Consumer Watchdog Spotlights Illegal Medical Debt Collection Tactics
October 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
In related news, the Debt Fairness Act went into effect Tuesday in Minnesota. Also, Chinese and U.S. health officials agree to increase cooperation on global health affairs, and more.
Five Key Health Insurers Reveal 2025’s Medicare Advantage Plans
October 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
The announcements by Cigna, CVS, Humana, Centene, and UnitedHealth were made ahead of the beginning of Medicare Advantage enrollment, which begins Oct. 15. Among other news, a top California health plan will offer one of the world’s top-selling drugs, Humira, for free to show how skirting middlemen can improve drug affordability.
Florida Cities Wrestle With State’s Strict Anti-Homelessness Law
October 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
As of Tuesday, it’s illegal in Florida to sleep on sidewalks, in parks, on beaches, or in other public spaces. Other news from around the nation is on medical marijuana in Arkansas, accusations of bias against Walmart, and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
KP.3.1.1 Covid Variant Is Now Behind Majority Of New Cases In US
October 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
CDC data also show that subvariant KP.2.3 is responsible for around 1 in 10 new cases. The two “KP” variants are part of a covid variant group known as “FLiRT.” Meanwhile, Brigham researchers revealed a drug-free nasal spray that may block covid infections, and also flu and colds.
Federal Abortion Ban Is Off The Table, Trump Pledges During VP Debate
October 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Republican presidential nominee, who has previously dodged such a commitment, said he would veto any measure that takes away states’ responsibilities. His announcement came after his running mate, J.D. Vance, conceded that Republicans are losing ground on the issue.
JD Vance, Noting Voters Don’t Trust His Party On Abortion, Does An About-Face
October 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Republican vice presidential nominee projected a softer stance on the debate stage and parroted Donald Trump’s view that abortion legislation is a state issue. Citing his actions as Minnesota governor, Democrat Tim Walz affirmed his support for women and their doctors to decide what’s best.
Obamacare’s History Back In Public Eye
October 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
While Republican JD Vance tried to sell viewers on the notion that Donald Trump sought bipartisanship changes to the Affordable Care Act, Democrat Tim Walz reminded them that the GOP’s repeated efforts to repeal and replace the health care law failed, starting with the late John McCain’s thumbs-down vote.
First Edition: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024
October 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Some Employers Test Arrangement To Give Workers Allowance for Coverage
By Michelle Andrews
October 2, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Employers are showing interest in a type of health reimbursement account that gives workers a contribution to choose and buy their own plans, rather than participating in group plans.
Setting the Record Straight on the FDA’s Authority Over Drug Ads
October 2, 2024
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.
Harris’ Emphasis on Maternal Health Care Is Paying Dividends With Black Women Voters
By Stephanie Armour
October 2, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Polls are showing renewed support from Black women voters for the Democratic ticket. Vice President Kamala Harris has backed key health priorities for Black women.
Even Vaccinated Kids Are Falling Ill As Whooping Cough Spikes
October 1, 2024
Morning Briefing
Reporting on the outbreak, Bloomberg reminds us that pertussis vaccines are not long-lasting and explains how delayed testing and diagnoses are contributing to the outbreak. In other news: Breast cancer continues to rise in younger women.
‘Silence In Sikeston’ Episode 3 Asks, What Happens To The Children?
October 1, 2024
Morning Briefing
Our “Silence in Sikeston” project, a multimedia collaboration from KFF Health News, Retro Report, and WORLD, explores the impact of a 1942 lynching and a 2020 police shooting on a rural Missouri community. Today, Episode 3 of our podcast explores the death of a young Black father and how children process loss.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, October 1, 2024
October 1, 2024
Morning Briefing
Insulin prices, abortion in Georgia, Hurricane Helene aftermath, CVS layoffs, and more. Plus, the latest ‘Silence in Sikeston’ podcast episode.
Georgia Judge Voids Abortion Ban
October 1, 2024
Morning Briefing
In ruling that the six-week abortion ban violates the state’s constitution guaranteeing the right to bodily autonomy, the judge’s decision means the procedure will be allowed until about 22 weeks of pregnancy as the case winds through the court system.
Medical Manufacturing Facility Closes In NC After Helene Causes Damage
October 1, 2024
Morning Briefing
Analysts are hopeful that other companies will be able to provide products typically made by Baxter International, which supplies intravenous and peritoneal dialysis solutions. Also, how medical providers are weathering the storm’s aftereffects and helping those in need.
CVS To Lay Off 2,900 Staff, Looks At Breakup Option Amid Investor Pressure
October 1, 2024
Morning Briefing
CVS Health may be about to undergo dramatic changes in the face of pressure to cut costs and boost its performance — upheaval starts with 2,900 job losses mainly among corporate roles. Also in the news: Sentara Health, Houston’s St. Joseph Medical Center, J&J, and more.
