Health Officials Push For Maximizing Potential Of Fentanyl Test Strips
June 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
The government’s top addiction scientists and key public health officials are asking for more research into how fentanyl test strips could be better used, for clinical purposes as well as overdose prevention. Separately, a $17 billion opioid settlement was reached.
Insurers Are Warning Doctors Who Prescribe Ozempic For Weight Loss
June 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Washington Post covers efforts by insurers to clamp down on doctors prescribing Ozempic, now popular as a weight loss drug, for patients who don’t evidently present with diabetes. Separately, CBS News covers warnings that some side effects of Ozempic could lead to hospitalization.
Allina Health Halts Policy Of Withholding Care For Patients In Debt
June 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Minnesota nonprofit health system is reexamining its controversial policy of cutting off care for patients with a certain amount of medical debt. However, it is not reinstating care for people already impacted by the policy. Telemedicine visits, the role of nonprofits in hospice care, and more are also in the news.
Analysis: Around $400 Billion In Covid Aid Was Stolen, Wasted, Misspent
June 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
An Associated Press analysis suggests that fraudsters potentially stole over $280 billion in covid relief funding. Overall about 10% of the government’s relief cash may have been lost or not properly used. Meanwhile, the Texas Medical Board has filed a formal complaint alleging covid care violations.
Unabomber’s Death Brings Closure For Some With Physical, Emotional Scars
June 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Convicted terrorist Ted Kaczynski, 81 and suffering from late-stage cancer, died Saturday after being found unresponsive in his prison cell in North Carolina. A relative of one of his mail-bombing victims said, “I was glad to hear the news.” Kaczynski sowed fear for two decades, admitting to 16 bombings from 1978 and 1995 that killed three people and injured 23 others.
FDA Advisers Back Full Approval Of Eisai’s Experimental Alzheimer’s Drug
June 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
A panel of expert advisers unanimously recommended Friday that the agency broaden its approval of Leqembi, a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease manufactured by Eisai and Biogen. Other pharmaceutical news reports on penalties for drug price hikes, Medicare negotiations, and more.
White House Strikes Tentative Deal To Keep Preventive Care Coverage In Place
June 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Attorneys may present the deal to a federal appeals court Tuesday that would preserve the ACA’s preventive care mandate while the case challenging the measure plays out in the courts.
First Edition: June 12, 2023
June 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Chronic Lifeguard Shortage Serves as Springboard to Address Racial Inequities
By Michelle Andrews
June 12, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Cities and towns are again in deep waters this summer trying to hire enough lifeguards to open their public pools. Many are proceeding with sensitivity to issues of race and ethnicity.
What Does a Chatbot Know About Eating Disorders? Users of a Help Line Are About to Find Out
By Kate Wells, Michigan Public
June 12, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The National Eating Disorders Association’s help line has seen demand climb to unsustainable levels since the beginning of the covid pandemic, with more people reporting severe mental health problems, the nonprofit says. But staffers worry this chatbot may make things worse.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
June 9, 2023
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week we have stories on Ukraine, dysentery, avian flu, step counting, and the pardon of Kathleen Folbigg, who was recently cleared of killing her four children.
Minnesota Officials Urge Sign-Ups Ahead Of Medicaid Deadline
June 9, 2023
Morning Briefing
State and federal health leaders pushed Medicaid recipients to re-up their enrollment or risk losing coverage, Minnesota Public Radio reports. In other news, the new food stamp requirements in the debt ceiling law area said to be testing states and the Department of Agriculture.
Legal Hurdles Could Impede HHS Plan To Combat Rising STI Rates
June 9, 2023
Morning Briefing
HHS’ new national plan includes measures to prevent sexually transmitted infections, increase research, and improve coordination among federal agencies. But Roll Call reports that judicial and legislative obstacles could hinder the effort.
FDA Panel Likely To Recommend New Alzheimer’s Drug Approval: Reports
June 9, 2023
Morning Briefing
News outlets report on the FDA panel’s meeting, set for today. The FDA doesn’t have to follow any recommendation made concerning Leqembi, but typically does. In other news, the FTC investigation into pharmacy benefit managers broadend to include Emisar Pharma Services.
Some Staff At Mass General Brigham Vote To Unionize
June 9, 2023
Morning Briefing
Medical residents and fellows at Massachusetts’ largest health system have voted to unionize by joining the Committee of Interns and Residents, creating one of the largest unions of this kind. Among other health industry news, Amazon’s One Medical expands into Connecticut.
New RSV Vaccine Wins Approval From FDA Advisory Panel
June 9, 2023
Morning Briefing
The monoclonal antibody treatment, called Beyfortus by developers Sanofi and AstraZeneca, is aimed at preventing respiratory syncytial virus in infants and vulnerable toddlers. Separately, a new analysis shows a high shortfall of mpox vaccine uptake among Black Americans.
Biden Says Laws Targeting LGBTQ+ Rights Are An ‘Appeal To Fear’
June 9, 2023
Morning Briefing
President Joe Biden, speaking against a rash of state laws targeting rights of the LGBTQ+ community, also said such laws come from “prejudiced people” and are “totally, thoroughly unjustified, ugly” and “wrong.” Louisiana’s governor said he intends to veto a package of anti-LGBTQ+ bills.
A Spotlight On Republican Policies As Abortion Controversies Swirl
June 9, 2023
Morning Briefing
ABC News reports that despite backing a strict abortion ban in North Dakota, Gov. Doug Burgum said he would not support a national ban if elected to the White House. Politico covers a political back-and-forth surrounding House Speaker Kevin McCarthy between abortion centrists and conservatives.