Michigan Lawmakers Vote To Repeal Abortion Ban From 1931
March 9, 2023
Morning Briefing
Michigan’s Democratic-majority state Senate voted to repeal a ban and sentencing guidelines dating back to 1931. In Alabama, meanwhile, Democrats in the Legislature are seeking to add exemptions to that state’s strict ban. Other news is from Florida, Mississippi, Utah, and elsewhere.
Study: Opioids Leading Cause Of Poisoning Deaths In Under 5s
March 9, 2023
Morning Briefing
New research shows opioids accounted for over 47% of child poisoning deaths reported to the National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention between 2005 and 2018 for the under-5 age group. A separate study shows people recently released from prison are more at risk of opioid overdoses.
Eating A Mediterranean Diet Reduces Signs Of Alzheimer’s In Brain: Study
March 9, 2023
Morning Briefing
A new study says that eating the Mediterranean and brain-focused MIND diets correlates with fewer signs of Alzheimer’s found in people’s brains at autopsy, and that even swapping in one food from the diets can have an impact. Separately, the WHO worries about salt intake reduction efforts.
988 Pilot Program For LGBTQ+ Mental Health Support Expands To 24/7
March 9, 2023
Morning Briefing
USA Today says the national lifeline’s pilot program, which previously operated only during select hours, is now offering text and online chat services 24/7, supporting LGBTQ+ people in need of mental health support. Also: alleged kickbacks, medical malpractice lawsuits, and more in the news.
US Public Health Officials Have Hands Tied For Next Pandemic, Experts Warn
March 9, 2023
Morning Briefing
As the anniversary of the global pandemic declaration nears, health experts warn that restrictions passed in the wake of covid-19 will only make it tougher for the public health system to respond when the next virus attacks: “One day we’re going to have a … pandemic far worse than covid, and we’ll look to the government to protect us, but it’ll have its hands behind its back and a blindfold on.”
California Governor Ends Walgreens Contract Over Abortion Pill Dispute
March 9, 2023
Morning Briefing
Gov. Gavin Newsom, who promised to cease doing business with Walgreens over its decision to restrict distribution of abortion pills, followed through by canceling the state’s $54 million contract with the pharmacy giant. Separately, Alaska legislators are critical of the state Attorney General’s letter pressuring Walgreens.
Health Insurance Data Breach Hits Congress And Its Families, Staff
March 9, 2023
Morning Briefing
A broker on an online crime forum claimed to have records on 170,000 DC Health Link customers and was offering them for sale for an unspecified amount, AP reported. In other news: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was hospitalized after a fall.
Pathogen Research Limits Raised On Day 1 Of House Covid Origins Hearings
March 9, 2023
Morning Briefing
The curtain raised Wednesday on the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic’s hearings into the covid origins, with theories about a possible lab leak discussed. Dr. Robert Redfield, who was the director of the CDC during the Trump administration, suggested lawmakers should limit or ban scientific research that alters pathogens.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, March 9, 2023
March 9, 2023
Morning Briefing
Biden’s budget, insulin costs, abortion law, covid origins, the next pandemic, the opioid crisis, hunger, and more are in today’s news.
Biden’s Budget Blueprint To Seek Drug Savings, Taxes To Bolster Medicare
March 9, 2023
Morning Briefing
President Joe Biden will unveil his proposed budget for fiscal 2024 Thursday during a visit to Pennsylvania. It is viewed largely as a marker ahead of the 2024 presidential campaign. News outlets report on outlines of his plans for Medicare and drug prices that have been sketched out in the lead up. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers propose Medicaid cuts in ongoing spending negotiations.
First Edition: March 9, 2023
March 9, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Medicaid Health Plans Try to Protect Members — And Profits — During Unwinding
By Phil Galewitz
March 9, 2023
KFF Health News Original
States are turning to the big health insurance companies to keep Medicaid enrollees insured once pandemic protections end in April. The insurers’ motive: profits.
Why Does Insulin Cost So Much? Big Pharma Isn’t the Only Player Driving Prices
By Arthur Allen
March 9, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Big Pharma may be moving on from squeezing diabetes patients on insulin prices, but it’s the arbitrators that jack up prices for those who can least afford them.
Jimmy Carter se enfrentó al horrible gusano de Guinea cuando nadie más lo hizo. Y ganó
By Jason Beaubien, NPR and Sam Whitehead
March 8, 2023
KFF Health News Original
El Centro Carter informó que en 2022, solo hubo 13 casos humanos registrados de la enfermedad, un número provisional que se confirmará oficialmente, probablemente este mes.
Jimmy Carter Took on the Awful Guinea Worm When No One Else Would — And Triumphed
By Jason Beaubien, NPR and Sam Whitehead
March 8, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The effort to end Guinea worm disease relies almost entirely on changes in people’s behavior. There is no cure, no vaccination. When the 39th president of the United States left office, Jimmy Carter campaigned to eradicate the disease.
Perspectives: Walgreens Caved Too Easily To Abortion Pill Demands
March 8, 2023
Morning Briefing
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Drug For Preterm Births Pulled From Market; More Eyedrops Are Recalled
March 8, 2023
Morning Briefing
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Spring Arrives Early, As Allergy Season Gets Longer In 170 US Cities
March 8, 2023
Morning Briefing
USA Today says springtime has arrived roughly three weeks ahead of its usual schedule, and in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, it’s actually four weeks early — impacting allergy sufferers. ABC News covers data showing longer allergy seasons are hitting 170 different cities.
Two US ‘Medical Tourists’ Rescued Alive After Kidnapping In Mexico
March 8, 2023
Morning Briefing
Two others in the group were found dead Tuesday in Matamoros after the group traveled there Friday for a medical procedure. A White House spokesman demanded justice for the victims. Meanwhile, CNN highlights the risks of medical tourism in Mexico.