Vance Wrongly Blames Rural Hospital Closures on Immigrants in the Country Illegally
By Sam Whitehead
October 29, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Experts disputed the claim by Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance, noting that a range of other issues — from low reimbursement rates to declining patient use — combine to cause these facilities to shutter.
An Arm and a Leg: Can Racism Make You Sick?
By Dan Weissmann
October 29, 2024
Podcast
In this episode of “An Arm and a Leg,” host Dan Weissmann sits down with KFF Health News’ Cara Anthony to talk about the documentary and podcast series she produced about the impact of a 1942 lynching and a 2020 police killing on a rural Missouri community. The project is called “Silence in Sikeston.”
FDA Approves New UTI Drug For Women Who Have Run Out Of Options
October 28, 2024
Morning Briefing
The drug, Orlynvah, treats uncomplicated urinary tract infections in adult women and will be available around mid-2025. Also in the news: chemotherapy, Ottimo Pharma, a blood-sugar monitoring app, and more.
Health Care Access Hampered By Helene
October 28, 2024
Morning Briefing
In the aftermath of hurricane Helene, North Carolinians struggle to fulfill their health care needs, volunteers from other states arrive to help. Also: more environmental stories and the challenges faced by rising heat and storms across the country.
Louisiana Must Stop Homeless Sweeps Without Proper Notice, Judge Rules
October 28, 2024
Morning Briefing
Homeless encampments were cleared ahead of Taylor Swift’s concerts this weekend. In other news, mental health initiatives from across the country, accidental THC in pizza, and more.
If Elected, Trump Says He’ll Give RFK Jr. Carte Blanche Over Medicine, Health
October 28, 2024
Morning Briefing
GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump said Sunday that he’d let Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “go wild” on nearly every health-related topic in America except when it comes to oil. Trump also unveiled a new tax credit for caregivers who take care of a parent, echoing a proposal by Democrat Kamala Harris.
Abortion Opponents Seek High Court’s OK For In-Your-Face Interactions
October 28, 2024
Morning Briefing
Activists want the 8-foot protest-free zone around abortion clinics lifted. Also, The New York Times breaks down Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s stance on abortion quote by quote.
Dozens More E. Coli Cases Linked To McDonald’s; Quarter Pounders Back On Menu Already
October 28, 2024
Morning Briefing
The number of people infected in the outbreak has risen from 49 to 75, the FDA said Friday. The burgers will be sold without onions, which are thought to be the source of contamination. Plus: updates on listeria outbreaks, bird flu, covid, and more.
How Much Will Insured Medicines Cost? Most Americans Haven’t A Clue
October 28, 2024
Morning Briefing
Pharmaceutical group’s survey examines prescription drug costs as the industry calls for more transparency from insurers and PBMs. Other health industry news looks at the False Claims Act, Massachusetts hospital closures, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas’ break with MD Anderson Cancer Center, and more.
Morning Briefing for Monday, October 28, 2024
October 28, 2024
Morning Briefing
Each month, KFF Health News’ Rural Dispatch newsletter covers health issues in places where accessing care can be more challenging. Sign up here!
First Edition: Monday, Oct. 28, 2024
October 28, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
How a Proposed Federal Heat Rule Might Have Saved These Workers’ Lives
By Amy Maxmen
Updated October 29, 2024
Originally Published October 28, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Laborers have suffered in extreme heat triggered by climate change. Deaths aren’t inevitable, researchers say: Employers can save lives by providing ample water and breaks.
Cómo una regla federal propuesta sobre el calor podría haber salvado la vida de trabajadores agrícolas
By Amy Maxmen
October 28, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Los trabajadores están sufriendo, y muriendo, cada vez más, a medida que los veranos se vuelven progresivamente más calurosos debido al cambio climático.
Black Americans Still Suffer Worse Health. Here’s Why There’s So Little Progress.
By Fred Clasen-Kelly Renuka Rayasam
October 28, 2024
KFF Health News Original
The United States has made almost no progress in closing racial health disparities despite promises, research shows. The government, some critics argue, is often the underlying culprit.
Ohio’s 6-Week Abortion Ban Quashed
October 25, 2024
Morning Briefing
The judge from the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas in Cincinnati admonished state Attorney General Dave Yost, a Republican, for circumventing the will of the people who voted to enshrine abortion protections in Ohio’s constitution.
Insurers Collected Billions In Dubious Medicare Advantage Payments: Watchdog Report
October 25, 2024
Morning Briefing
A HHS watchdog reports that insurers like UnitedHealth, Humana were paid an estimated $7.5 billion last year from health risk assessments that diagnosed serious health conditions for which patients had no follow-up care. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services declined to crack down on the practice though.
Diagnostic Errors Afflict 7% Of Patients In Hospital Setting, Study Finds
October 25, 2024
Morning Briefing
Researchers led by Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston also found that most of those mistakes can be prevented, noting: “It is paramount to note that it is not one individual or process that is at fault.” Other news is about lead paint exposure, app addiction, IV fluid supply, and more.
Wearables, Apps, And AI To Shape The Future Of Health Devices
October 25, 2024
Morning Briefing
The HLTH conference in Las Vegas this week provided hints at where the future of health technology is headed. Gadgets and tech demonstrated included an app that can provide vitals with just a face scan, earrings that can track health metrics, and a AI-powered stethoscope.
121 Whooping Cough Cases Seen In Maryland This Year, A Tenfold Increase
October 25, 2024
Morning Briefing
Officials say pertussis numbers have returned to pre-pandemic levels across Maryland and the U.S. this year, The Baltimore Sun reports. News from across the nation also comes from Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota, and California.
