Shopping for ACA Health Insurance? Here’s What’s New This Year
By Julie Appleby
October 31, 2022
KFF Health News Original
Consumers may find relief in some key changes made by Congress and the Biden administration, although other issues remain unsettled.
Journalists Talk Medicare and Public Health Infrastructure
October 29, 2022
KFF Health News Original
KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Colorado October Test
October 28, 2022
Morning Briefing
Pese al consejo de Katie Couric, médicos dicen que las ecografías de seno pueden no ser necesarias
By Michelle Andrews
October 28, 2022
KFF Health News Original
Expertos advierten sobre los falsos positivos que puede generar más temor que certezas médicas.
Viewpoints: Childhood Polio Vaccination Must Increase; Why Is There No RSV Vaccine?
October 28, 2022
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers tackle polio, RSV, covid, and more.
Affordable Health Care Could Become A Human Right In Oregon
October 28, 2022
Morning Briefing
A ballot measure in Oregon is offering the chance to explicitly declare affordable health care a human right as part of the state constitution. Also in the news: flesh-eating bacteria in Florida, rising calls to the 988 line in Wyoming and New Mexico, post-birth Medicaid extensions, and more.
Report Highlights Racial Disparities In Californians’ Disability Care
October 28, 2022
Morning Briefing
A Disability Voices United report says the disability service system is “plagued” with such issues, with dangerous risks for essential services. Meanwhile, a Washington Post story says the Republican National Committee Chairwoman mocked Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman’s post-stroke speech abilities.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
October 28, 2022
Morning Briefing
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on aging, asbestos, abortion, racism, long covid, and zombie brains. (Yes, you read that right.)
Walgreens Pharmacy Staff Will Be Allowed To Work More Slowly
October 28, 2022
Morning Briefing
NBC News reports that Walgreens is going to stop judging pharmacy staff performance on speed or “task-based metrics,” with the pharmacy giant saying that evaluations will center on patient support and quality instead. Separately, a patient died in an Alzheimer’s drug trial, sparking risk concerns.
The Cost Of Operating Health Care Services Is Rising: Report
October 28, 2022
Morning Briefing
Becker’s Hospital Review covers a report from the Medical Group Management Association, which says pressure on the health system, staff shortages, and supply chain upsets are leading to rising costs almost everywhere. Meanwhile, Axios says hospitals are “pleading” for delays to Medicare pay cuts.
Cancer Death Rates Fell In Every Age Group From 2015-19, Report Says
October 28, 2022
Morning Briefing
In other cancer research, Newsweek reported that scientists have found that the venom of the Australian southern sand octopus may significantly slow cancer growth in patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma, one of the most serious forms of skin cancer.
Black, Hispanic People Less Likely To Get Paxlovid, Study Finds
October 28, 2022
Morning Briefing
In other news about Paxlovid, researchers say they will soon begin testing its effectiveness against long covid. Meanwhile, a new study reinforces research that humans can pass covid to dogs and cats.
YouTube, Twitter, Schools Are Fighting Back Against The Spread Of False News
October 28, 2022
Morning Briefing
YouTube now has a verification process that allows certain professionals to be labeled as an authoritative source on a medical topic. And Twitter is using “prebunking” methods to head off hoaxes or misinformation.
WHO Warns TB Is Rising, And Covid Is To Blame
October 28, 2022
Morning Briefing
The number of people infected with tuberculosis, including drug-resistant TB, rose 4.5% in 2021 from 2020’s figures — for the “first time in years,” AP notes. Meanwhile, as the monkeypox outbreak continues, the CDC is emphasizing testing and treatment during pregnancy. RSV is also in the news.
Morning Briefing for Friday, October 28, 2022
October 28, 2022
Morning Briefing
KHN is now on TikTok! Watch our videos and follow along here as we break down health care headlines and policy.
Arizona’s Strict Abortion Ban Won’t Start This Year
October 28, 2022
Morning Briefing
Axios reports that a deal was reached between the state’s attorney general and Planned Parenthood after an earlier appeals court ruling blocked the 158-year-old ban. Abortion services have resumed. Meanwhile, NBC News says a national abortion access bill will be introduced today.
First Edition: Oct. 28, 2022
October 28, 2022
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Knoxville’s Black Community Endured Deeply Rooted Racism. Now There Is Medical Debt.
By Noam N. Levey
October 28, 2022
KFF Health News Original
Despite the end of Jim Crow segregation, its legacy lives on in medical debt that disproportionately burdens Black communities.
Ambulance Company to Halt Some Rides in Southern California, Citing Low Medicaid Rates
By Sarah Kwon
October 28, 2022
KFF Health News Original
American Medical Response, the largest U.S. ambulance company, is ending nonemergency transportation for 12 hospitals in Los Angeles and Orange counties, saying the state doesn’t pay enough to transport low-income patients. The state is pushing back.
Despite Katie Couric’s Advice, Doctors Say Ultrasound Breast Exams May Not Be Needed
By Michelle Andrews
October 28, 2022
KFF Health News Original
When Katie Couric announced she had breast cancer, she urged women to get a mammogram — and, if they have dense breasts, to get supplemental screening by ultrasound. But medical experts point out that ultrasound and other auxiliary screenings haven’t been proven to do more than regular mammography in reducing mortality.