Scientific Journal Retracts Study On Using Hydroxychloroquine For Covid
December 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
The March 2020 study set off a firestorm over the antimalarial drug that continues to this day. The International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents issued a formal withdrawal Tuesday. In other outbreak news: There’s a probable case of H5 bird flu in Delaware.
Former Senior Medicare Official To Lead Trump’s HHS Landing Team
December 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
John Brooks was a senior Medicare official during Donald Trump’s last term. In other news on the upcoming Trump administration: ACA may be targeted to provide lower tax cuts; mass deportations and nurse staffing shortages; and more.
RFK Jr. Reportedly Sides With Trump: Abortion Should Be Up To The States
December 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
Republican Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville says Kennedy disclosed this point during their discussion Tuesday. Meanwhile, some deaths caused by abortion bans are not being investigated; a new menopause drug may have serious side effects; and more.
Congress Unveils Plan To Pay For Disabled Vets’ Overseas Health Care
December 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
In other news from Capitol Hill: Congress has reached a government funding deal, and Democratic Rep. Angie Craig will become the first female ranking member of the House Agriculture panel.
First Edition: Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024
December 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Rage Has Long Shadowed American Health Care. It’s Rarely Produced Big Change.
By Noam N. Levey
December 18, 2024
KFF Health News Original
The outpouring of anger at health insurers following the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson continues a cycle of rage that dates back decades.
New Colorado Gun Law Aims To Shore Up Victim Services
By Rae Ellen Bichell
December 18, 2024
KFF Health News Original
A new tax on guns and ammunition in Colorado is set to take effect in the spring. Voters approved the tax, with most of the proceeds going to support services for crime victims and other social programs.
How a Duty To Spend Wisely on Worker Benefits Could Loosen PBMs’ Grip on Drug Prices
By Arthur Allen
December 18, 2024
KFF Health News Original
As criticism of pharmacy benefit managers heats up, fear of lawsuits is driving some big employers to drop the “Big Three” PBMs — or force them to change.
US On Track For Most Executions In A Single Year Since 2018
December 17, 2024
Morning Briefing
If the two executions that are scheduled for this week in Indiana and Oklahoma take place, the total number of deaths by execution will be 25, the highest number since 2018 even though support for the death penalty is at a five-decade low. Other news is from Wyoming, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and California.
First Human Receives Kidney From New Kind Of Genetically Modified Pig
December 17, 2024
Morning Briefing
The pig kidney has 10 genetic modifications designed to increase acceptance and control size. Scientists hope that if successful, this procedure can alleviate the shortage of organs available for transplant. Other news involves: AI technology; man-made organisms that ‘mirror life’; and more.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, December 17, 2024
December 17, 2024
Morning Briefing
ACA enrollment extended, Trump’s picks for top health jobs, PBMs, opioids, polio vaccine, caregiver bill, gun violence, and more.
In A Push To Boost ACA Signups, Biden Extends Enrollment Deadline
December 17, 2024
Morning Briefing
Consumers can sign up for insurance on the federal marketplace through Dec. 18. Also: Latino health care coverage in the U.S.; an averted strike at George Washington University Hospital; and more.
Investigation: Drug Companies Secretly Paid PBMs To Not Restrict Opioids
December 17, 2024
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, how Endo Health Solutions avoided opioid penalty; Sens. Josh Hawley and Elizabeth Warren team up on legislation on PBMs; and more.
RFK Jr. Says He Supports Polio Vaccine As He Makes Rounds On Capitol Hill
December 17, 2024
Morning Briefing
Also in the news, President-elect Donald Trump held his first news conference since winning the election. He again drew a false connection between autism and vaccines, news outlets reported.
Congress Passes Veterans’ Caregiver Bill; Biden Expected To Sign It Into Law
December 17, 2024
Morning Briefing
Among its provisions, the bill expands access to home-based services at every VA medical center and closes a loophole to stop veterans from losing burial benefits if they die in hospice care, Military Times reported. Plus: Bickering continues over a potential government shutdown.
Female Shooter Is A Rarity in Wisconsin School Shooting
December 17, 2024
Morning Briefing
The suspect in Monday’s shooting has been identified as 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow. News outlets are uncertain on exact numbers, but The New York Times reports that this year, nine shooting suspects were female, compared to 249 who were male when gender was identified.
First Edition: Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024
December 17, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Trump Threat to Immigrant Health Care Tempered by Economic Hopes
By Vanessa G. Sánchez
December 17, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Donald Trump’s second term is reigniting mistrust in health services among California immigrants, making it harder for community health workers to get people enrolled in Medi-Cal. Yet the president-elect is also seen as someone who could improve their lives with a better economy, even if that means forgoing health care.
