More States Drop Sales Tax on Disposable Diapers to Boost Affordability
By Hannah Critchfield, Tampa Bay Times
June 29, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Last month, Florida joined a growing number of states in banning sales taxes on diapers to make them more affordable for older adults and families with young children. Though diapers are essential for many, they are not covered by food stamps. Nor are incontinence products for older adults typically covered by Medicare. The cost can easily add up on a fixed income.
Once-Resistant Rural Court Officials Begin to Embrace Medications to Treat Addiction
By Taylor Sisk
June 29, 2023
KFF Health News Original
As evidence supporting medication treatment for opioid addiction mounts, judges, district attorneys, and law enforcement officials in rural America are increasingly open to it after years of insisting on abstinence only.
La atención primaria está cambiando: el acceso y la calidad están en juego
By Julie Appleby and Michelle Andrews
June 28, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Una relación sólida y duradera con un médico de atención primaria —que conozca el historial del paciente y pueda vigilar nuevos problemas— se ha considerado durante mucho tiempo la base de un sistema sanitario de calidad.
Viewpoints: ‘It Is Not Enough’ To Only Support Public Health During An Emergency: Walensky
June 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues and others.
Perspectives: Taking A Closer Look At Bernie Sanders And Big Pharma
June 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
FDA ‘Fast-Tracks’ Gonorrhea Vaccine From GSK
June 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
San Francisco Could Be First City To Demand Every Pharmacy Carry Narcan
June 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
A state bill that would require every California pharmacy to always have in stock at least two nasal sprays containing the drug, or face fines. Meanwhile, in Maine, the Senate rejected a proposal to extend state health coverage to more undocumented immigrants.
Death Toll Rises In Fungal Meningitis Outbreak Linked To Mexican Clinics
June 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
Six deaths have been linked to two clinics offering cosmetic procedures in Matamoros, Mexico, the Wall Street Journal reports. In late May, U.S. officials said two people had died. Among other news, SNAP is found to combat racial disparities; young cancer survivors’ depression risks; and more.
Joint Commission To Launch Certification Aimed At Care Disparities
June 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
The nonprofit agency is moving to tackle health equity standards within its hospital accreditation programs. Meanwhile, an FTC-proposed rule could slow health care industry mergers. Also in the news: CVS MinuteClinic, fake nursing degrees, and more.
Federal Watchdog Warns $200 Billion In Covid Aid May Have Been Stolen
June 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
New estimates from the U.S. Small Businesses Administration inspector general suggest the funds may have been stolen from two large covid relief initiatives. The sum is larger than previous estimates. Separately, research says blood type may be linked to likeliness of catching covid: more for type A.
Maine House, Senate Pass Bill To Allow Medically-Necessary Late Abortions
June 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
The bill, from Gov. Janet Mills, would allow doctors to perform abortions they deem necessary after Maine’s viability cutoff of around 24 weeks. Meanwhile, South Carolina’s highest court may uphold a six-week abortion ban, and Las Vegas saw a big spike in out-of-state abortion seekers.
Suicide Risk Significantly Higher For Transgender People: Study
June 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
A study in Denmark found higher numbers of suicide attempts and deaths among people who identified as transgender than the general population.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, June 28, 2023
June 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
Health impacts of heat and smoke, pregnant workers law, abortion access, trans mental health, opioids, and more are in the news.
New Law Protecting Pregnant Workers Goes Into Effect Across US
June 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act mandates that employers with at least 15 employees provide “reasonable accommodations” to workers who need them due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
Health Emergencies Spike In Texas And Other States Under Extreme Heat Dome
June 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
Texas reports increased emergency room visits and EMS calls, as the Southwest experienced a prolonged heat wave. Parts of the state are expected to hit highs that are 99% hotter than the rest of the globe. Parts of California are also forecasted to reach “major heat risk” levels, as well.
Midwest Again Covered In Unhealthy Smoke From Canadian Wildfires
June 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
At one point Tuesday night, Chicago and Detroit had the worst air quality in the world. Axios explains why inhaling the smoke is a bad idea.
First Edition: June 28, 2023
June 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Misinformation Obscures Standards Guiding Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth
By Helen Santoro
June 28, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Many state legislatures have passed or are considering restrictions on gender-affirming care for trans minors. Yet much of the discussion is based on misconceptions about what that care entails.
Will the Doctor See You Now? The Health System’s Changing Landscape
By Julie Appleby and Michelle Andrews
June 28, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The “front door” to the health system is changing, under pressure from increased demand, consolidation, and changing patient expectations.
Viewpoints: FDA’s Befuddling Grammar Is Hurting Pharma Research
June 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
Opinion writers discuss public health issues.