Mental Health Respite Facilities Are Filling Care Gaps in Over a Dozen States
By Cheryl Platzman Weinstock
July 11, 2023
KFF Health News Original
As three years of pandemic stress accelerated an ongoing nationwide mental health crisis, peer respite programs diverted patients from overburdened emergency rooms, psychiatric institutions, and behavioral therapists. Now, more “respites” are opening.
Viewpoints: Secular Version Of AA Needed For Non-Religious Alcoholics; Steps To Help Struggling Teens
July 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers tackle AA treatment issues, mental health, PTSD, and more.
Experts Unsure Why More Kids And Teens Are Getting Kidney Stones
July 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
NBC News reports that young girls are particularly affected and that experts speculate a mix of issues like diets rich in ultra-processed foods and dehydration may be playing a part. Meanwhile, the New York Times covers worries that the antibiotic shortage may drive up syphilis rates.
More HIV Cases Linked To Shuttered New Mexico ‘Vampire Facial’ Salon
July 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
NBC News reports that even though the troubled salon closed almost five years ago, new HIV cases are still being linked to the business. Separately, a federal appeals court ruled that Tennessee’s ban on gender care for trans youth can go into effect, at least temporarily.
Scientists Invent Air Monitor That Can Speedily Detect Covid
July 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
Researchers at Washington University, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says, have invented an air monitor that just needs five minutes to assess whether covid virus particles are detected in a sample. In other news, increased antibiotic exposure is linked to severe covid outcomes, British scientists have found.
Judge Rules Challenge To 173-Year-Old Wisconsin Abortion Ban Can Go On
July 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
A lawsuit to repeal the ban can continue after Dane County Circuit Judge Diane Schlipper concluded the old bill only prohibits attacking someone to kill their unborn child. Meanwhile, in Iowa, the Republican-controlled legislature will try to enact a six-week abortion ban, using a special session.
Suspect In 1982 Tylenol Murders Dies; Case Changed Pill Safety Worldwide
July 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
Seven people died after consuming Tylenol capsules laced with cyanide. The nationwide panic that ensued led to the industrywide use of tamper-resistant pill containers with packaging that allowed people to see if bottles had been opened or altered. No one was ever officially charged in the slayings.
Florida Reports 2 More Cases Of Malaria, Bringing Total To 6
July 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
NBC News reports on the newest locally acquired Florida cases and the presenting symptoms of those who have contracted malaria. Also in the news: Legionnaires’ disease, Cyclospora, the heat wave, PFAS, and more.
Medicare Plans To Share $9 Billion To 1,600 Previously Underpaid Hospitals
July 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
Stat says the more than 1,600 hospitals that participate in a drug discount program will get lump-sum payments after the Supreme Court found they’d been underpaid for prescription drugs. Separately, Stat reports home health providers are suing Medicare over payment cuts set for 2024.
White House Targets Costly Health ‘Facility Fees,’ Short-Term Insurance
July 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
News outlets report on new efforts from the Biden administration to lower health care costs, this time by tackling surprising billing items like expensive hospital “facility fees,” and also to limit short-term health insurance plans, which the president likened to a “scam.”
First Edition: July 10, 2023
July 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
What You Need to Know About the Drug Price Fight in Those TV Ads
By Arthur Allen
July 10, 2023
KFF Health News Original
At least nine bills introduced in Congress take aim at pharmacy benefit managers, the powerful middlemen that channel prescription drugs to patients.
Proposed PFAS Rule Would Cost Companies Estimated $1B; Lacks Limits and Cleanup Requirement
By Michael Scaturro
July 10, 2023
KFF Health News Original
A proposed Environmental Protection Agency rule calls for companies to disclose PFAS manufactured or imported since 2011. The chemical industry is upset because such compliance would cost an estimated $1 billion, while environmental health advocates worry because the rule wouldn’t ban the chemicals outright.
Meet the People Deciding How to Spend $50 Billion in Opioid Settlement Cash
By Aneri Pattani
Updated June 7, 2024
Originally Published July 10, 2023
KFF Health News Original
As settlement dollars land at the state level, state councils wield significant power in determining how the windfall gets spent. And, though they will likely include the most knowledgeable voices on addiction, these panels also face concerns about conflicts of interest and other issues.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
July 7, 2023
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on the pharmaceutical pipeline, medical bias, ADHD, and more.
Worries Over Weed Safety Rules, Legality Varying From State To State
July 7, 2023
Morning Briefing
Stateline examines the complicated reality of state-by-state laws and safety regulations surrounding the marijuana industry, even as the drug is increasingly accepted and legalized. Also in the news: gun injuries, how witnessing violence can influence firearm carrying, paid family leave, and more.
Florida Hospitals Obliged To Demand Data On Your Immigration Status
July 7, 2023
Morning Briefing
From tomorrow, hospitals that accept Medicaid in Florida must ask for this info. The Miami Herald has a guide on what to say. Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, the University of Pennsylvania Health System closed its only urgent health care center in South Philadelphia.