Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
April 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on aging, abortion, sex, vaccines, marijuana, and more.
Marlboro Maker Says California’s Flavor Ban Is Impacting Cigarette Sales
April 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
Altria Group’s local sales, Bloomberg reports, show that California’s ban on flavored tobacco is having an impact — though consumers may be turning to the illicit market or adding their own menthol. Meanwhile, a group of people with disabilities are suing to upend California’s assisted suicide law.
Already-Beneficial Mediterranean Diet May Offer Strong Diabetes Protection
April 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
NBC News reports on a study that suggests an even stronger link than previously realized between eating a Mediterranean diet and reduced risks for diabetes. CNN, meanwhile, reports which diets the American Heart Association recommends for heart health.
Inability To Travel For Appointments Causes 1 In 5 To Skip Health Care
April 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
Over 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. over the previous year have skipped a medical appointment because of a lack of access to a vehicle or public transport, a new study says. In other news, the “messy truth” about AI in medicine, and a correction to a medical study co-authored by Stanford’s president.
Eli Lilly Says Diabetes Drug Mounjaro Also Works As Weight-Loss Treatment
April 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
Mounjaro isn’t yet approved for weight loss, but in two trials it’s been found effective with similar side effects as other medications — hence USA Today says it’s “likely” to be approved for this purpose this year. Among other news, a young girl will get a drug for treating “bubble boy disease.”
CDC Will Lower Covid Vaccine Requirements For International Travel
April 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
One dose of Pfizer or Moderna will soon be considered OK for travel to the U.S. Separately, charges will be levied against former officials of a veterans’ home where nearly 80 people died from covid. The virus has also been detected in California mule deer — the first in a wild animal in the state.
Teenagers’ Mental Health Is Flailing, CDC Survey Shows
April 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
More teen girls thought about and attempted suicide in 2021, the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey found. High school students are also struggling with sexual pressure, gun violence, unstable housing, and other stressors.
More Transparency On Worker Pay, Wait Lists In CMS Medicaid Proposals
April 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
News outlets report on a “slate” of Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Programs transparency changes, including new national standards for appointment wait times and requiring providers to disclose pay rates. Also: other Medicaid-related news, and progress on the debt limit negotiation.
PASTEUR Act Back In Front Of Congress In Effort To Boost Antibiotic Market
April 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
The act was introduced in 2020 and 2021 but never received a vote despite bipartisan support, CIDRAP says. Also from Capitol Hill: The Equal Rights Amendment fails in the Senate.
Abortion Rights Supporters Score Wins In Nebraska, South Carolina
April 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
A near-total ban on abortion has failed in South Carolina, and a ban on abortions at six weeks has faltered in Nebraska. Meanwhile, Washington becomes the first state to adopt new protections for reproductive data.
First Edition: April 28, 2023
April 28, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
How to Grow Your Social Network as You Age
By Judith Graham
April 28, 2023
KFF Health News Original
As your circle of close friends shrinks, there are ways to rebuild — but not replace — the social network you had when you were younger.
Readers and Tweeters Defend the Rights of Adults With Disabilities
April 28, 2023
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.
Some Private Companies Charge Hefty Fees to Help Veterans With Disability Claims
By Michelle Andrews
April 28, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Unaccredited companies promise to help veterans file for disability benefits. But unlike the thousands of service representatives who have been vetted and approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide aid, these “medical consultants” or “coaches” operate with no restrictions on how much they can charge.
Montana Considers Requiring Insurance to Cover Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients
By Keely Larson
April 28, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Young cancer patients must act quickly to preserve their sperm and eggs once they get their diagnosis, and many can’t afford the cost.
KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': Dancing Under the Debt Ceiling
April 27, 2023
Podcast
House Republicans passed their plan to raise the nation’s debt ceiling, along with major cuts to health (and other domestic) programs. Unlikely to become law, it calls for new work requirements for adults on Medicaid. Meanwhile, state efforts targeting trans people bear a striking resemblance to the fight against abortion rights. Jessie Hellmann of CQ Roll Call, Shefali Luthra of The 19th, and Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet join KFF Health News chief Washington correspondent Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews Renuka Rayasam, who reported the latest KFF Health News-NPR “Bill of the Month” feature, about a specialist’s demand to be paid as much as $15,000 before treating a woman’s serious pregnancy complication.
Research Roundup: Antibiotic Resistance; Cancer Tests; Post-Covid; Cognition In Aging
April 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: How Were So Many Autism Diagnoses Missed?; Religious Vaccine Exemptions Now Allowed In Mississippi
April 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers discuss late-diagnosed autism, vaccine exemptions, abortion bans and more.