Walmart Prescription Deliveries Set To Reach Over 86% Of American Homes
October 23, 2024
Morning Briefing
Two weeks after Amazon announced it will open pharmacies in 20 new U.S. cities in 2025, Walmart introduced its prescription delivery service. Already live in six states, it is expected to be available in 49 states by the end of January.
Multistate E. Coli Outbreak Tied To McDonald’s Burgers Sickens 49 People
October 23, 2024
Morning Briefing
One person has died and 10 have been hospitalized. In other news, the aging impact of experiencing loss, research into a new concussion symptom, and more.
Study Examines Respiratory Pattern’s Link To Anosmia, Other Health Issues
October 23, 2024
Morning Briefing
Sniff spikes, the study noted, might help researchers better understand some of the mental issues experienced by covid patients who have lost their sense of smell. Separately, researchers found that children too young to be vaccinated against covid were more likely to be hospitalized with infection.
Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board Eyes Price Caps
October 23, 2024
Morning Briefing
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Despite Bans, Abortions Are Surging
October 23, 2024
Morning Briefing
The New York Times breaks down abortion data by states that enacted bans after the fall of Roe. Other news outlets look at legal and political efforts underway in Missouri, Maryland, and elsewhere.
Harris: No Compromise On Abortion Rights, Even If GOP Controls Congress
October 23, 2024
Morning Briefing
“I don’t think we should be making concessions,” Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris said in an interview with NBC News. Meanwhile, Republicans push back against Democrats’ efforts to paint them as extreme on abortion, The Hill reports.
First Edition: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024
October 23, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Residentes de Maryland votarán por un amplio “derecho a la libertad reproductiva”
By Sarah Varney
October 23, 2024
KFF Health News Original
En Maryland, donde el aborto es legal, una enmienda propuesta consagraría en la constitución estatal un derecho “a tomar y hacer efectivas decisiones para prevenir, continuar o terminar el propio embarazo”.
Marylanders To Vote on Expansive ‘Right to Reproductive Freedom’
By Sarah Varney
October 23, 2024
KFF Health News Original
The Right to Reproductive Freedom amendment would enshrine in the state constitution a right “to make and effectuate decisions to prevent, continue, or end one’s own pregnancy.”
Can You Rely on Your Mammogram To Identify Heart Disease Risk?
By Michelle Andrews
October 23, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Clinicians and researchers are searching for answers to whether an incidental finding on breast X-rays could improve the detection of cardiovascular disease risk among women.
Doctors Don’t Care For MIPS; Alternative Isn’t Appealing, Either
October 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
Physicians have wanted CMS’ burdensome Merit-based Incentive Payment System replaced for years. The proposed replacement, Value Pathways, has limitations that make MIPS look better, they say.
GLP-1 Drugs Suggested For Diabetics At Risk Of Stroke, Heart Disease
October 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association issued guidelines Monday that also look at the effects of testosterone and estrogen on the body. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly sues three makers of copycat versions of its weight loss drug.
After Dual Storms, Florida Sees Uptick In Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infections
October 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
So far, 76 people have become sick, and 13 of them have died, because of Vibrio vulnificus. The bacteria is commonly found in floodwaters after storm surges. Elsewhere, 46 people have been hospitalized because of food poisoning in Maryland, and New York City’s health commissioner has stepped down.
Women Are Less Likely Than Men To Receive Pain Meds In The ER
October 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
The study, published in PNAS, looked at emergency department data from the U.S. and Israel and found wide disparities between how men and women are treated. Also, a new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that few transgender and nonbinary youths regret receiving gender-affirming medical care.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, October 22, 2024
October 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
Opioids, bird flu cases, election news, post-Roe infant death rates, GLP-1 drugs, infections following storms, emergency care, and more
Infant Death Rates Higher Than Expected In Months After Dobbs Decision
October 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
Researchers examining data from the 18 months after the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade have found a 7% absolute increase in infant mortality. That number is higher for babies with birth defects like heart abnormalities, spina bifida, and other disorders.
Washington State Reports 4 Suspected Bird Flu Cases In Poultry Workers
October 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
If positive, these cases would be the first infections in the state. Also: the accuracy of tracking norovirus in wastewater, and exploring why mental illness raises the risk of severe covid.
Cigna-Humana Merger Might Only Happen If Trump Wins Election
October 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
As Bloomberg notes, the Biden administration has previously moved to block some large health care deals. Several analysts say the only way forward is if Donald Trump is in charge. Meanwhile, some female health care workers would prefer Democrat Kamala Harris for president: “We have seen what happened in the first administration under Trump,” one said.
