Vance’s Vision For Health Care Calls For Experimenting With Risk Pools
October 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Republican vice presidential candidate’s suggestion to tinker with the ACA raises fear that folks with chronic health conditions would pay more. Policy experts note his contradicting statements. “Anything that separates out pre-existing conditions is doomed to utter failure,” one said.
Humana Shares Plummet After Feds Slash Rating
October 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Humana’s stock took a tumble after the provider admitted to the SEC that only about 1 in 4 of its members were signed up to Medicare Advantage plans rated four stars or more. Meanwhile, CMS is making it harder in 2025 for insurers to get top marks, due to changes in the way stars are calculated.
CDC Issues Warning On Knockoff Meds From Illegal Online Pharmacies
October 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
People should be wary of companies that don’t require a prescription and offer deep discounts, the agency said. The warning comes several days after the Justice Department sued illegal online pharmacies selling counterfeit prescription pills that it says frequently contain fentanyl.
Study Links Black-Color Plastic In Toys, Kitchenware With Banned Chemicals
October 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
A particular plastic material commonly found in household goods like kitchen utensils may contain flame retardants that have been long banned. Meanwhile, a separate study found Southern California urban zones are exposed to chronic levels of “plasticizer” chemicals in the air.
First Edition: Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024
October 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
More Restrooms Have Adult-Size Changing Tables To Help People With Disabilities
By Tony Leys
October 3, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Adults with disabilities and their caregivers are pressing governments and private businesses across the U.S. to help them avoid undignified public bathroom experiences.
Doctors Urging Conference Boycotts Over Abortion Bans Face Uphill Battle
By Ronnie Cohen
October 3, 2024
KFF Health News Original
A famed breast cancer surgeon has created a California alternative to a major Texas event. Yet many doctors believe boycotting medical conferences in states that criminalize abortion accomplishes nothing and can be harmful.
Harris Correct That Trump Fell Short on Promise To Negotiate Medicare Drug Prices
By Jacob Gardenswartz
October 3, 2024
KFF Health News Original
The former president instead favored a temporary model that could’ve brought down prices of some prescription drugs, but it was blocked by the courts.
Vance-Walz Debate Highlighted Clear Health Policy Differences
By KFF Health News and PolitiFact staffs
October 2, 2024
KFF Health News Original
The vice presidential debate showcased the very different views of Ohio Republican Sen. JD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate, and Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’ VP pick, on health policies past and present.
Amid Medicaid ‘Unwinding,’ Many States Wind Up Expanding
By Phil Galewitz
October 2, 2024
KFF Health News Original
It was expected that the past year and a half would be a fraught time for Medicaid, the workhorse of the nation’s health system, which covers more people than any other government health insurance program. In April 2023, states resumed screening people for Medicaid eligibility and terminating coverage for those they said no longer qualified […]
What’s Most Important To Voters? According To A Poll, Medicare And Health Costs
October 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
Respondents in the Gallup Poll of more than 3,600 adults ages 18 and older also said health care isn’t getting as much attention as it should. In other election news, Kamala Harris goes on an ad blitz, and Donald Trump downplays troops’ brain injuries as “headaches.”
Consumer Watchdog Spotlights Illegal Medical Debt Collection Tactics
October 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
In related news, the Debt Fairness Act went into effect Tuesday in Minnesota. Also, Chinese and U.S. health officials agree to increase cooperation on global health affairs, and more.
Five Key Health Insurers Reveal 2025’s Medicare Advantage Plans
October 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
The announcements by Cigna, CVS, Humana, Centene, and UnitedHealth were made ahead of the beginning of Medicare Advantage enrollment, which begins Oct. 15. Among other news, a top California health plan will offer one of the world’s top-selling drugs, Humira, for free to show how skirting middlemen can improve drug affordability.
Florida Cities Wrestle With State’s Strict Anti-Homelessness Law
October 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
As of Tuesday, it’s illegal in Florida to sleep on sidewalks, in parks, on beaches, or in other public spaces. Other news from around the nation is on medical marijuana in Arkansas, accusations of bias against Walmart, and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
KP.3.1.1 Covid Variant Is Now Behind Majority Of New Cases In US
October 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
CDC data also show that subvariant KP.2.3 is responsible for around 1 in 10 new cases. The two “KP” variants are part of a covid variant group known as “FLiRT.” Meanwhile, Brigham researchers revealed a drug-free nasal spray that may block covid infections, and also flu and colds.
Federal Abortion Ban Is Off The Table, Trump Pledges During VP Debate
October 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Republican presidential nominee, who has previously dodged such a commitment, said he would veto any measure that takes away states’ responsibilities. His announcement came after his running mate, J.D. Vance, conceded that Republicans are losing ground on the issue.
JD Vance, Noting Voters Don’t Trust His Party On Abortion, Does An About-Face
October 2, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Republican vice presidential nominee projected a softer stance on the debate stage and parroted Donald Trump’s view that abortion legislation is a state issue. Citing his actions as Minnesota governor, Democrat Tim Walz affirmed his support for women and their doctors to decide what’s best.
