The Gun Violence Epidemic Is ‘Locking Us Back in Our Room’
By Owen Racer
June 2, 2023
KFF Health News Original
As the leading cause of death for teens, firearm injuries are detrimental to more than just physical health. It takes a major toll on young people’s mental health.
How to Negotiate With Resistant Aging Parents? Borrow These Tips From the Business World
By Judith Graham
June 2, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Negotiation techniques can help health care providers and family caregivers find common ground with older adults who resist advice or support.
The Debt Ceiling Deal Takes a Bite Out of Health Programs. It Could Have Been Much Worse.
By Julie Rovner
June 1, 2023
KFF Health News Original
A bipartisan deal to raise the government’s borrowing limit dashed Republican hopes for new Medicaid work requirements and other health spending cuts. Democrats secured the compromise by making relatively modest concessions, including ordering the return of unspent covid funds and limiting other health spending.
KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': Our 300th Episode!
June 1, 2023
Podcast
When KFF Health News’ “What the Health?” podcast launched in 2017, Republicans in Washington were engaged in an (ultimately unsuccessful) campaign to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act. The next six years would see a pandemic, increasingly unaffordable care, and a health care workforce experiencing unprecedented burnout. In the podcast’s 300th episode, host and chief Washington correspondent Julie Rovner explores the past and possible future of the U.S. health care system with three prominent “big thinkers” in health policy: Ezekiel Emanuel of the University of Pennsylvania, Jeff Goldsmith of Health Futures, and Farzad Mostashari of Aledade.
Watch: Payback for the Opioid Crisis: How Did the Sackler Family Skirt Liability?
June 1, 2023
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News senior correspondent Aneri Pattani appeared on PBS NewsHour to discuss the ruling surrounding drugmaker Purdue Pharma’s role in the opioid crisis and her reporting into the ongoing distribution of opioid settlement funds.
Medicaid: más de medio millón ya han perdido cobertura desde fin de beneficios pandémicos
By Hannah Recht
June 1, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Hasta ahora, 4 de cada cinco personas que perdieron la cobertura nunca devolvieron la documentación requerida, según un análisis de datos de 11 estados.
Research Roundup: CRISPR And Schizophrenia
June 1, 2023
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
UnitedHealth Changes Policy After Prior-Authorization Controversy
June 1, 2023
Morning Briefing
UnitedHealth has abandoned its plan to require prior authorization for colonoscopies and other endoscopic procedures. Meanwhile, in Boston, Compass Medical has announced the closure of all medical facilities.
Sweden Nears Being ‘Smoke Free’; Each Canadian Cigarette To Have A Warning
June 1, 2023
Morning Briefing
AP reports on significant anti-smoking developments in Sweden and Canada, with the Scandinavian nation close to being the first smoke-free country in Europe, and Canada dramatically boosting health warnings on cigarettes. Also: contaminated drugs in India, a dengue outbreak in Peru, and more.
Don’t Leave Kids In Cars: 3 Children Die Of Heat Exposure In Recent Days
June 1, 2023
Morning Briefing
The victims were ages 4, 1, and 11 months. Their deaths after being left or trapped in hot cars have led to fresh warnings on the dangers of heat. Also in the news: licensing of lactation consultants in Georgia, blood donations from the LGBTQ+ community, elder care in Connecticut, and more.
Research Says The Geometry Of Your Brain May Influence Your Thoughts
June 1, 2023
Morning Briefing
A fascinating new study reported by NBC News suggests that as well as the actual connections between brain cells, the physical shape of a human brain can really impact thoughts and behavior. The benefits of exercise for brain health and pain tolerance are also in the news.
FDA Greenlights Another RSV Vaccine
June 1, 2023
Morning Briefing
Pfizer’s version was approved Wednesday, just weeks after GSK made history as the first to win approval. Both vaccines are likely to be available this fall, The New York Times said. Other news is on mpox and covid.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, June 1, 2023
June 1, 2023
Morning Briefing
Debt limit bill, Medicaid renewals, Medicare drug coverage, US birth rates, military suicides, prior authorization, and more are in the news.
Delays Hit Already-Late Army Suicide Prevention Guidelines
June 1, 2023
Morning Briefing
Military.com reports a bleak story on Army failures to develop improved suicide prevention policies, including fresh delays driven by an initiative from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. A separate story covers the death by suicide of a soldier at Fort Riley. The mental health helpline is also in the news.
Medicare Says It Will Cover Alzheimer’s Drugs Like Pricey Leqembi
June 1, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that it would broadly cover the drugs only after they receive traditional approvals from the FDA. In other industry news, CVS says it will raise prices elsewhere if PBM reforms take effect, and Eli Lilly is now the largest pharmaceutical company in the world by market value.
Fewer New Americans Were Born Last Year; Teen Birth Rate Also Down
June 1, 2023
Morning Briefing
Data from the CDC shows fewer babies were born in the U.S. in 2022 compared to 2021, with implications for the future labor force supply. Also, teen births hit a record low. Meanwhile, two abortion bans were struck down in Oklahoma over constitutionality.
Renewal Red Tape, Scams Add To Concerns Over Medicaid Losses
June 1, 2023
Morning Briefing
News outlets report on how Medicaid reapplications are faring in Georgia, New York, North Carolina, and other states. And in South Carolina, Medicaid recipients are being targeted by scammers.
It’s Senate’s Turn To Pass Debt Deal, As Regulators Assess Health Policy Impact
June 1, 2023
Morning Briefing
In a 314-117 vote, the House approved the debt limit deal brokered between the White House and House Republican leaders aimed at averting catastrophic default. The Senate takes up the bill next. Stat reports on whether measures in the bill will curb health agencies’ ability to pursue big-ticket policy items.
First Edition: June 1, 2023
June 1, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.