WHO Ends Covid Emergency But Warns Virus Is Here To Stay And Is Changing
May 8, 2023
Morning Briefing
Emergency responses aren’t designed to last forever, and the virus is still circulating. The WHO’s director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted the virus is also still evolving. Meanwhile, some health care workers say, “I think it’s pretty obvious that the pandemic was over a year ago.”
Few Options Left In Debt-Limit Fight; America’s Most Vulnerable Are At Risk
May 8, 2023
Morning Briefing
President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet Tuesday with top congressional leaders. Some say Biden could use the 14th Amendment to ward off a looming default on the nation’s debt. If no agreement is made, the government would not be able to pay Medicare reimbursements, Social Security checks, and more.
FDA Review Outlines Concerns About Approving First OTC Birth Control
May 8, 2023
Morning Briefing
An assessment by FDA scientists says that data may be insufficient in order for the agency to authorize over-the-counter sales of HRA Pharma’s Opill. If the FDA were to approve, it would become the first oral birth control to be available without a prescription in the U.S.
NC Governor Sets Up Battle Over ‘Dressed Up’ Abortion Ban
May 8, 2023
Morning Briefing
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, says the 12-week abortion ban rushed through the state House and Senate last week would be even more restrictive because of additional requirements added for patients and providers. He vows to veto the measure, but Republicans have a big enough majority to override.
First Edition: May 8, 2023
May 8, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
In Idaho, Taking a Minor Out of State for an Abortion Is Now a Crime: ‘Abortion Trafficking’
By Sarah Varney
May 8, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Under the nation’s first law of its kind, teens must have parental consent to travel for medical care, including in cases of sexual assault or rape. Any adult, including an aunt, grandparent, or sibling, convicted of violating the criminal statute faces up to five years in prison — and could be sued for financial damages.
Medi-Cal Enrollees in California: Here’s How to Verify Your Eligibility
By Bernard J. Wolfson
May 8, 2023
KFF Health News Original
California’s safety-net health program has resumed annual eligibility checks after three years, which means beneficiaries will need to provide updated personal information to maintain coverage. Here’s what to watch for.
On the Night Shift With a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
By Katheryn Houghton
May 8, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Montana and other states are trying to increase the number of nurses specially trained to treat survivors of sexual assault.
Walensky to Leave CDC in June as Covid Emergency Winds Down
By Julie Rovner
May 5, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director presided over one of the most tumultuous times in the agency’s history, struggling to regain public trust after it was revealed that Trump officials intervened in its pandemic response.
California Says New Cigarettes Appear to Violate State’s Flavored Tobacco Ban
By Don Thompson
May 5, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The attorney general is warning two tobacco companies, R.J. Reynolds and ITG Brands LLC, that their reformulated cigarettes appear to violate the state’s ban on flavored tobacco products, based on marketing materials. R.J. Reynolds said Thursday that its cigarettes comply with the law.
Longer Looks (And Listens): Interesting Stories You Might’ve Missed
May 5, 2023
Morning Briefing
This week’s roundup of features you can catch up on over the weekend cover the RSV vaccine history, masks, bird flu, gender views, and more.
West Virginia Reaches Opioid Settlement With Kroger For $68 Million
May 5, 2023
Morning Briefing
The deal, announced Thursday, brings West Virginia’s total opioid litigation to over $1 billion, AP says, which is more than any other state when measured per capita. Anti-trans laws in Texas and Florida are also in the news, alongside California loaning money to ailing hospitals, and more.
Viewpoints: We Must Find A Middle Ground On Abortion; How Much Misery Is A Normal Part Of Life?
May 5, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers take on abortion, mental health, 9/11 responders’ health, and Alzheimer’s disease.
A Focus On Generics, As Thousands Of Diseases Lack Treatments
May 5, 2023
Morning Briefing
Stat reports on how some in the health industry are considering if generic drugs could yield cures to the 12,000 or so diseases that currently lack treatments. Other news includes: dialysis; rankings for large pharma firms by R&D; rivals for Wegovy think the market could reach $100 billion; and more.
Study Finds Schizophrenia Risk In Men Worsened By Heavy Marijuana Use
May 5, 2023
Morning Briefing
A new study, reported by Bloomberg, says that as many as 30% of cases of schizophrenia in men ages 21 to 30 could have been prevented if they avoided cannabis use disorder. Meanwhile, other research casts doubt on the supposed link between long telomeres and longer life.
Missouri May Join States That Ensure Medicaid Support After Pregnancy
May 5, 2023
Morning Briefing
Separately, New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella has joined a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general across the country asking for Medicare coverage for Alzheimer’s treatments. Also in the news: advocates press for relief from air pollution; naloxone in Minnesota schools; and more.
Study: Texas Is Worst Among All States For Mental Health Care
May 5, 2023
Morning Briefing
A Forbes Advisor study finds more than 1 in 5 adults with mental illness are uninsured in Texas. It’s also where the highest percentage of adults with a cognitive disability couldn’t see a doctor because of cost. Also: the youth mental health crisis, remote work, and more are in the news.
Not If, But When: FDA And CDC Chiefs Warn Of Future Pandemics
May 5, 2023
Morning Briefing
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky told lawmakers on the Senate health committee that the U.S. must do more to prepare for future outbreaks. And FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said that pandemic powers to track device shortages should be extended when the covid emergency ends.