Nursing Homes Already On CMS Watchlist Could Face Stiff Penalties
October 24, 2022
Morning Briefing
The Biden administration unveiled plans to impose tougher consequences on the worst-performing nursing homes. For the small number already designated as “special focus” facilities, they could lose federal funds if they receive more than one violation citation.
First Edition: Oct. 24, 2022
October 24, 2022
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Listen: How Does Human Composting Work?
October 24, 2022
KFF Health News Original
California Healthline’s Bernard J. Wolfson went on the air to explain a new California law that will allow people to have their bodies reduced to compost after death, an alternative to the traditional-but-toxic methods of cremation and burial.
Drivers in Decline: A Shortage of Volunteers Complicates Access to Care in Rural America
By Christina Saint Louis
October 24, 2022
KFF Health News Original
Public transit is already insufficient in rural areas, leaving residents with few options as they travel greater distances to access health care. But older residents who depend on volunteer drivers to get them to appointments face another challenge: The number of those volunteers is declining.
For the Houma People, Displacement Looms With Every Storm
By Emmarie Huetteman
October 24, 2022
KFF Health News Original
The Houma, an Indigenous tribe, has seen much of its Gulf Coast community washed away by rising sea levels and dangerous storms. Its leaders say the tribe’s lack of federal recognition makes it harder to keep rebuilding.
Morning Briefing for Friday, October 21, 2022
October 21, 2022
Morning Briefing
Friday’s briefing covers covid vaccines, abortion access, Medicare, elections, mental health, benzene, and more. Plus, weekend reads.
San Francisco To End Monkeypox State Of Emergency
October 21, 2022
Morning Briefing
The emergency declaration, now due to end October 31, has been in place for about three months and comes as case counts drop to fewer than one per day. But in Nevada, the first Clark County death from monkeypox was reported. Meanwhile, Seattle had the worst air in the world for a second day.
Pfizer To Soon Quadruple Price Of Covid Shots In US
October 21, 2022
Morning Briefing
Prices will rise to about $110 to $130 per dose after the current United States government’s current purchase program expires, Reuters reports. Meanwhile, pressure on drugmakers to widen access to medicines comes even as Novartis says it will allow some generic leukemia drug production.
Neurological Issues Found In Nearly 1 In 10 Kids Hospitalized With Covid
October 21, 2022
Morning Briefing
A team of researchers found 7% of young covid patients hospitalized from covid had neurological issues. Meanwhile, Moderna found its covid shot safe and quite effective in children younger than 5, but research showed vaccines weren’t as effective at preventing hospitalization during the Summer.
Data Breach Exposed Health Info Of 3 Million In Illinois, Wisconsin
October 21, 2022
Morning Briefing
Up to 3 million patients may have had personal information exposed to outside companies thanks to a data tracking issue at Advocate Aurora Health. Separately, a new study suggests to minimize impacts on public health, health conspiracy theories online should be debunked in real time.
Viewpoints: Telemedicine Is Worth Keeping; Are We Prepared For The New Covid Variants?
October 21, 2022
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Workplace Issues Hurt Mental, Physical Health: Surgeon General
October 21, 2022
Morning Briefing
Media outlets report on words from U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy concerning risks to workers’ health from unhappy workplace environments. Separately, Murthy’s efforts to tackle youth mental health are facing stiff criticism, but efforts to tackle military suicides are working.
Obamacare Takes A Back Seat In Midterm Campaign
October 21, 2022
Morning Briefing
After a decade of pledging to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act, Republicans this year are not talking much about the health law. Meanwhile, efforts at the CDC to improve responses to crises are lagging.
Drugmakers Seeking Some Relief On New Medicare Rules
October 21, 2022
Morning Briefing
The Inflation Reduction Act, which allows Medicare to negotiate the prices of some drugs, was strongly opposed by drugmakers and one of their very rare losses on Capitol Hill. They are now hoping to help influence the Biden administration as it sets the regulations from the new law.
Gas Stoves Can Emit Cancer-Causing Benzene, Even When Off: Study
October 21, 2022
Morning Briefing
The potential dangers of natural gas in homes mount as researchers find that stoves and pipes in California homes leak toxic pollutants, even when not in use. The concentrations of detected benzene — a chemical linked to cancer — was as high as seven times the state’s safety levels.
Pentagon To Fund Abortion Travel For Service Members And Families
October 21, 2022
Morning Briefing
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a series of policies Thursday aimed at shoring up access to reproductive health care for troops and their dependents. The moves include paying travel costs for families assigned to states that restrict abortion, extending the time a pregnancy must be disclosed, and adding privacy protections.
CDC Vaccine Advisers Vote To Add Covid Shot To Pediatric Schedule
October 21, 2022
Morning Briefing
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices unanimously voted in favor of including the covid vaccine on the list of routine immunizations that doctors follow when recommending vaccinations and that schools consult when setting requirements.
First Edition: October 21, 2022
October 21, 2022
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Awaiting Voters’ Decision on Abortion, When Medicine and Politics Collide
By Andrea King Collier
October 21, 2022
KFF Health News Original
As Michigan and several other states await voters’ verdicts on ballot measures about abortion, the providers, patients, and activists on both sides strategize their next steps.
Labor Tries City-by-City Push in California for $25 Minimum Wage at Private Medical Facilities
By Rachel Bluth
October 21, 2022
KFF Health News Original
Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West is testing the waters on a $25 minimum wage for support staff at health care facilities in Southern California. Opposition from hospitals and health facilities is driving an expensive battle.