First Edition: Monday, Nov. 18, 2024
November 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Does Fluoride Cause Cancer, IQ Loss, and More? Fact-Checking Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Claims
By Samantha Putterman, PolitiFact
November 18, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Research has generally shown that drinking fluoridated water at the recommended levels is safe and beneficial for oral health, especially in children. But many people feel that more research is needed to better understand whether and when health risks kick in.
Social Security Tackles Overpayment ‘Injustices,’ but Problems Remain
By David Hilzenrath and Jodie Fleischer, Cox Media Group
Updated November 18, 2024
Originally Published November 18, 2024
KFF Health News Original
With his term soon to expire, Social Security chief Martin O’Malley’s efforts to address the agency’s overpayments to beneficiaries remain incomplete.
Journalists Examine Health Care for Native Americans and Recent Food Recalls
November 16, 2024
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media in recent weeks to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
What To Know About RFK Jr.’s Stances on Key Health Issues and What He Could Do at HHS
By Céline Gounder
November 15, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, is coming into the nomination process in an unusual position, with a long list of his own policy priorities separate from the president-elect’s, and a public promise by Trump to let him “go wild” on his ideas. Céline […]
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
November 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on DNA sequencing, sickle cell, ADHD, toad venom, and more.
Medicaid, Medicare, Vaccines, Disease Surveillance, Drug Safety — And RFK Jr.
November 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
New outlets explore what’s at stake for the broad array of health programs run by the federal government should vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. take the helm at HHS.
Measles Cases Rise As Vaccinations Fall; Is It A Sign Of Things To Come?
November 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
Globally, measles cases surged 20% in 2023, the CDC said Thursday. The news comes just as Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has advocated against covid-19 vaccines and has repeated the debunked claim that childhood vaccines cause autism.
Trump Picks Former Rep. Doug Collins To Lead Veterans Affairs Department
November 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
Collins, a Republican and a previous lawyer for Donald Trump, would take charge of the VA and its massive health care programs. Collins is a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command.
FDA Rules Aim To Rein In Distracting TV Drug Ads
November 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
The agency’s new guidelines require drugmakers to provide viewers with a clearer picture of medications’ risks and side effects. Congress also is looking at giving the FDA authority to regulate drug promotions on social media platforms. Also in the news: Botox; CAR-T therapy; and more.
To Compete With Hims & Hers, Amazon One Medical Adds To Its Telehealth Menu
November 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
The expanded services help customers receive consultations and medications for erectile dysfunction, men’s hair loss, eyelash growth, motion sickness, and anti-aging skin care.
Mental Health Study Points To Loneliness As Risk Factor For Dementia
November 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
In other news: a dramatic increase in obesity rates; standing desks may not actually be a healthier choice; laughter is effective in combating dry eye disease; and more.
Morning Briefing for Friday, November 15, 2024
November 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
RFK Jr. as HHS nominee, Trump’s pick for VA, measles cases up, prepaying for baby delivery, drug ads, and more. Plus, your weekend reads.
Agency Workers, Scientists ‘Aghast’ At Role RFK Jr. Could Play As HHS Head
November 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
Leaders in the scientific community, biopharma world, and veterans of the federal health agencies provide wide-ranging reactions to the news that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be nominated as the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Unhealthy Conditions At Georgia Jail Violate Rights, Justice Department Says
November 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
In other health news: Meta will appeal court rulings over “addictive” social media apps; a school event in Missouri is linked to an E. coli outbreak; an abortion clinic “buffer zone” is challenged in Illinois; and more.
First Edition: Friday, Nov. 15, 2024
November 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Watch: Why the US Has Made Little Progress Improving Black Americans’ Health
By Fred Clasen-Kelly and Renuka Rayasam
Video by Hannah Norman
November 15, 2024
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News senior correspondents Fred Clasen-Kelly and Renuka Rayasam discuss how government decisions undermine Black health.
Pay First, Deliver Later: Some Women Are Being Asked To Prepay for Their Baby
By Renuka Rayasam
November 15, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Pregnant women are being asked to make large cash payments months before they deliver their babies. Some patient advocates worry this billing practice allows providers to hold treatment hostage.
Pagar primero, parir después: algunos servicios piden a las embarazadas que paguen fortunas antes del parto
By Renuka Rayasam
November 15, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Es difícil saber con qué frecuencia ocurre porque se considera una transacción privada entre el proveedor y el paciente. Por lo tanto, los pagos no se registran en los datos de reclamos de seguros y, por ende, los expertos no los analizan.