White House To Finalize Rules Forcing Insurers To Cover Mental Health Care
September 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
Stat says the Biden administration announcement, made today, is merely the “latest salvo” in a protracted battle over insurers’ plans that skimp on treating a number of mental health issues. Also in the news: drug discounts, the cost of insulin, and more.
Missouri Abortion Ballot Initiative In Jeopardy After Judge Rules It Is Invalid
September 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
A circuit court judge ruled Amendment 3 is “insufficient” and a “blatant violation” of requirements because it did not adequately state which laws would be affected. Meanwhile, police in Florida are on the hunt for petition fraud over that state’s abortion rights ballot measure.
Person In Missouri Tests Positive For Bird Flu Despite No Known Exposure
September 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
USA Today and Stat report on the questions surrounding this concerning bird flu case. Stat notes the person had “no evident route of infection.” Also in the news: mpox.
Covid Is Easing Up, Except In Midwest; Some Good News For Kids With Colds
September 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
California, which has battled a fierce covid surge this summer, is improving but still has high levels, a health expert warns. Plus: Using saline nasal drops can reduce the length of the common cold in children by two days, CIDRAP reports.
Deaths Of Three Senior Citizens Linked To NY Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak
September 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
The deaths stem from a “cluster of cases” in August at an assisted living facility in Albany, New York. Meanwhile, a salmonella outbreak due to recalled eggs has sickened 65 people in nine states.
First Edition: Monday, Sept. 9, 2024
September 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
With TV Drug Ads, What You See Is Not Necessarily What You Get
By Elisabeth Rosenthal
Updated September 17, 2024
Originally Published September 9, 2024
KFF Health News Original
The pharmaceutical industry has invented a new art form: finding ways to make their wares seem like joyous must-have treatments, while often minimizing lackluster efficacy and risks.
Health Secretary Becerra Touts Extreme Heat Protections. Farmworkers Want More.
By Vanessa G. Sánchez
September 9, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has a plan to protect farmworkers from extreme heat and wildfire smoke, but farmworkers who pick California grapes say they need more, as climate change brings more extreme weather.
En los comerciales de medicamentos en TV, lo que ves no siempre es lo que es
By Elisabeth Rosenthal
September 9, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Los anuncios de medicamentos han sido omnipresentes en la televisión desde finales de la década de 1990 y se han extendido a internet y las redes sociales. Pocas naciones en el mundo los permiten
El secretario de Salud Xavier Becerra anunció protecciones contra el calor extremo; trabajadores agrícolas quieren más
By Vanessa G. Sánchez
September 9, 2024
KFF Health News Original
El máximo responsable de salud del país, que está barajando la posibilidad de postularse para gobernador, se ha convertido en una de las voces principales de la administración Biden sobre el cambio climático.
Journalists Give Rundown on Bird Flu Risks, HIV Rates, and the Fate of Shuttered Hospitals
September 7, 2024
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News and California Healthline staff made the rounds on state and local media in recent weeks to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
New Study Adds To Data Linking Parkinson’s Disease To Gut Issues
September 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
The study found people with upper gastrointestinal conditions were much more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease later in life. A separate study found that nearly 1 in 5 cases of dementia may be linked to impaired vision — meaning better eye health could lower diagnosis rates.
HPV Test Kits Based On Self-Sampling Shipping To Doctors’ Offices
September 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Becton, Dickinson and Company’s tests, which were approved in May by the FDA for patients’ use in clinical settings, offer an alternative to traditional pelvic exams.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
September 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on joint replacement, aging, long covid, and more.
Fewer Kids Are Puffing On Vapes, But More Have Turned To Nicotine Pouches
September 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
As U.S. officials celebrate slight progress in steering children clear of tobacco products, Australian researchers say they’ve found a link between vaping and mental health issues.
Alaska Law Stipulating Only Doctors Can Perform Abortions Is Struck Down
September 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
In the ruling, the judge notes nurse practitioners and physician assistants are just as capable at providing time-sensitive care as licensed doctors in the largely rural state. Separately, lawmakers would like the FDA to focus on tampon safety after toxic metals were discovered in several brands.
Whistleblower Reveals Startling Cash Bribery Allegations About Steward CEO
September 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
CBS News reports on allegations Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre bragged he could sway foreign officials over hospital contracts with “bags” of cash. Among other health industry news: a physician is sentenced for her role in the Jan. 6 riot; electric air taxis for rural health care; and more.
Independent Pharmacies Warn Of Delays In New Covid Vaccine Shipments
September 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
NBC News says that even as major pharmacy chains are rolling out the new shots, independent outlets are facing issues getting their shipments, which could mean longer waiting times. Arthritis medications and covid lung damage, mpox vaccines in Congo, and more are also in the news.
Massachusetts Raises Risk Levels For Mosquito-Borne Diseases
September 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
More cases of West Nile Virus and a third infection of Eastern equine encephalitis — and more mosquitoes testing positive for the virus — have prompted officials to raise the warning.
