Oklahoma Governor Vetoes Bill That Tried To Limit Medical Marijuana
June 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
The bill would have added restrictions on who can get patient cards and the amount of THC in a serving; it now cannot become law this year. Also: safe and healthy housing for Navy and Marine Corps personnel, environmentalists bringing a climate case to trial in Montana, and more.
Being Obese Changes Your Brain, Even If You Lose Weight Later
June 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
A new study that examines how the brain recognizes the sensations of fullness and satisfaction after eating fats and sugars, and how this facility is changed by obesity. Separately, data show Americans are drinking as much alcohol now as during the Civil War.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, June 13, 2023
June 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
ACA preventive care, Medicaid renewals, doctor shortages, the next covid shot, abortion, youth mental health, and more are in the news.
Generic Drugmaker Indicates It May Back Out Of Making Opioid Payment
June 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Financially troubled Mallinckrodt is due to make a $200 million payment this week as part of its pre-agreed $1.7 billion settlement, but may not do so, NPR reports. Meanwhile, the Washington Post covers a clash in Congress over fentanyl analogue overdoses.
FDA Approves OTC Sales Of New Topical Erectile Dysfunction Gel
June 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Eroxon is a first-of-its-kind topical treatment, CNN says. The product was given a “de novo” approval Friday. In other news, a drug for treating gastrointestinal issues was also cleared for use in patients ages 6 to 17. Meanwhile, telehealth company Ro paused advertising for Wegovy amid shortages.
Ohio Supreme Court: Ballot Measure Key To Abortion Rights Fight Must Be Modified
June 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
The state court ruled that partial changes should be made to the ballot measure, but mostly upheld it. At the heart of the matter is how easy it should be for voters to pass state constitutional amendments — impacting future efforts on enshrining abortion rights.
Nearly 15% Of US Kids Sought Mental Health Care In 2021: Study
June 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
New research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows how common mental health disorders are among youngsters in the U.S. Separate data show that Southern states may have carried the main brunt of mental health issues during covid.
Next Covid Shots Should Target XBB Subvariants, Says FDA
June 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
FDA staff said new covid shots this fall should be a monovalent vaccine targeting either XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, or XBB.2.3 which currently dominate U.S. infections by varying percentages. Rochelle Walensky, Greg Abbott, and New Jersey’s health worker covid shot mandate are also in the news.
Want To Work In A Pediatric Specialty? The Biden Admin Will Pay You $100K
June 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
The new Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program will give $100,000 to eligible clinicians who agree to work for at least three years in a health professional shortage area or provide care for a medically underserved population. In other news, Sen. Bernie Sanders says he will oppose all health nominees until the Biden administration shows him a comprehensive plan for lowering drug prices.
HHS Alarmed By Rapid Pace Of States Dropping People From Medicaid
June 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
HHS is offering states more flexibility to help with Medicaid renewals, as a KFF analysis finds that 1 million people have already lost coverage since pandemic protections expired. And CMS data obtained by AP shows that a primary reason for rejection is “procedural,” not eligibility.
Preventive Care Coverage Preserved While Case Plays Out In Courts
June 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Pending approval by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a deal finalized between the Biden administration and Texas conservatives challenging the ACA’s preventive care provision would guarantee that it remains in place while the case makes its way through the courts.
First Edition: June 13, 2023
June 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Biden Admin Implores States to Slow Medicaid Cuts After More Than 1M Enrollees Dropped
By Hannah Recht
June 13, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra is asking states to make more of an effort to keep eligible Medicaid recipients enrolled. He particularly fears children losing health insurance coverage.
Fraudsters Are Duping Homeless People Into Signing Up for ACA Plans They Can’t Afford
By Daniel Chang
June 13, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Homeless people are being fraudulently enrolled in health plans on the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace, induced with cash payments from insurance agents and brokers. Those who sign up for an ACA plan are disqualified from other forms of free and low-cost care and risk disruption in treatment.
On the Brink of Homelessness, San Diego Woman Wins the Medi-Cal Lottery
By Angela Hart
June 13, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Annie Malloy, of San Diego, is among the first to receive a new housing move-in benefit from Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program. It’s an effort to help homeless and near-homeless people who might otherwise rack up huge medical bills.
Escasez crónica de salvavidas resalta desigualdades raciales
By Michelle Andrews
June 12, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Cuando las autoridades locales toman decisiones sobre el cierre de piscinas o la reducción de horarios, lo hacen sabiendo que la natación tiene un tenso historial de desigualdades raciales.
Blue Cross Allowed To Restructure In North Carolina
June 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
A new law, signed by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, permits Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and a dental insurance provider to transfer assets into a parent holding company. Also in the news: the closure of a mental health unit in Mississippi, air quality on the East coast, and more.
Experts Advise Exams For Siblings Of Suspected Abused, Neglected Children
June 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
A group of 26 pediatricians and radiologists with experience working with cases of suspected child abuse called for expanded medical exams for siblings of kids who are brought to a doctor with suspected injuries. Also: the health effects of loud noise, a salad mix recall, milk allergies, and more.