Are States Keeping Their Promises on Opioid Settlement Transparency?
By Aneri Pattani
December 9, 2024
KFF Health News Original
It’s been about two years since most states began receiving millions of dollars in opioid settlement payments from companies that made or distributed prescription painkillers. But whether you can track how that windfall has been spent depends largely on where you live. That’s because there is no federal standard dictating the information that must be […]
First Edition: Monday, Dec. 9, 2024
December 9, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
California Official Comes out of Retirement To Lead Troubled Mental Health Commission
By Molly Castle Work
December 9, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Former California social services head Will Lightbourne has come out of retirement to lead the state’s mental health accountability commission following its executive director’s resignation in the wake of conflict of interest allegations.
Resources Are Expanding for Older Adults on Their Own
By Judith Graham
Updated December 9, 2024
Originally Published December 9, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Aging alone, without a spouse, a partner, or children, requires careful planning. New programs for this growing population offer much-needed help.
Expanden los recursos para las personas mayores que viven solas
By Judith Graham
December 9, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Todos estos recursos abordan la necesidad de estos adultos mayores de relacionarse con otras personas, evitar el aislamiento y prepararse para un futuro en el que podrían tener menos energía, más problemas de salud y necesitar más ayuda.
Journalists Dig Into Vaccine Debate and America’s Obesity Rates
December 7, 2024
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News staff made the rounds on national and local media in recent weeks to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Dental Nightmares
December 6, 2024
Page
Featured articles More Articles From the Project Credits Reporters Brett KelmanAnna Werner Producers Eric HarkleroadLydia ZurawOona TempestLynne ShallcrossDavid Hicks Editors John HillkirkKelly Johnson
Georgia Said It Would Fix Care for the Disabled Years Ago. It’s Still Not Done.
By Sam Whitehead
December 6, 2024
KFF Health News Original
In recent decades, the Justice Department has sued several states for unnecessarily confining people with disabilities in places such as state psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes and segregated workspaces. Such treatment violates a key part of the Americans With Disabilities Act — as affirmed in the 1999 Olmstead decision from the Supreme Court: that people with […]
Oklahoma Lawmaker Introduces Bill To Classify Abortion As A Felony
December 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, Michigan moves to safeguard women’s health data; Ohio takes steps to protect sedated patients; Florida rejects children’s health insurance program; and more.
A Whopping 364 Whooping Cough Cases Plagued US Thanksgiving Week
December 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Although the holiday pertussis surge is the worst the U.S. has seen since 2010, officials note it “is now returning to pre-pandemic trends.” Meanwhile, as flu season gets underway, the antiviral drug oseltamivir is showing promise as a lifesaving treatment for influenza A.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
December 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on brain health, dirty water, blindness, comfort dogs, and more.
Morning Briefing for Friday, December 6, 2024
December 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Vaccinations, reaction to UnitedHealth exec’s killing, anesthesia coverage, Trump’s health agency picks, obesity, medical training, and more
CEO’s Slaying Lays Bare The Disdain People Feel About Insurance Industry
December 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Social media lit up with comments like “thoughts and deductibles” in the days after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead in New York, exposing Americans’ frustration with health insurers that determine the breadth of care and coverage patients can receive.
High-Level Execs Scramble For More Protection After Thompson’s Slaying
December 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Phones have been “ringing off the hook” at Allied Universal, which provides security services for many Fortune 500 companies, The New York Times reported. Plus: Updates on the hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killer.
Anthem Blue Cross Reverses Anesthesia Coverage Policy After Outcry
December 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
The insurance provider is dropping a proposed policy update that would have limited anesthesia coverage to an estimated time for a procedure. Meanwhile, Medical Economics reports that health care costs for businesses are increasing at a rate not seen in years.
FDA Needs More Authority And Funds From Congress To Curb Obesity Trend
December 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
On Thursday, senators decried the FDA’s lack of action on obesity and diabetes. Commissioner Robert Califf argued that the FDA needs more assistance to get things done. Meanwhile, only under President Joe Biden has the FDA begun to regulate lab-developed tests, Stat reports.
Trainee Doctors At Mass General Brigham Protest Over Exploitation
December 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
An estimated 400 doctors protested Thursday, claiming the raises promised by MGB failed to keep up with inflation, while the CEO’s salary jumped nearly 12% in last year alone. Also, Iowa’s physician-to-patient ratio is one of the worst in the country and is expected to get worse.
First Edition: Friday, Dec. 6, 2024
December 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
How Measles, Whooping Cough, and Worse Could Roar Back on RFK Jr.’s Watch
By Arthur Allen
December 6, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Inoculation campaigns that protect children and adults from dangerous diseases rely on a delicate web of state and federal laws and programs. If senior officials cast doubt on vaccine safety, the whole system might collapse, especially in red states.
