Morning Briefing for Tuesday, December 10, 2024
December 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
Uninsured rates, UnitedHealthcare shooting arrest, Trump’s health nominees, 340B discounts, weight loss drugs, aging at home, and more.
After ACA, Number Of Uninsured Americans Dropped By Half: Survey
December 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Commonwealth Fund 2024 Biennial Health Insurance Survey found that 8 percent of Americans had no health insurance in 2023. It also found that 3 in 5 underinsured adults said they avoided care because of the cost. Separately, a Gallup poll finds that 62% of Americans think it’s the government’s job to make sure everyone has health care coverage.
NYC Police Charge UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting Suspect With Murder
December 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
When arrested Tuesday in Pennsylvania, it’s reported that Luigi Nicholas Mangione, a 26 year-old from Maryland, was carrying a 3D-printed ghost gun and a manifesto citing anger with corporate America, including UnitedHealthcare. New York City police have charged Mangione with murder in the shooting of that company’s executive Brian Thompson.
Nobel Laureate Group Details Reasons Why RFK Jr. Should Not Lead HHS
December 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
“Placing Mr. Kennedy in charge of DHHS would put the public’s health in jeopardy and undermine America’s global leadership in the health sciences,” more than 75 laureates wrote in a letter to senators. Meanwhile, despite Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s criticism of the industry and history of vaccine skepticism, pharma is staying silent about the nomination.
AI Has The Ability To Save Kids’ Lives — And The Capacity To Cause Harm
December 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
The New York Times looks at technology that tries to detect self-harm, suicidal ideation, when students type concerning words on school-issued systems, and then alerts officials. On the flip side, NPR reports on a lawsuit that contends chatbots’ encouragements can turn dark, inappropriate, or even violent.
First Edition: Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024
December 10, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A Centenarian Thrives Living Alone, Active and Engaged
By Judith Graham
December 10, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Many older adults living alone, isolated and vulnerable, struggle with health issues. But a noteworthy slice of this growing group of seniors maintain a high degree of well-being. Meet Hilda Jaffe, age 102.
Rural Governments Often Fail To Communicate With Residents Who Aren’t Proficient in English
By Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez
December 10, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Access to information in languages other than English is protected by various federal, state, and local policies. But researchers tracking them say that as rural America grows more diverse, people not proficient in English face added barriers to critical public health information and services.
Centenaria vive sola en Nueva York, y se mantiene comprometida y activa con su comunidad
By Judith Graham
December 10, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Entre las cualidades asociadas a la resiliencia en los mayores se incluyen el optimismo y la esperanza, la capacidad de adaptarse a circunstancias cambiantes, las relaciones personales relevantes, las conexiones con la comunidad y la actividad física.
Cancer Treatments Rise For Under 50 Population, Analysis Finds
December 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
In other news, HPV vaccine is credited for lower death rate among women under 25; psilocybin is being tested to treat health care worker burnout; and more.
Allina Health’s Response To Workplace Violence Is Not Enough, Nurses Say
December 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
CBS News reports that workplace violence at Allina Health’s Abbott Northwestern Hospital has led to more than $83,000 in fines over the past year. Other news from the health industry is on the demand for obesity drugs, an acquisition of 11 Tennessee nursing homes, and more.
Abortion Access In Missouri Still In Limbo, Awaiting Judge’s Ruling
December 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
Although a constitutional amendment to roll back the state’s abortion ban passed, it does not override any specific state laws, leaving Planned Parenthood’s plans to offer abortions at the mercy of the judge. Also: opioid settlement funds; methadone clinics fraud complaints in New York, and more.
Viewpoints: How Did Basic Procedures Become Surgery?; Mental Health Apps Need An Update
December 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Morning Briefing for Monday, December 9, 2024
December 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
ACA subsidies, dissatisfaction with health costs, Trump’s policy plans, bird flu testing, flu rates, cancer in young people, and more
Survey Finds Nearly 80% Dissatisfied With Cost Of Health Care In US
December 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
In the lowest marks in over two decades, a Gallup poll finds that only 19% of Americans are satisfied with the costs of health care in 2024. Quality ratings suffer as well, with less than a majority of people giving “good” or “excellent.” And a separate survey looks at Medicare Advantage plans.
RFK Jr. Might Probe Whether Vaccines Cause Autism, Trump Indicates
December 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
Even though studies have repeatedly shown that no link exists, “I think somebody has to find out,” President-elect Donald Trump said on NBC’s “Meet The Press.” He also repeated that he doesn’t expect access to abortion pills will change under his administration, but he acknowledged that “things change.”
CBO Estimates Millions Will Lose Insurance If ACA Subsidies Expire; Biden Calls For Extension
December 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
Premiums will also rise if the subsidies are allowed to expire at the end of 2025, the new CBO report forecasts. President Joe Biden urged Congress to extend the tax credits now, and The Washington Post reports on a deal offered by Democrats to get it done.
National Milk Supply Testing For Bird Flu Mandated By USDA
December 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has ordered testing of the country’s milk supply for bird flu beginning Dec. 16, to better track bird flu spread across the country.
Police, FBI Manhunt For Killer Of UnitedHealthcare CEO Widens Beyond NYC
December 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
“I’m thinking we’re going to know who this is within a matter of a few more days, if that,” a former FBI profiler says. Meanwhile, authorities have released new images of the suspect and are offering reward money for information leading to the suspect’s arrest and conviction.
Flu Rates Show Slight Increase; Overall Respiratory Viruses Rise To Moderate
December 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, Navy quietly begins studying fighter pilot brain injuries; weight-loss drugs may also curb addiction; mosquito-borne chikungunya has hefty price tag; and more.
