Using Opioid Settlement Cash for Police Gear Like Squad Cars and Scanners Sparks Debate
By Aneri Pattani
October 23, 2023
KFF Health News Original
State and local governments will receive a windfall of more than $50 billion over 18 years from settlements with companies that made, sold, or distributed opioid painkillers. Using the funds for law enforcement has triggered important questions about what the money was meant for.
Tiny, Rural Hospitals Feel the Pinch as Medicare Advantage Plans Grow
By Sarah Jane Tribble
October 23, 2023
KFF Health News Original
More than half of seniors are enrolled in private Medicare Advantage plans instead of traditional Medicare. Rural enrollment has increased fourfold and many small-town hospitals say that threatens their viability.
Quick Genetic Test Offers Hope for Sick, Undiagnosed Kids. But Few Insurers Offer to Pay.
By Phil Galewitz
October 23, 2023
KFF Health News Original
A new, rapid genetic test shows promise in increasing diagnoses and improving treatment for some children with rare genetic conditions. Many insurers won’t cover it, but Florida’s Medicaid program is among those that see benefits — and, potentially, savings.
Pruebas genéticas rápidas a bebés pueden salvar vidas, pero muchas aseguradoras no las cubren
By Phil Galewitz
October 23, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Que Medicaid cubra la prueba puede expandir significativamente el acceso para los bebés; el programa de salud federal gerenciado por los estados que asegura a las familias de bajos ingresos y que cubre a más del 40% de los niños en su primer año de vida.
¿Por qué sigue siendo tan difícil encontrar vacunas contra covid para niños pequeños?
By Jackie Fortiér, LAist
October 20, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Por primera vez desde el inicio de la pandemia, el gobierno federal no paga directamente a los fabricantes por las dosis de covid, un proceso que permitió a médicos y farmacéuticos recibir envíos de forma gratuita.
Why Is Finding Covid Shots for Young Children Still So Hard?
By Jackie Fortiér, LAist
October 20, 2023
KFF Health News Original
In Los Angeles and elsewhere, some parents are having trouble finding the new pediatric covid shot, especially for young children. Not all pediatricians or pharmacies have it and can administer it, even if vaccines.gov says they can.
Viewpoints: The ‘Passive Positives’ Can Increase Booster Numbers; Yellow Fever Is On The Rise In The South
October 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers discuss covid boosters, yellow fever, weight-loss drugs, and more.
Scientists Find 12 Genetic Variations Linked To Suicide Attempt Risks
October 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
The study included worldwide analysis of almost 1 million people and found 12 DNA changes linked to a higher risk of suicide attempts. Separately, the USS George Washington has returned to sea with more mental health care in place after a series of suicides aboard.
By 2050, Yearly Deaths From Strokes Will Rise 50% Over Current Levels
October 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
Researchers say as many as 9.7 million people per year will die from strokes. Other reports note that strokes are more common and more serious when they strike women. Also: the unregulated status of “toddler milks”; rising numbers of young children falling ill from contact with vape liquids; and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
October 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on life expectancy, Lunchables, male breast cancer, mental health, and more.
North Texas School Aims To Help Students On Medicaid With New Clinic
October 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
The goal of the Denton Independent School District is to help make health care more readily available for its students. Meanwhile, reports say 10 Republican-led states are scrambling to improve health care systems after refusing to expand Medicaid.
Early Clinical Trials Show ‘Exciting’ Promise For Prostate Cancer Treatment
October 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
The new process targets messages that cancer uses to hijack white blood cells, and in trials it made advanced prostate cancers more treatable. In other news on cancer, researchers are looking at applying AI to help detect pancreatic cancer earlier.
With Weight-Loss Drugs Soaring For Adults, Drugmakers Consider Kids
October 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
Eli Lilly & Co. is said to be planning to test its diabetes drug Mounjaro for patients ages 6 and older with obesity. Meanwhile, the soaring global demand for weight-loss drugs like Ozempic is, inevitably, fueling a surge in counterfeit versions.
CDC Warns Tropical Flesh-Eating Parasite Is Now Endemic In Texas
October 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
Some sandflies native to the southern U.S. are spreading the Leishmania mexicana parasite, which can lead to people suffering skin sores and longer-term damage. Climate change is playing a part in the parasite’s new foothold. Also in the news: a promising trial result for a pill against Dengue fever.
New Treatment Clinic Opens For People With Down Syndrome In Southeast
October 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
AdventHealth’s Stella Tremonti Down Syndrome Clinic is opening for specialty treatments in Orlando. In New York, the Samaritan Medical Center in Waterton is pausing some services due to a major water main break. Also: Aetna coverage cuts, money-saving from price transparency, and more.
House Weighs Medicare Pay Reforms For Doctors, But Costs Not Assessed
October 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
A House Energy & Commerce health subcommittee hearing Thursday discussed 23 bills or drafts that address how Medicare pays providers. Lawmakers face an end-of-year expiration when Medicare will cut payments to doctors in certain rural areas and labs.
CVS Pulls Some Cold Meds After Phenylephrine’s Fall From Favor
October 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
U.S. health regulators recently determined that phenylephrine doesn’t work to clear congested noses, and now the impact is being seen on pharmacy shelves. In other news: Sanofi’s Lantus insulin, its most commonly prescribed, will sell for $35 a month through GoodRx Holdings.
Morning Briefing for Friday, October 20, 2023
October 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
Medicare, abortion access, aging, weight-loss drugs, Medicaid, candy safety, and more are in this morning’s health news. Plus, your weekend reads.
Veterans Affairs Provided 88 Abortions Over Last Year
October 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
Under subpoena threat from the House Veterans Affairs Committee, the Department of Veterans Affairs released topline abortion data of 60 medication abortions and 28 surgical through Sept. 30. Under current VA policy, a veteran or covered dependent is eligible for an abortion in cases of rape or incest or if the health of the pregnant person is at risk.
First Edition: Oct. 20, 2023
October 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.