Medical Debt Fell During The Pandemic
January 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show medical debt hit fewer American families in 2021 than in 2019, due in part to relief measures enacted to soften the economic blow of covid. Separately, a survey finds that a record level of patients delayed health care over costs in 2022.
Moderna Says Its RSV Vaccine Effectively Protects Older Adults
January 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
Moderna announced that its experimental shot was nearly 84 percent effective at preventing respiratory syncytial virus symptoms in a large study of adults 60 years and older. The drugmaker plans to ask for FDA approval of the vaccine this year, while other pharmaceutical companies are also working on RSV vaccines.
First Edition: Jan. 18, 2023
January 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Numbers Don’t Lie. Biden Kept His Promise on Improving Obamacare.
By Julie Appleby
January 18, 2023
KFF Health News Original
KHN has teamed up with our partners at PolitiFact to monitor 100 key promises made by Joe Biden during the 2020 presidential campaign — including those surrounding the Affordable Care Act.
What Older Americans Need to Know About Taking Paxlovid
By Judith Graham
January 18, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Covid-19 continues to hit seniors with disproportionate severity. Experts say Paxlovid is an effective therapy that is being underprescribed for people 65 and older.
After a Brief Pandemic Reprieve, Rural Workers Return to Life Without Paid Leave
By Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez
January 18, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Coastal and politically progressive states have passed stronger paid sick and family leave policies, but many workers in rural America are left out, facing tough decisions when choosing between caring for themselves or sick family members or keeping their jobs.
Brain Structure Shows Who Needs Higher Doses Of Anesthesia
January 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
¿Será tu celular tu próximo consultorio médico?
By Hannah Norman
January 17, 2023
KFF Health News Original
La yema del dedo presionada contra la lente de la cámara de un celular puede medir la frecuencia cardíaca. El micrófono, colocado junto a la cama, puede detectar apnea del sueño. Incluso el altavoz está siendo modificado para monitorear la respiración usando tecnología de sondas.
The Biggest, Buzziest Conference for Health Care Investors Convenes Amid Fears the Bubble Will Burst
By Darius Tahir
January 17, 2023
KFF Health News Original
This year’s JPMorgan confab, the first since covid’s chilling effect on such gatherings, was full of energy and enthusiasm. But it was also marked by questions about the future of health care investment.
Experts: Climate Change Is Leading To More Malaria Infections
January 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
Floods in Pakistan, cyclones in Mozambique, and other climate change-influenced events have driven malaria infections up, reports say, as well as changing where mosquitoes flourish. Also in the news: Ebola Sudan and Marburg virus vaccines; children left behind by a push to treat HIV, and more.
Legal Spotlight Falls On Connecticut Nursing Home Provider
January 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
Athena Health Care Systems is one of the biggest long-term care providers in Connecticut, according to the CT Mirror, but “consistent complaints” about conditions in its homes have led to lawsuits and fines. Also: children’s care in Illinois and Arizona, and stories from Texas and Minnesota.
Medicaid Expansion Gains Momentum In Wyoming
January 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
It’s the only state in the Mountain West that has not yet expanded the nation’s public health insurance program for people who have low income. Also: Doulas in Michigan criticize the state’s new Medicaid policy; Medicare advisers warn of higher drug prices; and more.
Eating Just One Serving Of Fish Could Endanger Your Health, Study Suggests
January 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Hill reports that this study is the first to connect U.S. fish consumption to blood levels of “forever chemicals.” Also: alcohol-related liver disease, PTSD treatments, zombie fungus, and more.
Hospitals Strained By Endocarditis Cases Caused By Opioid Abuse
January 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
Stat reports that “rapidly accelerating” cases of endocarditis have happened since the pandemic began, reminding us it’s one of the lesser-known side effects of the opioid epidemic. “Tranq” found in San Diego, high fatal overdose rates in Rhode Island, and more are also in the news.
Study: Blood Test Helps Target Which Colon Cancer Patients Need Chemo
January 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
Media outlets report on how a system to detect tumor DNA in post-surgery colon cancer patients can help decide who would benefit from chemotherapy. In other news, the shortage of prescription ADHD medications is ongoing, and the implications of the FDA’s lifted rule on animal testing for drugs.
‘Shkreli Awards’ List ‘Profiteering’ Health Care Outlets
January 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
The awards are named after former pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli. Meanwhile, preventable medication-related harm, injuries, or infections hit 22.7% of hospital patients in the U.S. according to a new study. In other news, health care outlets have shown they plan to hike prices this year.
Florida Alerts Pharmacies That Dispensing Abortion Pills Is Illegal
January 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
The state’s Agency for Healthcare Administration sent a letter to health care providers reminding them despite the FDA’s move to broaden abortion pill access to pharmacies, Florida state law bans it. In Idaho Sen. Scott Herndon, a Republican, wants to tighten that state’s already-strict abortion ban.
Key Player In Covid Vaccine Rollout Leaving Biden Administration
January 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
The departure of Dr. David Kessler, the covid chief science officer, marks the unofficial end of Operation Warp Speed, the federal government’s unprecedented response to the pandemic.