Woman Petitions Health Insurer After Company Approves — Then Rejects — Her Infusions
By Lauren Sausser
Illustration by Oona Zenda
January 4, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Even people with good insurance aren’t guaranteed affordable care, as this KFF Health News follow-up to one patient’s saga shows.
California protegerá a trabajadores del calor extremo en interiores
By Samantha Young
January 3, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Sólo otros dos estados, Minnesota y Oregon, han adoptado normas sobre el calor para las personas que trabajan en interiores, según la Administración de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional (OSHA).
Pacientes con narcolepsia enfrentan una doble pesadilla: escasez de medicamentos y estigma
By Lauren Peace, Tampa Bay Times
January 3, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Se estima que una de cada 2,000 personas en los Estados Unidos vive con narcolepsia (más de 160,000 en todo el país).
Utah Survey Shows Why So Many People Were Dumped From Medicaid
By Phil Galewitz
January 3, 2024
KFF Health News Original
It’s one of the biggest mysteries in health policy: What happened to millions of Americans kicked out of Medicaid last year? A survey conducted for state officials in Utah, obtained by KFF Health News, holds some clues. Like many states, Utah terminated Medicaid coverage for a large share of enrollees whose eligibility was reevaluated in […]
Study: Nirsevimab Helps Prevent Hospitalization For Infants With RSV
January 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Viewpoints: Did Zika Disappear?; Surprise Support For Trans Rights In Ohio
January 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers discuss the Zika virus, transgender health care, hospital billing, and other health issues.
CDC Data Show Long Covid Has Caused Thousands To Die In US
January 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Covid is known to be a killer illness, but new CDC data show that the long version of the infection is also claiming an alarming number of lives. Meanwhile, experts advise it’s time to check your covid test’s expiration date. Covid variant JN.1 is also on the rise, comprising up to 30% of U.S. cases.
Blue Shield Of California To Lay Off 165 Workers By Jan. 31
January 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
The largest cuts will hit offices in Oakland, Modern Healthcare reports. Also in the news, BJC HealthCare of St. Louis and Saint Luke’s Health System of Kansas City successfully closed their $10 billion merger. Separately, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will aim to curb hospitals suing patients.
Study Shows US Food Insecurity Fell During Pandemic, But Rose By 2022
January 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Thanks to government programs including SNAP, CIDRAP explains, food insecurity among low-income U.S. adults fell during covid. But then rose again. Meanwhile, warnings rise that more than 225,000 low-income Texas women and young children are in danger of losing federal nutrition assistance.
2 Catch Legionnaires’ Disease, 1 Dies After Visiting A NH Resort
January 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
News outlets report on Legionnaires’ disease cases in two people who’d recently stayed at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in New Hampshire. Among other news: at least 22 people hospitalized in Utah after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning; radon exposure in Pennsylvania homes; and more.
First Partial Heart Transplant Deemed Success After Nearly A Year Of Working
January 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
The world’s first partial heart transplant happened nearly a year ago when a newborn received transplanted valves and arteries, and the organs are functioning well and growing with the child’s heart. This means the procedure is deemed successful, paving the way for future surgeries.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, January 3, 2024
January 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Emergency abortions, long covid, FDA approvals, drug costs, hunger, RSV, narcolepsy, and more are in the news.
Appeals Court Rules That Texas Can Ban Life-Saving Emergency Abortions
January 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Contrary to federal regulations under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit sided Tuesday with Texas, which challenged the rule that emergency rooms must perform emergency abortions.
Increased FDA Approvals Of Novel Drugs Could Spur Biotech Investment
January 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
The FDA’s increased pace of approvals in 2023 over the prior year may lead to increased investment in biotech firms in 2024, Reuters reports. In another outlook on the new year, The Wall Street Journal offers consumer tips on keeping a lid on prescription drug costs.
First Edition: Jan. 3, 2024
January 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
California Is Poised to Protect Workers From Extreme Heat — Indoors
By Samantha Young
January 3, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Only a few states have rules to protect workers from the growing threat of extreme heat, either indoors or outdoors. California is expected to adopt heat standards for indoor workers in spring, even as federal legislation has stalled.
Patients With Narcolepsy Face a Dual Nightmare of Medication Shortages and Stigma
By Lauren Peace, Tampa Bay Times
January 3, 2024
KFF Health News Original
It’s been more than a year since the FDA declared a national shortage of Adderall, and it’s affecting more than just patients with ADHD. Those with narcolepsy, a much rarer condition, are often treated with the same medication. Without it, they’re often unable to drive or function as usual.
¿Pueden los médicos de familia salvar a las zonas rurales de la crisis de obstetras?
By Sarah Jane Tribble
January 2, 2024
KFF Health News Original
El número de bebés que murieron antes de cumplir su primer año aumentó el año pasado; y más de la mitad de los condados rurales no tienen servicios hospitalarios para partos.
Listen to the Latest ‘KFF Health News Minute’
January 2, 2024
KFF Health News Original
“Health Minute” brings original health care and health policy reporting from the KFF Health News newsroom to the airwaves each week.