Influential Panel Backs Expanded Range Of HIV Prevention Drugs
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force gave its highest or “grade A” recommendation to three medications approved for PrEP. Just one pill was previously endorsed, and the move may require private insurers to cover the drugs without a co-pay or deductible under the Affordable Care Act.
Many Women Mistreated By Medical Staff During Pregnancy, Survey Finds
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Of about 2,400 women polled, 20% reported that they had been verbally abused, had their requests for help go unanswered, had their physical privacy infringed upon, or received threats to withhold treatment, the CDC survey found. Plus, news on breast cancer, Plan B, abortion in Illinois, and more.
Power Outage Forced Hundreds Of Hospital Patients To Evacuate In LA
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
News outlets report on the impact of a succession of power outages that hit a Los Angeles hospital. A baby was born amid the chaos, the Los Angeles Times said. Separately, a study found ChatGPT may be as good as recent med school graduates in making clinical decisions.
Rising Mental Health Needs Will Cost Large Employers In 2024: Survey
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Politico reports about 77% of large employers reported an increase in mental health needs of their staff, possibly related to recovery from the pandemic. CBS News covers news that FDNY members, and their families, are seeking mental health care in record numbers.
5 People In Florida Died From ‘Flesh-Eating’ Vibrio Infections This Year
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Health News Florida, reporting the sad toll, also notes that 26 cases of Vibrio vulnificus were reported in the state so far in 2023. Meanwhile, in Connecticut, the Department of Public Health reported that four local residents have tested positive for Powassan virus, the first cases in the state this year.
New Bill Would Require Sex Ed To Be Taught Nationwide
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act would make sex education a requirement nationwide, The 19th reports. Just three states require comprehensive lessons now. Meanwhile in Georgia and Missouri, legal battles over trans gender care continue.
Weight-Loss Drugs Have Extra Benefits; Antibiotic Manufacturing Report Suggests Improvements Are Needed
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, August 23, 2023
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Covid vaccines, uptick in infections, Medicaid “unwinding,” HIV, maternal health, weight loss drugs, and more are in the news.
HHS Allocates $1.4 Billion To New Covid Vaccine, Treatment Development
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Biden administration announced grants Tuesday aimed at developing news tools to combat the future path of covid: $1 billion will go to covid vaccine trials while awards totaling $400 million will go to 2 research projects on treatments.
Mask Up Again? Experts Say High-Risk People Should Be On Guard With Covid Uptick
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
As a scattering of businesses and schools bring back requirements, health experts say it may be time to for some to mask again as covid cases tick back up. News outlets report on the latest virus trends.
Lawsuit Blames Florida Health Officials For Improper Medicaid Terminations
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Three residents allege state agencies aren’t informing low-income or disabled people properly about Medicaid redeterminations. Meanwhile, HHS is moving to pause Medicaid coverage terminations in Texas.
First Edition: Aug. 23, 2023
August 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
The Painful Pandemic Lessons Mandy Cohen Carries to the CDC
By Fred Clasen-Kelly and Rachana Pradhan and Holly K. Hacker
August 23, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Mandy Cohen, the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, earned praise for her leadership and communication as the face of North Carolina’s response to covid-19. People in the state’s most vulnerable communities tell a more complicated story.
Naming Suicide in Obits Was Once Taboo. Changing That Can Help Loved Ones Grieve.
By Debby Waldman
August 23, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Mental health is being talked about more openly than ever, but the word “suicide” has remained largely taboo when describing how someone died. See why that’s slowly changing, what it means for people who grieve those deaths, and how candor can help prevent additional suicides.
Doctors and Patients Try to Shame Insurers Online to Reverse Prior Authorization Denials
By Lauren Sausser
August 23, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Prior authorization is a common tool used by health insurers for many tests, procedures, and prescriptions. Frustrated by the process, patients and doctors have turned to social media to publicly shame insurance companies and elevate their denials for further review.
Indiana Supreme Court Ruling Means Strict Abortion Ban Will Take Effect
August 22, 2023
Morning Briefing
The state’s near-total abortion ban was challenged by the ACLU which asked for a rehearing, but the Supreme Court denied the case. In Texas, the state’s punitive anti-abortion law was “quietly” relaxed, NPR reports, with abortions allowed after a patient’s water breaks early and for ectopic pregnancies.
2 Generics Makers Settle With Justice Department Over Price-Fixing Charges
August 22, 2023
Morning Briefing
The U.S. branches of Teva and Glenmark will pay $225 million and $30 million, respectively, to settle what Politico notes are “long-running criminal price-fixing charges.” Separately, Boehringer Ingelheim, a German drugmaker, is suing the U.S. government over its Medicare drug price negotiation effort.
Minnesota Investigates Allina Health Over Medical Debt Policy
August 22, 2023
Morning Briefing
Modern Healthcare reports the nonprofit refused to treat some patients who owed medical debts, and now state authorities are investigating. Also in the news: Corewell Health, Cano Health, diversity in medical illustrations, and more.
Listeria-Contaminated Milkshakes Kill 3 In Tacoma, Washington
August 22, 2023
Morning Briefing
Three other people were hospitalized by the bacterial contamination linked to a restaurant called Frugals. Also in the news: Americans’ exposure to smoke pollution reached a 17-year high in 2023; virtual reality exercises may help back pain; and more.
Appeals Court Revives Alabama’s Youth Trans Care Ban
August 22, 2023
Morning Briefing
Reuters reports the Republican-backed law was revived after a panel of judges said a legal challenge didn’t show evidence of a constitutional right for trans youth gender care. But a federal judge blocked part of a similar law in Georgia, since it likely violates constitutional equal protection clauses.