Viewpoints: Covid Led To An Unexpected Increase In Babies; Pediatricians Are Burned Out
March 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
As Some Patients Cheat On Drug Tests, Doctors May Be Missing It
March 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
A JAMA Psychiatry study reported by Bloomberg highlights concerns over how about 8% of opioid-addicted patients may be “spiking” their drug tests with the treatment drug buprenorphine.
State Department To Loosen Medical Disabilities Rules For Foreign Service
March 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
The agency has announced that it will be lowering the medical threshold for qualifying for Foreign Service positions, which should make it easier for people with disabilities to serve. The move comes as the agency settled a 17-year-old lawsuit over discrimination claims.
Florida Aims To Ban Any Students From Talking About Gender Identity
March 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Reuters reports that Florida lawmakers aim to expand the “don’t say gay” bill — which restricts teaching young kids about sexual orientation and gender identity — to include all public school students. Meanwhile, the former Florida lawmaker behind the bill pleaded guilty to pandemic fraud.
Another Study Shines Light On Health Benefits Of Drinking Coffee
March 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Fox News wonders if caffeine is “the wonder drug” after an international study found that consuming higher levels of caffeine could combat body fat and reduce type 2 diabetes risks. A separate report explains how forever chemicals in water and household products could impact fertility.
Drug Targeting Rare Form Of ALS Gets Some Support From FDA Panel
March 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
The drug, tofersen from maker Biogen, got “partial” support from a panel of Food and Drug Administration advisers Wednesday, which could lead to a possible accelerated approval. A hearing over future Medicare coverage of Alzheimer’s drugs is also in the news.
Members Of Congress Press HCA Over Deficiencies At Florida Hospital
March 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Gus Bilirakis, both Republicans, are quizzing HCA Healthcare over conditions at Bayonet Point Hospital in Hudson, Florida, after an NBC News story revealed “extensive” deficiencies. Questions over Noble Health’s rural hospital closures are also in the news.
North Carolina Bill To Expand Medicaid Heads To Governor’s Desk
March 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper is expected to sign the measure. Meanwhile, in Idaho, lawmakers are haggling over the overall cost of the Medicaid budget.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, March 23, 2023
March 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Abortion law, the covid response, vaccine prices, Medicare fraud, Medicaid coverage, drug shortages, opioids, and more are in the news.
Lobbyists In ‘Frenzy’ Over White House Plan To Target Medicare Fraud
March 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
The New York Times explains a furor among Washington lobbyists over the Biden administration’s plans to cut Medicare fraud by “billions,” including efforts to influence public opinion. The Nevada Independent notes Medicare Advantage may be a marquee issue in the state’s 2024 Senate race.
White House Is Shutting Down Covid Response Team
March 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
The covid public health emergency is set to end in May, and The Washington Post reports the Biden administration is also shuttering its covid team, with some among the 3 dozen staffers already gone. Insufficient covid testing of nursing home staff, hospitals reevaluating their covid policies, and more are also in the news.
Moderna CEO Grilled On Quadrupling Of Covid Vaccine Price Despite US Investment
March 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Senate’s health committee chair Bernie Sanders sparred during a hearing Wednesday with Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel over the vaccine maker’s plans to increase the price of its covid shot to $130 a dose. Sanders argued the vaccine was co-authored with NIH so questioned why the U.S. will not get a discount. Bancel said he disagreed with that characterization.
Judge Temporarily Blocks Wyoming’s Days-Old Abortion Ban
March 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Abortion is again legal in Wyoming for now after a district judge granted a temporary block on the state’s new law. She questioned the Legislature’s attempt to circumvent Wyoming’s constitution by arguing that abortion is not health care.
First Edition: March 23, 2023
March 23, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Fresh Produce Is an Increasingly Popular Prescription for Chronically Ill Patients
By Carly Graf
March 23, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Fresh produce prescription programs are getting a boost in Montana as a way of helping people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The approach may be a model for other rural states to promote healthy eating in food deserts.
Legal Questions, Inquiries Intensify Around Noble Health’s Rural Missouri Hospital Closures
By Sarah Jane Tribble
March 23, 2023
KFF Health News Original
A year after private equity-backed Noble Health shuttered two rural Missouri hospitals, a slew of lawsuits and state and federal investigations grind forward. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey recently confirmed an “ongoing” investigation as former employees continue to go unpaid and cope with unpaid medical claims.
Being ‘Socially Frail’ Comes With Health Risks for Older Adults
By Judith Graham
March 23, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Researchers are identifying new ways to assess older adults’ social circumstances and identify risks that can compromise their health. “It’s a more complete picture of older adults’ circumstances than any one factor alone,” one expert said.
Last-Resort Antibiotic Still Being Used In Livestock
March 22, 2023
Morning Briefing
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.