The Biden Administration’s Final Days: FDA Proposes Nicotine Limits
December 12, 2024
Morning Briefing
As the Biden administration winds down, the FDA proposes nicotine limits on tobacco products to help people quit. Also: progress in women’s health research; a large drop in overdose deaths; and more.
White House Defers Decision To Authorize Human Bird Flu Vaccine
December 12, 2024
Morning Briefing
Officials are monitoring the U.S. outbreak but say a vaccine isn’t yet warranted. The incoming Trump administration will decide how to proceed. In related news, The New York Times explores whether cats could help the H5N1 virus evolve into a more dangerous form.
House Passes Bill Banning Tricare From Providing Gender-Affirming Care
December 12, 2024
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, Montana protects health care for transgender minors; Florida prison reverses care for transgender inmates; and more.
CVS, Cigna, UnitedHealth Forced To Sell Pharmacies If Drafted Bill Passes
December 12, 2024
Morning Briefing
The bill, drafted by a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, would force prescription drug middlemen to sell off all pharmacies they own. Other news stories cover once-a-year HIV prevention shots, gene therapy to reverse heart failure, and more.
First-Time ADHD Diagnoses On The Rise In People Over 30
December 12, 2024
Morning Briefing
Since 2021, the number of people getting diagnosed with ADHD for the first time has risen significantly. In other news: Americans live with diseases longer than people from other countries; some foods make fighting cancer harder; and more.
Inaccurate Provider Listings May Become Legal Headache For Insurers
December 12, 2024
Morning Briefing
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York is facing a class-action lawsuit that alleges that the insurer intentionally includes out-of-network providers in its lists. The insurance industry will be watching closely as others have been accused of promoting “ghost networks.”
Dallas Approves Ordinance To Include Vaping In Citywide Smoking Ban
December 12, 2024
Morning Briefing
In other news, Texas health advocates move to improve the Medicaid application process; North Carolina hospitals fight claims that they are not providing price transparency; and more.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, December 12, 2024
December 12, 2024
Morning Briefing
Nicotine limits, bird flu vaccine, latest on UnitedHealthcare exec murder, Tricare, legal issues facing insurers, ADHD diagnoses, and more.
Man Accused In UHC Slaying Saw It As ‘Symbolic Takedown,’ NYPD Says
December 12, 2024
Morning Briefing
Police now have possession of a notebook that reportedly describes the alleged suspect’s rationale. Plus, more of the latest details in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
First Edition: Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024
December 12, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Patients Couldn’t Pay Their Utility Bills. One Hospital Turned to Solar Power for Help.
By Martha Bebinger, WBUR
December 12, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Doctors in Boston got tired of writing letters to utility companies asking for assistance for their medically vulnerable patients who need power and heat to stay healthy. So a hospital decided to share the power its solar panels generate with patients who needed help with their electricity and gas bills.
Faltan iniciativas de gobiernos rurales para comunicarse con los residentes que no dominan el inglés
By Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez
December 12, 2024
KFF Health News Original
A pesar de la creciente demanda para que los gobiernos rurales locales se comuniquen con los residentes en idiomas distintos al inglés, los legisladores estatales en Nevada excluyeron a los condados más pequeños de una ley estatal de acceso lingüístico que se promulgó recientemente.
Spread of Breast Cancer Linked to Newly Identified Gene
December 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
Many cancer deaths are caused by the spread of the cancer to other areas and not by the original tumor. Researchers found that some patients have a greater genetic predisposition to the disease spreading. Meanwhile, new data on immunotherapy drugs targeting cancer proteins show promising results.
Federal Judge Foils Largest Merger In US Supermarket History
December 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
CNN reports that worries over consumers’ financial well-being loomed over the potential merger of Kroger and Albertsons. Also in the news: a potential Walgreens sale, how AI can cut hospital expenses, and more.
Ohio Supreme Court Rules In Favor Of Pharmacies In Opioid Disputes
December 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, Michigan looks to ban flavored vapes; Colorado pushes to cut payments for autism therapy; New Hampshire still allowed to board mental health patients in ER; and more.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, December 11, 2024
December 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
ACA enrollment, reproductive health privacy, “forever chemicals,” cancer, ultraprocessed food, Trump’s nominees, opioids, and more
Democrats Work To Safeguard Reproductive Health Info From Data Brokers
December 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
Measures at state and national levels would ban brokers from selling health and location data that could be used to track patients seeking abortion care, The 19th reports. Also, despite broad abortion restrictions, most U.S. women aren’t seeking family planning services, the CDC has found.
After UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Slaying, Empathy For Suspect Sparks Debate
December 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
Since Luigi Mangione was arrested Monday, people have taken to social media and the streets to vent frustration about the health insurance industry — and in some corners to express support for him. Meanwhile, what to do if your insurance claims are denied.
Senate Scrutiny Escalates For Dr. Oz, RFK Jr. Health Agency Nominations
December 11, 2024
Morning Briefing
Senate Democrats want answers from Dr. Mehmet Oz — who has been tapped to lead the agency that manages Medicare and Medicaid — on his previous support for eliminating traditional Medicare in favor of privatization. Also, Republican swing votes remain uncommitted on the nomination of vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to run HHS.
