First Edition: January 12, 2023
January 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Despite Doctors’ Concerns, University of California Renews Ties With Religious Affiliates
By Annie Sciacca
January 12, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The public university’s health system is renewing contracts with outside hospitals and clinics even as some doctors and faculty say clearer language is needed to protect physicians performing abortions and gender-affirming treatments.
Bleeding and in Pain, a Pregnant Woman in Louisiana Couldn’t Get Answers
By Rosemary Westwood, WWNO
January 12, 2023
KFF Health News Original
How one Louisiana woman experiencing a miscarriage sought care amid a climate of fear and confusion among doctors fueled by that state’s restrictive abortion law.
¿Clínica de urgencias o sala de emergencias? Cómo decidir donde recibir la atención adecuada
By Sam Whitehead
January 11, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Las personas heridas o enfermas deben decidir con cuidado, en un momento de estrés, cuál es el mejor lugar para buscar ayuda. Y deben tomar esa decisión en medio de un número creciente de opciones.
Illinois Lawmakers Ban Manufacture, Sale Of Assault Weapons
January 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill targeting the sale and manufacture of high-power assault weapons, .50 caliber rifles and ammunition, plus large-capacity magazines. Also: health care layoffs in California, a farmers’ mental health helpline in Texas, and more.
Tamiflu Shortage Due To Inadequate Ordering; Antibiotic Use Linked To IBD
January 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Big Health Insurers Plan Legal Battle Over Biden Medicare Advantage Audits
January 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Stat reports that at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, Humana, Centene, and CVS Health-Aetna executives explained concerns over upcoming final rules on audits, also known as risk adjustment data validation. Meanwhile, the New York nurses strike entered a second day, among other news.
Building On Covid Tracking Successes, UK Turns Viral Surveillance To Flu, RSV
January 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Reuters and Stat report on a five-year gene sequencing initiative aimed at seasonal viruses that British scientists will begin this year. Among the goals are tracking variants and transmission routes, and designing techniques and tools ahead of the next pandemic. Other research news is on antibiotics, air pollution, and covid vaccines.
After More Infant Deaths, Fisher-Price Recalls Rock ‘n Play Sleepers, Again
January 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Since the original recall in April 2019, about 70 additional deaths have been reported, bringing the total to 100. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, eight of those fatalities happened after the first recall. Additional public health news covers opioid overdoses, gas stoves, social media’s impact on teen mental health, and more.
White House Shines Spotlight On GOP Plans Against Medicare, Social Security
January 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Biden administration is using a political strategy it previously employed during the midterms, The Hill reports, by drawing attention to words from Republican lawmakers about their plans under the new House majority and framing them as efforts that “threaten social welfare programs.”
Judge Hands Decisions On Disputed 340B Payments To HHS
January 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
A federal judge ruled that the Department of Health and Human Services will put a plan in place to address more than $1 billion in underpayments to hospitals under the federal drug discount program. Obamacare enrollment stats and Medicaid expansion benefits are also in the news.
Anti-Abortion Activists To Target Retail Pharmacies Selling Abortion Pills
January 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Politico covers news from anti-abortion activists who plan to target retail pharmacies that will sell abortion pills where they’re permitted to by state law, under the new FDA rules. WUSF Public Media reports that Florida laws mandating multiple physician visits will rule out such sales in the state.
NY Governor Pledges $1 Billion To Filling Gaps In Mental Health System
January 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul outlined during her State of the State address her plan to address untreated mental health issues in the state, saying the money will go toward more psychiatric beds, increased outpatient services, and hospital reforms.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, January 11, 2023
January 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s roundup covers suspicious deaths, covid vaccines, mental health, abortion pills, 340B program, Medicare, flu, guns, and more.
Defense Department Ends Covid Vaccine Mandate For Service Members
January 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says the Pentagon urges military members to get covid shots and is giving commanders discretion in how to deploy unvaccinated troops. Other covid news reports on Moderna’s proposed vaccine price hike and on the spread of XBB.1.5.
First Edition: January 11, 2023
January 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Listen: Who Investigates Suspicious Deaths in Your Community — And Why It Matters
January 11, 2023
KFF Health News Original
KHN senior correspondent Samantha Young appeared on the “Apple News Today” podcast and KOA, a public radio station in Denver, to discuss the difference between coroners and medical examiners and why it matters.
The Decision of Where to Seek Care Is Complicated by the Multitude of Options
By Sam Whitehead
January 11, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The proliferation of care options — particularly urgent care centers and free-standing emergency departments — can make the head spin. Facilities have little incentive to clear up the confusion of where to go. But for patients, the wrong choice can mean big bills and possibly poor health outcomes.