Morning Briefing for Monday, November 20, 2023
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
Viruses spike before holidays, weight-loss drugs, drug shortages, mental health, clinical trials, and more are in today’s news.
First Edition: November 20, 2023
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Is Novavax, the Latecomer Covid Vaccine, Worth the Wait?
By Amy Maxmen
November 20, 2023
KFF Health News Original
People with special medical considerations are hoping the Novavax shot will bring fewer headaches, fevers, and less fatigue than have been reported by those taking mRNA vaccines.
What to Know About Assisted Living
By Jordan Rau
November 20, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The facilities can look like luxury apartments or modest group homes and can vary in pricing structures. Here’s a guide.
US Military Says National Security Depends on ‘Forever Chemicals’
By Patricia Kime
November 20, 2023
KFF Health News Original
PFAS chemicals are found in hundreds of products and weapons used by the U.S. military. Defense Department officials say a blanket ban on these man-made substances would threaten military readiness.
Extra Fees Drive Assisted Living Profits
By Jordan Rau
November 20, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The add-ons pile up: $93 for medications, $50 for cable TV. Prices soar as the industry leaves no service unbilled, out of reach for many families.
Journalists Delve Into Open Enrollment, School Nurse Shortages, and More
November 18, 2023
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
New Social Security Report Shows Growing Overpayment Problem Tops $23B
By Jodie Fleischer, Cox Media Group and KFF Health News Staff
November 17, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Social Security has been overpaying recipients for years, then demanding the money back, leaving people with bills for up to tens of thousands of dollars or more.
Why Do We Pay For so Much Worthless Health Care?
By Markian Hawryluk
November 17, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Medical advances are expensive. Take Wegovy, the wildly successful obesity drug that we learned last week may also reduce the risk of heart disease. If just 10 percent of Medicare beneficiaries start taking the drug, taxpayers could be on the hook for nearly $27 billion a year. So how can the country afford the latest […]
Viewpoints: Unions Increased Covid Vaccination Numbers; Health Systems Must Keep Up With Changing Climate
November 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers examine unions and vaccinations, climate change, seniors using pot, and more.
US Has Its First Asthma Death At Work In The Cannabis Industry
November 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
The woman, 27, suffered a fatal asthma attack while working in a cannabis cultivation and processing facility. Her death has prompted calls for more preventive efforts by the industry. Meanwhile, the University of Minnesota has launched the state’s first cannabis research center.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
November 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections include stories on midwifery, drug abuse, the Golden Gate Bridge, tattoos, space burial, and more.
Doctors Are Disagreeing Over Fairness Reform For Medicaid Pay Panel
November 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
Stat says, perhaps unsurprisingly, that doctors who generally get paid more by Medicaid like the current system but doctors who are paid less wish the secretive system would be more fair. Also in health industry news: the CMS pay-for-performance sepsis measurement; ambulance delays; and more.
Kids In Missouri Will Soon Get To Keep Medicaid Coverage For A Year
November 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
Missouri is a state that does not normally offer year-long coverage, but that will change for anyone ages 18 and younger who needs Medicaid coverage from January 1. Among other news, a Florida bill would allow the creation of “remote-site” pharmacies.
Data Show Child And Teen Cancer Death Rates Fell 24% In Last 20 Years
November 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
The rate dropped by 24% from 2001 to 2021 according to a report from the CDC, though after 2011 only rates for children 9 and younger showed significant declines. Among other news, the FDA has approved AstraZeneca’s Truqap breast cancer drug combo.
FDA Officials Find Worrying Hygiene At Eye Drop Factory In India
November 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
Kilitch Healthcare India manufactures eye drops that were being sold in the U.S. until a recent recall. Inspectors visiting the plant found cracked floors, barefoot workers, and altered records. Separately, the FDA cited Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, another India-based drugmaker, for quality-control issues.
Janet Woodcock To Retire As No. 2 At FDA In Early 2024
November 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
Principal Deputy FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock confirmed plans to step down from her post early next year, having worked at FDA since 1986. News outlets look back at her record.
Spending Deal Punts Annual Health Policy Debates To New Year
November 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
President Joe Biden signed the bill that funds a portion of the government through January and other parts through February. The deal pushes off several funding battles over health programs that have become a regular part of the holiday landscape on Capitol Hill for the past few years.
US Preterm Birth Rate Is Alarmingly High, March Of Dimes Report Shows
November 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
The U.S. received only a D+ grade in the “State of Maternal and Infant Health for American Families” report card, with notable disparities for life-threatening preterm labor outcomes for Black and Native women. Separately, reports say Florida lawmakers are thinking of a website to help during pregnancy.
Morning Briefing for Friday, November 17, 2023
November 17, 2023
Morning Briefing
Measles on the rise, RSV shots, Medicaid, diabetes, pre-term births, cancer, doctor pay, and more are in the news. Plus, your weekend reads.