Millions Lose Medicaid Mostly Due To Bureaucratic Issues, Not Eligibility
July 31, 2023
Morning Briefing
At least 3.8 million Medicaid recipients have lost coverage so far — a higher than expected number. The majority of those were disenrolled due to procedural issues like misdirected paperwork, mistakes by state agencies, and other “red tape,” prompting the Biden administration to urge state governors to improve the process.
First Edition: July 31, 2023
July 31, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
To Protect a Mother’s Health: How Abortion Ban Exemptions Play Out in a Post-‘Roe’ World
By Christopher O’Donnell, Tampa Bay Times
July 31, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Florida’s six-week abortion law allows exemptions in cases of rape, incest, and human trafficking, and to save the health or life of the mother. But the recent history of such exemptions in other states suggests that very few women will be able to take advantage of them.
Be Aware: Someone Could Steal Your Medical Records and Bill You for Their Care
By Michelle Andrews
July 31, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Consumers should know that this type of fraud can happen, whether from a large-scale breach or theft of an individual’s data. The result could be thousands of dollars in medical bills.
Sen. Sanders Says Millions of People Can’t Find a Doctor. He’s Mostly Right.
By Michelle Andrews
July 31, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The Vermont senator sees beefing up the primary care workforce as a critical step in expanding Americans’ access to health care.
Journalists Explore Shortage of Foster Care Sites and Prevalence of Covid Misinformation
July 29, 2023
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Viewpoints: Why Are Some Doctors Withholding Information On Abortion?
July 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers examine abortion, maternal health, AIDS, and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
July 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on full-face transplants, MRIs, radiation fallout from the Trinity nuclear test, and more.
CDC Says TB-Linked Bone Graft Material Went To Facilities In 6 States
July 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
Politico reports on CDC data showing three more patients have tested positive for TB linked to bone graft material from Aziyo Biologics in addition to two earlier cases. The material was sent to facilities in six states. Also: human swine flu in Michigan, free menstrual products in Ohio schools, more.
Research Spotlights 2 Simple Exercises That Lower Blood Pressure Best
July 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
New research from Britain that shows 2 simple isometric exercises are excellent at reducing hypertension: planks and wall squats. Another study links consumption of olive oil with lower dementia death risks. And in unsurprising research news: 4-day work weeks are good for employee health.
Health Industry Coalition Calls For CMS To Clarify Data Sharing Rules
July 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
A coalition of industry groups, which includes the AMA and some insurers, warns that rules over patient data exchanges during prior authorization reviews need to be cleaned up to avoid causing trouble and higher costs. Also in the news: Cigna, Sanford Health, and more.
Tick Bites May Mean 450,000 Americans Can’t Eat Red Meat
July 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
News outlets cover startling data that suggest up to 450,000 people in the U.S. may have developed the potentially life-threatening alpha-gal syndrome after being bitten by ticks. AP notes cases of tick-borne illnesses are on the rise globally, possibly because of climate change.
Analysis Shows Doctors Who Pushed Covid Misinfo Mostly Unpunished
July 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Washington Post reports on its own analysis of U.S. medical disciplinary records, showing doctors who promoted dangerous covid misinformation have faced few repercussions. Separately, the WSJ reports that under White House pressure, Facebook removed stories that covid was man-made.
Bipartisan Effort Aims At Reinforcing Drug Stockpiles To Prevent Shortages
July 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
NBC News says a new bipartisan push by a group of senators comes in response to a report from early this year showing over 295 medications are in short supply. Meanwhile, prominent experts are asking the Biden administration to ensure data on patients taking new Alzheimer’s treatments is public.
Fix Mental Health And Addiction Crises Together, White House Drug Czar Says
July 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy director Rahul Gupta told House members during an oversight hearing Thursday that “mental illness and drug addiction go hand in glove,” and that the two health challenges should be tackled together. Lawmakers are also working on a bill to increase access to fentanyl test strips.
Biden Administration Issues Hazard Alert Due To Record Heat
July 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
President Joe Biden announced that the administration will increase inspections in industries like construction and agriculture where the extreme heat is particularly dangerous for workers and highlighted federal programs to improve water access and weather forecasting.
Congress Recesses With A Hefty Health Bills To-Do List And A Ticking Clock
July 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
With abortion and other social policy debates delaying work on spending and other health-related measures, lawmakers will have a very narrow working window when they return from August recess before some programs expire on Sept. 30.
Morning Briefing for Friday, July 28, 2023
July 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
High medical bills, cancer, reproductive health, addiction, drug shortages, heat dangers, tick-borne diseases, and more are in the news.
Biden: Block On Military Nominations Over Abortion Issue Is ‘Dangerous’
July 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
President Joe Biden said the ongoing block on military nominations over Pentagon abortion policies by Sen. Tommy Tuberville and other Republicans is causing disruption, and is “undermining the military.” In other news, abortions in Colorado surged, with 500% growth in patients from Texas.
White House Pushes For Higher-Precision Cancer Surgery
July 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Biden administration launched an effort via the new agency ARPA-H with the goal of more precisely excising cancerous tumors without damaging sensitive healthy tissue. It’s the first cancer program from ARPA-H.