To Spot Covid Reservoirs, Researchers Invent Test For Any Animal
July 7, 2023
Morning Briefing
CIDRAP reports on an innovation led by University of Illinois researchers that can spot covid in any species of wild or domesticated animal, noting it’s a useful tool that could prevent future outbreaks. Also in the news, covid indicators vary up and down from place to place around the world.
Maine Moves To Allow Emergency Abortions Later In Pregnancy
July 7, 2023
Morning Briefing
Democratic Gov. Janet Mills is expected to sign a newly-approved bill, which AP says will make Maine one of the least-restrictive states for abortion laws. Separately, a study shows abortion drugs may be safe to use even after the first trimester.
The World Is Entering Period Of Exceptional Heat, Driving Up Dangers
July 7, 2023
Morning Briefing
The New York Times notes the last three days were likely the hottest in modern history, and the Washington Post highlights that rising temperatures make people susceptible to heatstroke. Meanwhile, KBIA covers how extreme heat hits homeless people in Missouri.
FDA Fully Approves Controversial Alzheimer’s Drug Leqembi
July 7, 2023
Morning Briefing
Medicare will cover 80% of Leqembi’s $26,500 cost, The New York Times says, but patients could still shoulder thousands of dollars in co-payments.
Biden To Unveil New Initiatives To Lower Health Care Costs
July 7, 2023
Morning Briefing
Among the changes, the proposals expected to be announced today would limit “junk” insurance plans such as short-term policies that can deny basic coverage, AP reported. President Donald Trump had expanded short-term plans in 2018.
First Edition: July 7, 2023
July 7, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
‘It Was a Bloodbath’: Rare Dialysis Complication Can Kill, and More Could Be Done To Stop It
By Brett Kelman
Photos by Eric Harkleroad
July 7, 2023
KFF Health News Original
A venous needle dislodgment is a rare dialysis complication that can kill a patient in minutes. Some experts worry those who treat themselves at home are at increased risk.
Medi-Cal’s Fragmented System Can Make Moving a Nightmare
By Bernard J. Wolfson
July 7, 2023
KFF Health News Original
When Medi-Cal beneficiary Lloyd Tennison moved last year from Contra Costa County to San Joaquin County, he was bumped off his managed care plan without notice before his new coverage took effect. His case highlights a chronic issue in California’s fragmented Medicaid program.
California Promises Better Care for Thousands of Inmates as They Leave Prison
By Don Thompson
July 7, 2023
KFF Health News Original
California officials recently agreed to give new parolees a 60-day supply of their prescriptions and promised to replace lost medical equipment in the month after they’re released from prison. The state also agreed to submit Medi-Cal applications on their behalf at least 90 days before they are released.
Idaho Drops Panel Investigating Pregnancy-Related Deaths as US Maternal Mortality Surges
By Natalie Schachar
July 7, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Amid a years-long rise in maternal mortality rates in the United States, Idaho lawmakers decided to disband a committee created to investigate pregnancy-related deaths.
Cómo puede afectar a la atención médica el fallo de acción afirmativa de la Corte Suprema
By Michelle Andrews
July 6, 2023
KFF Health News Original
La decisión dijo que es inconstitucional que los colegios y universidades usen la raza como un factor en la admisión de estudiantes.
Research Roundup: Heart Disease; TB; Lyme Disease; Blood Cancer
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: Vaccine Distrust Is Waning; What Role Do Doctors Want AI To Take In Their Practices?
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers discuss vaccine skeptics, A.I. in medicine, overturning Roe and other public health issues.
North Carolina’s Governor Vetoes Bills Aimed At Limiting LGBTQ+ Rights
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
The AP notes that there is a Republican supermajority in North Carolina, but nevertheless its Democratic governor has blocked bills limiting gender care for minors, restricting trans participation in school sports, and limiting what educators can say about gender and sexuality.
That Worryingly High BMI Figure? It’s Not Linked To Higher Death Risk
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
NBC News reports on a new study that says BMI figures considered in the range of overweight or even obese are not necessarily linked with a higher risk of death. Separately, researchers have found that depression after a traumatic brain injury is its own condition, distinct from others.
Delaware To Pilot First-Of-Its-Kind Test For Finding Tranq In Illegal Fentanyl
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Philadelphia Inquirer says tranq, a name for the animal tranquilizer xylazine, has contaminated the region’s illegal drug supply, so the new test may help protect people from its dangers. Meanwhile, California’s governor, also concerned over tranq, is updating the state’s opioid plan to tackle it.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, July 6, 2023
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
KFF Health News is on Instagram! Follow along here as we break down health care headlines and policy.
Your Tap Water May Be Contaminated With Forever Chemicals, Says USGS
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
CNN reports that “almost half” of tap water in the U.S. is contaminated with pollutant PFAS chemicals considered dangerous to human health. And the U.S. Geological Survey couldn’t even test for all PFAS variants. Skin cancer, environmental racism, and more are also in the news.
FDA Expected To Fully Approve Alzheimer’s Drug Leqembi
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
The drug, from Eisai and Biogen, could trigger a “new era in treatment,” according to Roll Call, and is expected to cost around $26,500 a year. However, critics say it’s actually based on a flawed theory about the disease, while some predict that the drug could highlight racial disparities in elder care.
Having Private Medicare Doesn’t Mean It’s Easy To Find A Psychiatrist: Study
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
More than half of the counties in a new study lacked even a single psychiatrist participating in a Medicare Advantage plan, The New York Times reports. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly is now the world’s biggest health care company by market value, beating UnitedHealth.