Research Roundup: Maternal Covid; Lyme Borreliosis; Narcolepsy
October 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
After Bruising Report, Inspector General Recommends Medicare Restrict Home Visit Payments
October 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Wall Street Journal reported on a new report from the OIG that found private Medicare insurers got about $4.2 billion in extra federal payments in 2023 for diagnoses from home visits the companies initiated, even though they led to no treatment. The Medicare agency disputed the report and said it disagreed with the recommendation.
Change Healthcare Data Hack Deemed Largest Health Care Breach In History
October 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
According to the HHS’ Breach Portal, the cyberattack Change Healthcare experienced in February affected nearly 30% of the U.S. population. In the aftermath of the breach, Change Healthcare has lost customers, and it is unclear when all of its systems will be restored.
If Elected, These Two Doctors Would Be Only Pro-Choice OB-GYNs In Congress
October 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
As The 19th points out, 19 physicians serve in the U.S. Congress — 15 in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate. Currently, only two of them are OB-GYNs; both are male Republicans who oppose abortion. Plus: Stat looks at key races and ballot issues that could shape health care.
National Licensing Board Scraps Skills Test For Prospective Psychologists
October 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
The organization now will explore whether it will move to a single-session certification exam that tests both knowledge and skills. News from around the nation comes from Pennsylvania, Maine, Louisiana, and elsewhere.
Folks 50 And Up Need Pneumonia Shot, 65 And Up Need 2nd Covid Jab: Panel
October 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices revised its recommendations in an effort to provide more protections for people most at risk of severe infection.
2 More Confirmed Bird Flu Cases In California: State Total Reaches 15
October 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
On Wednesday, the CDC confirmed two new human cases of avian flu in California, bringing this year’s total up to 27 nationwide. Meanwhile, Reuters reports on how an emergency order to protect against bird flu spread in dairy cows was quashed by state and industry officials earlier this year. And, more on the McDonald’s E. coli outbreak.
Insulin-Dependent Patients Scraping By As Demand For GLP-1 Drugs Soars
October 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
Diabetics who must have the medicine to survive fear drugmakers are neglecting their needs in favor of now-popular and profitable weight loss medications. Pharmaceutical companies maintain they are committed to supplying essential medications. Also in the news: duloxetine, retina implant, Eyebot, and more.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, October 24, 2024
October 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
KFF Health News is on Instagram and TikTok ! Watch our videos and follow along as we break down health care headlines and policy.
First Edition: Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024
October 24, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Voters Fret High Medical Bills Are Being Ignored by Presidential Rivals
By Noam N. Levey
Updated October 24, 2024
Originally Published October 24, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Health care hasn’t figured prominently on the campaign trail this fall. These voters wish it would.
PBM Math: Big Chains Are Paid $23.55 To Fill a Blood Pressure Rx. Small Drugstores? $1.51.
By Andy Miller
October 24, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Criticism of prescription drug middlemen has intensified recently in the wake of a federal agency’s actions and legislative reform attempts. Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, though, vetoed a related bill that would have helped independent pharmacies, citing the unfunded cost of the move.
A California Official Helped Save a Mental Health Company’s Contract. It Flew Him to London.
By Molly Castle Work
October 23, 2024
KFF Health News Original
The director of a California state mental health agency traveled to the U.K. courtesy of Kooth, a digital mental health company with a $271 million contract to build a therapy app for the state’s youth. Weeks earlier, he pressed key legislative staffers to restore a proposed cut to Kooth’s funding.
Crackdown on Homeless Encampments Raises Public Health Questions
By Angela Hart
October 23, 2024
KFF Health News Original
As states turn to the health-care system to help address homelessness, experiments with housing and other social services aimed at getting people healthier and off the streets are running up against new, aggressive crackdowns — with some cities ratcheting up enforcement of existing anticamping laws and others passing new restrictions. From Florida to California, elected […]
Perspectives: Big Pharma Is Swamping Small Biz; Stakes Are Huge On Nov. 5
October 23, 2024
Morning Briefing
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Tarver Will Take Reins At FDA’s Medical Device Division
October 23, 2024
Morning Briefing
Dr. Michelle Tarver, an ophthalmologist with a background in epidemiology, will lead the unit that reviews products key to medical diagnosis and surgery. Also in the news: legacy medical devices, wheelchair repairs, and more.
Clear Poised To Break Into Health Care Industry With Facial Recognition Tech
October 23, 2024
Morning Briefing
Clear, best known for its fast-pass airport security technology, is trying to expand into the health care market using its facial recognition technology to help speed up insurance claim approvals and prior authorizations, even amid data privacy concerns.
Study On Importance Of Physicians’ Race In Infant Mortality Is Debunked
October 23, 2024
Morning Briefing
The findings in a 2020 study, which claimed Black babies treated by white doctors were twice as likely to die within 12 months, are being reevaluated. Survival is now thought to be linked to birth weight and not race. Also: lawsuits, the No Surprises Act arbitration, and new treatment for shingles.
