Opioid Crisis Cited As Top Public Health Threat By Republicans: Poll
February 24, 2023
Morning Briefing
In a survey, 37% of Republican respondents view the fentanyl-opioid crisis as the biggest U.S. public health threat. 17% of Democrats ranked the epidemic as their top concern. In other news, Kansas moves closer to joining other states that are legalizing fentanyl test strips.
First Edition: February 24, 2023
February 24, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
One Texas Judge Will Decide Fate of Abortion Pill Used by Millions of American Women
By Sarah Varney
February 24, 2023
KFF Health News Original
“What happens in Texas doesn’t stay in Texas,” warns an abortion rights advocate bracing for a district judge’s ruling on whether the abortion pill mifepristone was properly authorized by the FDA. His decision could force the medication off the U.S. market.
California Dangles Bonuses for Nursing Homes That Add Staff
By Samantha Young
February 24, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Rather than simply reward top-performing facilities, the state’s Medicaid program will hand bonuses to nursing homes — even low-rated ones — for hiring more workers and reducing staff turnover.
Montana Seeks to Insulate Nursing Homes From Future Financial Crises
By Keely Larson
February 24, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Lawmakers are considering creating standards to set Medicaid reimbursement rates. But industry observers wonder whether the move would be too little, too late to bolster a beleaguered industry.
KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': Senators Have Mental Health Crises, Too
February 23, 2023
Podcast
When U.S. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania checked himself into the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for treatment of depression this month, he got an unusual reaction from his colleagues in Congress: compassion. It’s a far cry from how politicians once kept their mental health issues under wraps at all costs. Meanwhile, GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley is stirring up controversy by proposing that all politicians over age 75 be required to pass a mental competency test to hold office. Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico, Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet, and Rachel Roubein of The Washington Post join KHN chief Washington correspondent Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too.
Ante vacío federal, estados promueven leyes duras contra el uso de sustancias tóxicas en cosméticos
By Michael Scaturro
February 23, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Las hispanas y asiáticas han informado que usan más cosméticos en general que las mujeres negras y blancas no hispanas.
Fin de beneficios extra de SNAP por la pandemia amenazan la seguridad alimentaria en zonas rurales
By Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez
February 23, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Un mayor porcentaje de personas depende de SNAP en áreas rurales en comparación con las áreas metropolitanas. Y esas zonas ya tienen tasas más altas de inseguridad alimentaria y de pobreza.
Research Roundup: Covid; Ivermectin; Parkinsons
February 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
EPA Will Pay Attention To People’s Symptoms After Ohio Train Incident
February 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan says the agency will not “second-guess” symptoms reported after the toxic train derailment incident. Newsweek explains local residents may get Medicare for life. Meanwhile, Florida’s surgeon general is investigated.
Most Americans Wouldn’t Trust Their Health Provider’s Use Of AI
February 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
A Pew Research poll reported on by the Hill shows a majority of Americans wouldn’t be comfortable with health providers relying on artificial intelligence as part of care — only 39% would be comfortable. Meanwhile, the CDC has recommended that Bavarian Nordic’s mpox shots be given to all adults who are at risk.
Study Shows Forever Chemicals Upset Youngsters’ Key Biological Processes
February 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
A new study shows exposure to forever chemicals can disrupt metabolism of fats and amino acids in children and young adults, potentially leading to risks for a variety of illnesses. Separate research shows pancreatic cancer rates are rising faster for women than for men.
Gun Violence, Opioids Worry People — But Costs Are Top Health Concern
February 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
A new Axios-Ipsos American Health Index study shows that health care costs worry Americans the most. In Florida, a young boy’s death from Strep A is driving concerns about the infection. Separately, the CDC says the flu shot provided relatively good protection this season.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, February 23, 2023
February 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Maternal deaths, Alzheimer’s, abortion laws, health cost worries, forever chemicals, the Ohio train derailment, and more are in today’s news.
No Changes To Alzheimer’s Drug Restrictions Planned: CMS
February 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Reuters reports that a request from the Alzheimer’s Association to reduce coverage limits on Alzheimer’s treatments has been turned down by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Separately, the debt ceiling fight is being used to “fend off” changes to private Medicare Advantage plans.
Law Firms, Abortion Rights Groups Create Legal Defense Network
February 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Organizations like the Center for Reproductive Rights and the ACLU are teaming up to provide legal support to patients and abortion providers as laws shift in the states. Other abortion stories are reported from New Mexico, Kentucky, North Carolina, and elsewhere.
Bans On Gender-Affirming Care Advance; Ind. Targets Kinsey Institute
February 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
AP reports Indiana lawmakers advanced a bill that would ban “all gender-affirming care” in the state, in a move opponents say targets trans people. CBS News says a bill in Texas would also ban nearly all gender care. And in Indiana, lawmakers moved to block state funding for the Kinsey Institute.
‘Wake-Up Call’: UN Reports Maternal Death Rates Are Backsliding
February 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Efforts to reduce maternal deaths have plateaued or declined in many parts of the world, reversing previous progress according to data from United Nations agencies. 287,000 maternal deaths were reported in 2020.
First Edition: February 23, 2023
February 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.