Viewpoints: Are Pharmacy-Dispensary Hybrids The Future?; Biden Is Taking Steps To Curb Fentanyl Abuse
November 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers delve into cannabis dispensaries, fentanyl overdoses, health care sharing ministries and more.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, November 21, 2023
November 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
High medical bills, Medicaid enrollment, overdoses, covid tests, Alzheimer’s, abortion law, flu shots, and more are in the news.
Another Round Of Free Covid Tests Offered Ahead Of Virus Season
November 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
This time of year has ushered in a surge in covid — as well as flu and RSV — for the past 2 years. With this year expected to bring the same, the federal government is making another round of free covid tests available while other protective measures are urged.
Missouri Supreme Court Deals Blow To Abortion Rights Ballot Opponents
November 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
Opponents of ballot initiatives to legalize abortion in the state had been pressing cases over the ballot summaries and costs, but the state’s Supreme Court declined to take up the cases Monday. Meanwhile, a new survey shows that abortion rights support is at near record national levels — but remains highly polarized, politically.
First Edition: Nov. 21, 2023
November 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Evolving Overdose Crisis Shakes Previously Effective Treatments
By Taylor Sisk
November 21, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The prevalence of synthetic drugs is undercutting a previously effective and widely embraced opioid use disorder treatment tactic. Now, the model pioneered in Vermont a decade ago and adopted at sites nationwide, especially in hard-to-reach rural areas, is being forced to evolve.
Lost in the Mix of Medicaid ‘Unwinding’: Kentucky Cut Off Her Health Care Over a Clerical Error
By Rachana Pradhan
November 21, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The state canceled Beverly Likens’ coverage — days before surgery — without considering other ways she qualified for Medicaid, which experts say violated federal regulations.
Out for Blood? For Routine Lab Work, the Hospital Billed Her $2,400
By Rachana Pradhan
November 21, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Convenient as it may be, beware of getting your blood drawn at a hospital. The cost could be much higher than at an independent lab, and your insurance might not cover it all.
Biden Administration Nibbles at the Maternal Health Crisis
By Phil Galewitz
November 20, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Choosing where to give birth typically comes down to what hospital is most convenient to your home, where your obstetrician practices and your insurance company’s provider network. Now, the Biden administration has given expectant parents another factor to consider: whether their hospital has won the government’s new “birthing friendly” designation. But don’t worry — a […]
Viewpoints: Current Method For Helping Struggling Teens Is Backfiring; Why Is Organ Donation So Difficult?
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers discuss teen mental health, organ donation, patient-doctor relationships and more.
Fentanyl-Laced Suspicious Letters Trigger Officials To Stock Naloxone
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
Voting centers and government buildings in six states have received the tainted letters. Separately, news outlets explain how older Americans are embracing cannabis more than ever; other drugs, including psychedelics, are becoming more acceptable; Oregon is facing pushback over its drug decriminalization program; and more.
Analysis Debunks Idea That Women Aren’t Good Clinical Test Subjects
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
The issue centers on ideas that women’s cycles and body temperatures make them less suitable as drug trials subjects. Separately, other researchers find that kids’ sleep problems may be inherited, that a neck injection could help with smelling issues in long covid sufferers, and more.
Bayer Must Pay $1.56 Billion Over Claims Roundup Caused Cancer
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
A Missouri jury ordered the drug manufacturer to pay the compensation to four plaintiffs who claimed the weedkiller caused injuries. Meanwhile, Bayer also suffered a loss as it aborted a large late-stage drug trail into a new anti-clotting drug because it wasn’t effective.
As More Kids Fall Ill From Lead, FDA Screens Imported Cinnamon
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
Until now, news headlines have centered around fruit pouches as a source for lead poisoning that’s sickened children across at least 22 states, but now the FDA seems to be narrowing in on a potential cause: some imported cinnamon. Meanwhile, dozens have fallen ill from salmonella from cantaloupes.
Senators Ask Drugmakers To Explain Shortages Of RSV Drug For Infants
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
A group of Senate Democrats wrote a letter to AstraZeneca and Sanofi, asking about low supplies of nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody that prevents respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants.
Ozempic Set To Change This Year’s Thanksgiving Food-Fest
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
News outlets report on how weight-loss drugs are changing some people’s perceptions of food as Thanksgiving approaches. The cost of the blockbuster drugs is also forecasted to drive up employers’ medical costs next year. Also: how to help teens battle diet culture.
Rosalynn Carter, First Lady And Advocate For Mental Health, Dies At 96
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
Rosalynn Carter died Sunday at her home in Plains, Georgia. News outlets report on her role as a political partner to her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, as well as her tireless advocacy for mental health causes, and the tributes that are pouring in for her.
Another Hospital Surrounded By Fighting In Northern Gaza
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
The AP reports on how heavy fighting broke out today around the Indonesian Hospital, which has been shelled. Meanwhile, the large Al Shifa hospital, which had been the subject of previous military action, is described as a “death zone” by the WHO — though some vulnerable babies were evacuated.
Turkey With A Side Of Flu: Cases On The Rise Ahead Of Holiday Season
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
Flu activity has increased sharply, already reaching high levels in seven states. Covid cases are also ticking up.
Iowa, Florida Republican Governors Try To Brush Off Ohio Abortion Rights Vote
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Des Moines Register says Republicans are blaming skewed ads for a resounding vote by the public to support abortion rights in Ohio. GOP presidential candidate Chris Christie, meanwhile, is arguing against the RNC chair’s assertion that abortion is more than a state’s issue.