Morning Briefing for Monday, September 30, 2024
September 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
Medicare Advantage, drug use, bird flu, health impact of big storm, IVF coverage, maternal health, and more are in the news.
CDC Investigating Possible Human-To-Human Transmission Of Bird Flu
September 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
Seven people in Missouri — including six health care workers — developed flu symptoms after direct exposure to a patient with avian influenza. While none has tested positive for bird flu, the CDC is testing antibodies to see if they came from the virus.
In Storm-Ravaged North Carolina, Necessities Of Life Difficult To Come By
September 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
Many thousands of residents in the western part of the state have no clean water, as well as no electricity or gas with which to boil water. People were collecting wood to build fires for cooking. Millions of others underwater in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and elsewhere wondered how and when life would return to normal.
First Edition: Monday, Sept. 30, 2024
September 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
California Voters Consider Tough Love for Repeat Drug Offenders
By Don Thompson
September 30, 2024
KFF Health News Original
A California ballot measure would roll back some decade-old criminal justice reforms that have become fodder for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Stiffer penalties for shoplifting have gotten much of the attention, but the measure also allows controversial treatment requirements for repeat drug offenders.
The Medicare Advantage Influence Machine
By Fred Schulte Holly K. Hacker
September 30, 2024
KFF Health News Original
New court filings and lobbying reports reveal an industry drive to tamp down critics — and retain billions of dollars in overcharges.
Journalists Weigh In on Racial Trauma, Medicaid Expansion, and Opioid Settlements
September 28, 2024
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News and California Healthline staffers made the rounds on national and local media recently to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Antipsychotic Drug Cobenfy Wins FDA Approval For Schizophrenia Treatment
September 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Bristol Myers Squibb medicine is said relieve symptoms without causing some of the harsh side effects of drugs already in use. Meanwhile, thousands of patients allege in a lawsuit that drugs used for diabetes and weight loss have caused other health problems.
Anti-Trans Laws Linked With Spike In Suicide Attempts Among Trans Youth
September 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
A study from The Trevor Project found that in states that passed anti-trans legislation directed at minors, suicide attempts by transgender and non-binary teens went up by as much as 72% in subsequent years. Also in the news, a “sanctuary city” for transgender people, pardons for gay veterans, and more.
Covid Tests Are Yours For The Taking
September 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
The government again is offering free kits to each household ahead of the respiratory virus season at covidtests.gov/. Tests might come in handy after the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases found that only 26% of Americans plan to get updated covid vaccines.
California Officially Apologizes For Harms Caused By Slavery And Bias
September 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, also signed legislation related to newborn DNA samples. Also: Alabama has executed another prisoner using the method of nitrogen asphyxiation.
Report Highlights Missing Health Authority Role In Cannabis Policy
September 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
The AP covers a new report that says a more health-focused strategy is needed, with the CDC taking an expanded role in cannabis policy as more Americans are using ever-stronger weed. Meanwhile, Kentucky awarded the first business license as part of its startup medical cannabis program.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
September 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on pain, aging, food portions, disability data, and more.
Senate Bill Lays Out Cybersecurity Standards For Health Care Industry
September 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
The measure offers a timeline for companies to upgrade their IT systems, which will come with financial aid, and proposes penalties for those who don’t comply. But one industry spokesperson countered: “Penalizing hospitals that are the victims of sophisticated criminal behavior diverts resources away from improving patient care.”
OIG Reports Reveal 3 Health Insurers’ Medicare Advantage Overcharges
September 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
Humana, HealthAssurance Pennsylvania, and EmblemHealth are accused of overcharging taxpayers to the tune of $140 million by exaggerating the severity of Medicare Advantage members’ illnesses.
Vance Sheds Light On Trump’s ‘Concept Of A Plan’ For Health Care
September 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
GOP vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance has elaborated on some specifics during the past week. As Roll Call reported, Vance said people who use the health care system frequently would be on a different plan from those who are healthy and don’t go to the doctor as often.
Morning Briefing for Friday, September 27, 2024
September 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
After six years, KFF Health News’ “Bill of the Month” series has a new partner: The Washington Post's Well+Being your outrageous medical bills
First Edition: Friday, Sept. 27, 2024
September 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A Few Rural Towns Are Bucking the Trend and Building New Hospitals
By Sarah Jane Tribble
September 27, 2024
KFF Health News Original
A remote Wyoming community hoped for years to have more access to health care. Now, after receiving federal funding, it is bucking dismal closure trends throughout the rural U.S. and building its own hospital. And it’s not the only one.
