First Edition: Feb. 6, 2023
February 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A Technicality Could Keep RSV Shots From Kids in Need
By Arthur Allen
February 6, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The Vaccines for Children program, which buys more than half the pediatric vaccines in the U.S., may not cover the RSV shot for babies because it’s not technically a vaccine.
Why Two States Remain Holdouts on Distracted Driving Laws
By Eric Berger
February 6, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Missouri and Montana are the only states without distracted driving laws for all drivers. With traffic fatalities rising significantly nationwide, some Missouri lawmakers and advocates for roadway safety are eyeing bills in the new legislative session that would crack down on texting while driving in the Show Me State.
Journalists Probe Problems in Providing Care for Foster Kids and Propping Up Addiction Treatment
February 4, 2023
KFF Health News Original
KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Connecticut Governor Plans To Cancel Billions In Medical Debt
February 3, 2023
Morning Briefing
Gov. Ned Lamont plans to use $20 million of federal pandemic aid to cancel medical debt for thousands of people in the state. Meanwhile, in Texas, concerns over a spike in Alzheimer’s among Latinos, and in Florida, reports say high school athletes may have to disclose their menstrual history.
Banning All Tobacco? Great Idea, Majority Of Americans Say
February 3, 2023
Morning Briefing
A new survey published by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers showed over 57% of respondents supporting a ban of all tobacco sales. Separately, a study of millions of Medicare beneficiaries shows that spending time in nature may lower risks for dementia.
Some Mexican Pharmacies Selling Fentanyl, Meth In Place Of Real Meds
February 3, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Los Angeles Times covers a startling situation where dangerous drugs are being sold in Mexican pharmacies. A report in CNN, meanwhile, says that pressure is rising on Secretary of State Antony Blinken to push China into doing more to stop the flow of fentanyl and other drugs into the U.S.
Medical Translators Are In High Demand
February 3, 2023
Morning Briefing
Modern Healthcare says that for lesser-known languages, it can be difficult to find medical interpreters. Meanwhile, the Houston Chronicle reports that Texas is experiencing a shortage of Spanish-speaking nurses and doctors now that the pandemic is tailing off.
Dutch Polio Vaccine Facility Had Lab Breach; WHO Extends Polio Emergency
February 3, 2023
Morning Briefing
A containment breach was found in a polio lab in the Netherlands, highlighting the difficulties of keeping the disease from re-establishing itself. Other news is on listeria, chronic wasting disease, RSV, and covid.
Company Recalls Eye Drops Possibly Linked To Bacterial Infections
February 3, 2023
Morning Briefing
Both the FDA and CDC are advising against use of EzriCare Artificial Tears, news outlets report. Imports have also been banned after the FDA cited multiple violations of manufacturing regulations. Separately, reports say a blood pressure medicine from Aurobindo Pharma USA is recalled.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
February 3, 2023
Morning Briefing
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on job loss, detox cleanses, cuddling, the Nipah virus, and more.
Morning Briefing for Friday, February 3, 2023
February 3, 2023
Morning Briefing
Friday’s roundup covers cancer, Senate’s health agenda, Medicaid, abortion access, medical debt, drug misuse, and more. Plus, your weekend reads.
Mississippi Governor Slammed For Stance Against Medicaid Expansion
February 3, 2023
Morning Briefing
A physician claims that Republican Gov. Tate Reeves told him years ago that he knows expansion would help people, but that he refuses to support it “because it’s not in my personal political interest.” Reeves called the accusations “a lie.” Meanwhile, the Mississippi legislature this week shot down more than 15 bills on Medicaid expansion.
Senate Dems Urge Mifepristone Maker To Update Label To Include Miscarriage Use
February 3, 2023
Morning Briefing
A group that includes Mass. Sen. Elizabeth Warren wrote to Danco Laboratories in an effort to improve access to the pill used in medicated abortions and that is also used to help reduce complications from a miscarriage. Other abortion news is from Nebraska, Virginia, New Mexico, and elsewhere.
Sanders Previews His Priorities For Senate’s Powerful Health Committee
February 3, 2023
Morning Briefing
As they take over leadership of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Sens. Bernie Sanders and Bill Cassidy spoke to Stat about their agenda that includes drug pricing, nursing shortages, improving dental health, and other priorities.
White House Unveils 13 Cancer Moonshot Initiatives
February 3, 2023
Morning Briefing
Among the measures the Biden administration announced on the anniversary of the relaunched Cancer Moonshot: more access and support for families of kids with cancer, $10 million in federal funds to increase screenings in underserved communities, the launch of HHS’ national accelerator “CancerX,” and other programs.
Inmigrantes pueden cubrir la brecha de escasez de personal para cuidados de largo plazo
By Michelle Andrews
February 3, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Estados Unidos se enfrenta a una crisis, cada vez mayor, de falta de personal que pone en peligro la seguridad de los mayores más frágiles en las residencias. En un mercado laboral en el que abundan las opciones de trabajo, los cuidados de larga duración, mal pagados y físicamente exigentes, son difíciles de vender.
First Edition: Feb. 3, 2023
February 3, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Montana Lawmakers Seek More Information About Governor’s HEART Fund
By Keely Larson
February 3, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte’s Healing and Ending Addiction Through Recovery and Treatment fund has spent $5.2 million since 2021. With a proposed increase, providers and lawmakers alike want to tap into the money.