Eyedrops Linked To Infection Clusters; First Lawsuit Is Filed
February 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Four states have infection clusters linked with EzriCare artificial tears, Bloomberg reports. NBC News says a lawsuit has been filed against the maker of EzriCare drops and Walmart after a woman suffered a bacterial infection. Also: traffic noise, chocolate and heart health, calorie restriction, and more.
Rising Costs Blamed For Kaiser Permanente’s $4.47 Billion Net Loss
February 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Modern Healthcare says the net loss for 2022 is merely the latest sign that health systems are struggling amid rising costs. Separately, Mass General Brigham recorded a nearly $1.5 million Q1 operating loss, and insurtech Oscar Health’s net loss grew in 2022. But other providers are building new hospitals.
Flu Level Stays Low, But 100 US Children Have Now Died From It
February 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
And separately, cases of norovirus are happening across the country, and in Detroit one school had to close due to an outbreak among students and staff.
Covid Masking Rules Have Ended For Health Facilities In New York
February 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
AP says officials decided to let the requirements lapse Sunday, though Acting Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald noted the pandemic is still not over. The omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 has continued to expand its dominance in the U.S., meanwhile, now accounting for 75% of cases.
Ruling Against Abortion Pill Would Be ‘Devastating,’ 22 Attorneys General Say
February 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, abortion providers across the country are bracing themselves for potential fallout over the Texas court case. A ruling is not expected until sometime after Feb. 24.
Morning Briefing for Monday, February 13, 2023
February 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
We're gushing with X's and O's over the submissions for this year's Health Policy Valentine tweet contest! Who placed first in our hearts? Find out in Tuesday's Morning Briefing!
Biden Admin Approving State Requests To Use Medicaid To Pay For Groceries
February 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
But as The Wall Street Journal reports, using “food as medicine” has raised objections from some who say it is an unnecessary expansion of Medicaid and that it undercuts SNAP funds. Other news is on Medicare and the backlash against the GOP’s possible “sunsetting” of it.
First Edition: Feb. 13, 2023
February 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Montana’s Tax-Exempt Hospitals Oppose Increased Oversight by State Officials
By Katheryn Houghton
February 13, 2023
KFF Health News Original
As Montana officials seek to make nonprofit hospitals prove the benefits they provide the community justify their tax exemptions, industry leaders propose their own changes — which state officials say would further limit the state’s authority.
Doctors Are Disappearing From Emergency Rooms as Hospitals Look to Cut Costs
By Brett Kelman and Blake Farmer, Nashville Public Radio
February 13, 2023
KFF Health News Original
As a money-saving strategy, emergency rooms are turning to nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other staffers who earn far less than physicians.
Agencias de salud pública utilizan a locales para llegar a comunidades de inmigrantes
By Markian Hawryluk
February 10, 2023
KFF Health News Original
El enfoque de micro subvenciones bien podría ser el futuro de los mensajes de salud pública para poblaciones diversas, y una forma de combatir la erosión de la confianza que se produjo con la politización de la salud pública por la pandemia.
Se acaba la era de las vacunas y las pruebas gratuitas contra covid. ¿Quién va a pagar?
By Julie Appleby
February 10, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Las personas podrán obtener estas vacunas a bajo costo o sin costo mientras duren los suministros del gobierno. Luego, dependerá de su seguro de salud.
Moves To Limit Sex, Gender Education In Florida Echoed In Other Red States
February 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Washington Post says that controversial laws in Florida that target teaching of gender and sexual issues up to fourth grade are being replicated by lawmakers in other places. Stateline notes “dozens” of bills disrupting trans health care have been filed by Republicans across the country.
Spotlight On Medical Issues That Will Hit Quake Survivors
February 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
Survivors of the Turkey-Syria earthquake will face myriad health problems. NPR examines the process of sending aid to the area. Also in the news: the mental health impact of the war in Ukraine.
North Carolina House Set To Vote On Medicaid Expansion
February 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
A bill introduced this week will likely lead to a North Carolina House vote on Medicaid expansion next week, AP says. The bill is the latest move in a to-and-fro tussle on the matter between Senate and House. Meanwhile, a Medicaid expansion bill died without a reading in Wyoming.
71 Norovirus Cases Linked To Las Vegas School Amid Nationwide Surge
February 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show climbing norovirus cases across the country, Scripps reports. An outbreak at a Las Vegas school has grown to 71 confirmed and probable cases. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the U.K. is also experiencing a higher-than-average surge.
US Suicide Rate, Lower During Covid, Rises To Pre-Pandemic Level
February 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
News outlets report on analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing the suicide rate rose in 2021, after two years with a slightly lower level. U.S. News & World Report notes that disproportionate increases in suicides among people of color have happened recently.
Study Finds One Dose Of Azithromycin Cuts Sepsis Rates In Childbirth
February 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
The treatment, which is inexpensive and easy to deliver, could impact the number of pregnant people in low- and middle-income countries who develop the condition, Stat reports. Separately, data show getting sepsis while hospitalized is a red flag for future heart health problems.
As Red-State Neighbors Restrict Abortion, Dem Governors Push For Protections
February 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper voice their strong defense of abortion rights during an interview with Politico. In Maryland, The Washington Post reports, top Democrats also seek more abortion protections.