These Alabama Workers Were Swamped by Medical Debt. Then Their Employer Stepped In.
By Noam N. Levey
September 19, 2024
KFF Health News Original
A decades-old manufacturing company opened a clinic and made primary care and prescriptions free for employees and their families.
Cyberattacks Plague the Health Industry. Critics Call Feds’ Response Feeble and Fractured.
By Darius Tahir
September 19, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Health care weathered more ransomware attacks last year than any other sector, and that was before a debilitating February hack of payments manager Change Healthcare. Executives, lawyers, and policymakers are worried the federal government’s response is underpowered, underfunded, and too focused on hospital security.
Unpacking the FDA’s Non-Recall Recalls
By David Hilzenrath
September 18, 2024
KFF Health News Original
When the Agriculture Department posted a recall of chicken nuggets that might be contaminated, it directed consumers to return them or throw the stuff away. When the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that poorly designed baby loungers could suffocate babies, it warned consumers to immediately stop using them. But when it comes to medical devices, […]
High-Dose Kratom Capsules Are Safe, First FDA Study Of Compound Finds
September 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
The botanical has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia, Bloomberg notes, but it’s more commonly found in drinks and concentrates in the U.S., triggering the research effort. Separately, financial incentives for kidney donors; changing research standards on trans issues; and more.
Express Scripts Sues FTC, Calls Report About Drug Middlemen ‘Erroneous’
September 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Viewpoints: Obamacare Comes Out On Top; Religious Exemptions For Vaccinations Should End
September 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
IVF Bill Again Blocked By Republicans; Competing Senate Measure Fails, Too
September 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Democratic measure, which would have ensured federal protections to the fertility treatment, failed 51-44. The GOP bill, which focused on access to IVF, did not gain unanimous consent to pass. Meanwhile, AP and ProPublica report about pregnant women who have died since Roe v. Wade was overturned.
CDC Launches Program to Reduce Diagnostic Errors, Boost Safety
September 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
The goal is to reduce the impact of incorrect diagnoses, or delayed ones, which can occur for many different reasons and seriously impact the safety of patient care. Among other news, New Hampshire’s attorney general demands answers from Exeter Hospital about plans to cut services.
Ozempic Could Be Included In Next Round Of Medicare Price Cuts
September 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
Also, Sen. Bernie Sanders spoke up again about Ozempic’s manufacturer Novo Nordisk, alleging that it can make and sell its weight loss drug for under $100 a month. Meanwhile, CNN notes that GLP-1 drugs in pill form are coming, and this may revolutionize weight loss treatments.
Polio-Like D68 Virus With Paralyzing Potential Is Spiking Among US Children
September 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
The respiratory virus is linked, in rare cases, to acute flaccid myelitis, which affects the nervous system. Meanwhile, flu deaths among kids for the 2023-24 season tied the U.S. record high of 199.
Harris Floats 7% Cap On Child Care Costs For Working Families
September 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
The policy initiative previously was proposed by President Joe Biden. Meanwhile, the U.S. House today is set to vote on funding the government. The Washington Post reports that it doesn’t have enough support to pass.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, September 18, 2024
September 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
Each month, KFF Health News’ Rural Dispatch newsletter covers health issues in places where accessing care can be more challenging. Sign up here!
Alcohol May Be To Blame For Increase In Cancer Rates, Researchers Find
September 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
Even though cancer death rates have fallen, the report notes, moderate and light drinkers saw more cancer deaths than occasional drinkers.
US Drug Overdose Deaths Plunge 10%
September 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
NPR reports that some researchers believe the data could show an even larger drop, beyond the 10.6% drop that CDC data shows, when federal surveys take stock of state-level improvements. Separately, more than a quarter of those in Baltimore know someone who fatally overdosed.
First Edition: Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024
September 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
California May Regulate and Restrict Pharmaceutical Brokers
By Don Thompson
September 18, 2024
KFF Health News Original
California lawmakers are moving to rein in the pharmaceutical middlemen they say drive up costs and limit consumers’ choices. The bill sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom would require pharmacy benefit managers to be licensed in California and would ban some business practices. Newsom vetoed a previous effort three years ago.
Arkansas’ Governor Says Medicaid Extension for New Moms Isn’t Needed
By Sarah Varney
September 18, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Federal law requires states to provide pregnancy-related Medicaid coverage through 60 days after delivery. Arkansas has not expanded what’s called postpartum Medicaid coverage, an option that gives poor women uninterrupted health insurance for a year after they give birth.
Tennessee Tries To Rein In Ballad’s Hospital Monopoly After Years of Problems
By Brett Kelman
September 18, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Ballad Health, a 20-hospital system with the nation’s largest state-sanctioned hospital monopoly, serves patients in Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina.
Judge Reduces Sentence Of Paramedic Present At Elijah McClain’s Death
September 17, 2024
Morning Briefing
A paramedic convicted in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain has had his sentence reduced to probation. McClain died after police put him in a chokehold and paramedics injected him with sedatives. Among other news: Samaritan Health Services lays off 1% of its workforce.
