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Latest Morning Briefing Stories

States Extend Medicaid for New Mothers — Even as They Reject Broader Expansion

KFF Health News Original

Most of the dozen states that haven’t fully expanded eligibility for Medicaid have extended or plan to extend the postpartum coverage window for new mothers. That could mean improved maternal health, but it’s only part of the puzzle when it comes to reducing the number of preventable maternal deaths in the U.S.

A Proposal to Import Drugs from Other Countries Creates an Unusual Alliance in the Senate

KFF Health News Original

As a Senate committee considered legislation to reauthorize the FDA’s user fee program, Sens. Bernie Sanders and Rand Paul agreed on a proposed amendment related to importing drugs from Canada, the U.K., and other nations.

Tras Uvalde, cirujanos de trauma detallan los horrores de las masacres, y reclaman cambios

KFF Health News Original

En estos años, la profesión médica ha desarrollado técnicas como la rápida evacuación de pacientes para salvar a un mayor número de víctimas de tiroteos. Pero traumatólogos cirujanos entrevistados por KHN dicen que incluso esas mejoras solo pueden salvar a una fracción de los pacientes cuando son heridas infligidas por rifles de tipo militar.

California quiere producir su propia insulina para bajar su alto costo, ¿lo conseguirá?

KFF Health News Original

La administración del gobernador Gavin Newsom señaló que aproximadamente 4 millones de californianos han sido diagnosticados con diabetes, una enfermedad que puede destruir órganos, la vista y llevar a amputaciones si no se controla. La meta es prevenirlo con insulina más económica.

California Wants to Slash Insulin Prices by Becoming a Drugmaker. Can It Succeed?

KFF Health News Original

Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed spending $100 million to make insulin affordable to millions of people with diabetes under a new state generic drug label, CalRx. But state officials haven’t said how much the insulin will cost patients or how the state will deal with distribution and other challenges.

Peligran transplantes para niña estadounidense de 11 años por burocracia migratoria

KFF Health News Original

En un caso que refleja las fallas significativas y a menudo desgarradoras del sistema, los Espinosa se enfrentan no solo al complicado y costoso laberinto de la atención médica de la nación, sino también a un sistema de inmigración que el Congreso no ha reformado durante décadas.

Despite a First-Ever ‘Right-to-Repair’ Law, There’s No Easy Fix for Wheelchair Users

KFF Health News Original

Colorado lawmakers approved a measure that will make it easier for people to fix their power wheelchairs when they wear out or break down, but arcane regulations and manufacturers create high hurdles for nationwide reform.

Abortion Opponents Take Political Risks by Dropping Exceptions for Rape, Incest, and the Mother’s Life

KFF Health News Original

Conservative states are moving to severely restrict abortions, and many are pressing for bans that provide no exception for cases of rape or incest or even to save the life of the mother. But public opinion polls suggest those limits could cause blowback.

Taco Bowls and Chicken Curry: Medi-Cal Delivers Ready Meals in Grand Health Care Experiment

KFF Health News Original

California has embarked on an ambitious five-year initiative to improve the health of its sickest Medicaid patients by introducing nontraditional services. In the Inland Empire, where many residents have diabetes, one health plan is diving into the experiment by delivering healthy, prepared meals to those lucky enough to get them.

Senate GOP Puts Up Roadblocks to Bipartisan House Bill for Veterans’ Burn Pit Care

KFF Health News Original

The Senate could start work this week on a bipartisan bill to make it much easier for veterans to get health care and benefits if they get sick from exposure to massive, open-air incineration pits in war zones. The legislation has gained minimal support among Senate Republicans, who say they are concerned about the cost and the ability of Veterans Affairs to handle such a large new mission.

As Overdoses Soar, More States Decriminalize Fentanyl Testing Strips

KFF Health News Original

Georgia may soon join a growing list of states decriminalizing the use of fentanyl testing strips. Bans of the strips — on the books in about half of states, experts say — stem from laws criminalizing drug paraphernalia adopted decades ago. But the testing devices are now recommended to help prevent overdose deaths.

To Families’ Dismay, Biden Nursing Home Reform Doesn’t View Them as Essential Caregivers

KFF Health News Original

Relatives who often provide vital caregiving for nursing home residents say the lockdowns during the covid pandemic showed the need for family members to visit in person with their loved ones. About a dozen states have passed laws guaranteeing that right, and California is considering one.

Biden Pledges Better Nursing Home Care, but He Likely Won’t Fast-Track It

KFF Health News Original

CMS chief Chiquita Brooks-LaSure says the agency reserves its power to quickly institute new regulations for “absolute emergencies.” On staffing, nursing home residents might need to wait years to see any real change.

Biden’s Promise of Better Nursing Home Care Will Require Many More Workers

KFF Health News Original

The president wants to set minimum staffing levels for the beleaguered nursing home industry. But, given a lack of transparency surrounding the industry’s finances, it’s a mystery how facilities will shoulder the added costs.