In spite of labor concern about any rollback, Gov. Gavin Newsom is revisiting California’s planned $25 minimum wage for health workers less than three months after approving the measure despite an uncertain price tag. The projected $4 billion first-year cost forms part of the state’s estimated $38 billion deficit.