Latest Morning Briefing Stories

What the Health? From KFF Health News: Culture Wars Take Center Stage

Podcast

With lawmakers still mired over renewing enhanced tax credits for Affordable Care Act plans, much of Washington has turned to culture war issues. Meanwhile, “confusion” remains the watchword at HHS as personnel and funding decisions continue to be made and unmade with little notice. Anna Edney of Bloomberg News, Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico Magazine, and Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss those stories and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews KFF Health News’ Elisabeth Rosenthal, who wrote the latest “Bill of the Month” report.

Tienda de segunda mano. Clínica. Lugar de encuentro. Centro se convierte en espacio vital en medio de la crisis de vivienda y drogas

KFF Health News Original

Aunque lleva varios años en funcionamiento, el espacio se ha vuelto aún más crucial en los últimos meses, con la administración Trump recortando fondos a muchas organizaciones de servicios sociales y adoptando una postura agresiva frente a las personas sin hogar y el consumo de drogas.

In Lodge Grass, Montana, a Crow Community Works To Rebuild From Meth’s Destruction

KFF Health News Original

Meth is a problem most everywhere, but particularly in Indian Country. On the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana, new buildings serve as symbols of a town trying to rebuild after being devastated by addiction.

Homeless Shelters for Seniors Pop Up, Catering to Older Adults’ Medical Needs

KFF Health News Original

Seniors are the fastest-growing segment of homeless Americans. Shelters are struggling to take in people with mobility issues and other chronic health conditions that can make living in a shelter nearly impossible. But specialized shelters for seniors are cropping up around the country to fill the gap.

Criminally Ill: Systemic Failures Turn State Mental Hospitals Into Prisons

KFF Health News Original

There has been a steep rise in the share of people with severe mental illnesses being sent to state psychiatric hospitals on court orders after being accused of serious crimes. The shift has all but halted patients’ ability to get care before they have a catastrophic crisis.

¿Llamar al 911 o arriesgarse a perder al bebé? Redadas obligan a algunos inmigrantes a evitar la atención médica

KFF Health News Original

A casi dos semanas de iniciada la operación llamada Catahoula Crunch, que comenzó el 3 de diciembre, profesionales de salud y defensores comunitarios en Louisiana y Mississippi reportan un aumento inusual de pacientes inmigrantes que se han salteado citas médicas.

Washington’s Homeless Hide in Plain Sight, Growing Sicker and Costing Taxpayers More

KFF Health News Original

The White House says encampment sweeps have enhanced the capital, but city leaders estimate nearly 700 homeless people roam by day and bed down outdoors by night. Some have scattered to the suburbs while others avoid detection, making it hard for medical providers to care for them.

FDA Panelists Questioned Antidepressants in Pregnancy. But Doctors Call Them a Lifeline.

KFF Health News Original

Participants in an FDA panel discussion warned the public about risks from using antidepressants in pregnancy. But mental health issues, including suicide and overdoses, are the leading cause of maternal death in the United States. Antidepressants are a safe, well-studied way to help prevent those deaths, medical experts say.

Health Care Costs Jump to the Fore as Candidates Jockey To Be California Governor

KFF Health News Original

During a California gubernatorial debate, candidates promised to protect people’s access to health care and fight back against Trump administration cuts. With the contest a year away, polling shows voters want the next governor to minimize out-of-pocket health care costs, increase mental health care, and expand caregiving services.