Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed ++

Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today's selections are on aging, Down syndrome, HPV, and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/weekend-reading-042426/ Viewpoints: Medicine Has Come So Far, And Now Politics Threatens Our Lifesaving Research; Government Doesn't Know What's Best For Children https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-medicine-has-come-so-far-and-now-politics-threatens-our-lifesaving-research-government-doesnt-know-whats-best-for-children/

More Teens, Young Adults Turning To AI Chatbots For Mental Health Support

More Teens, Young Adults Turning To AI Chatbots For Mental Health Support A study finds that 20% of people aged 12 to 21 have used artificial intelligence tools for advice on their mental health. Other research news looks at flu shots, cancer, heart health, and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/science-and-innovations-061226/

California Pledges $46 Million To Decontaminate Tijuana River

California Pledges $46 Million To Decontaminate Tijuana River The toxic gases emitted by raw sewage can erode neurons in the nose, trigger asthma attacks, and cause symptoms like headaches, nausea, cough, shortness of breath, and skin and eye irritation, according to the CDC. The California-Mexico cross-border pollution is one of the nation’s worst and longest-running environmental crises, according to an EPA spokesperson. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/state-watch-061226/

IVF Provision For Service Members Cut From Defense Bill

IVF Provision For Service Members Cut From Defense Bill Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) sponsored the provision that would have provided IVF coverage for military service members who struggle with infertility. Currently, Tricare insurance only covers fertility services for military members whose infertility was caused by injury or illness while on active duty, The Hill reports. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/reproductive-health-061226/

CDC Sets New World Screwworm Emergency Response In Motion

CDC Sets New World Screwworm Emergency Response In Motion The public health agency has activated a Level 3 emergency response — the agency’s lowest-level tier — and is assembling a team of career scientists who will closely monitor the outbreak and coordinate with local health departments, Bloomberg reports. Meanwhile, CIDRAP reports that the FDA has issued an emergency use authorization for a generic drug to treat dogs and cats infected with screwworm. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/outbreaks-and-health-threats-061226/

Hospital Groups Urge CMS To Set Higher Pay Rates Next Year

Hospital Groups Urge CMS To Set Higher Pay Rates Next Year Public comments submitted by hospital associations to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services this week skewered a proposed 2.4% net rate increase for inpatient care as insufficient in light of substantial financial headwinds. Other industry news focuses on AI, nurse turnover, emergency rooms, and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/health-industry-061226/

RFK Jr. Denies Report That He Is 'Checked Out' Of HHS Work

RFK Jr. Denies Report That He Is 'Checked Out' Of HHS Work Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pushed back against a New York Times report citing sources who questioned his staffing appointments and engagement in official duties. Kennedy cited access to his daily calendar as evidence of a false narrative, though Stat News says no such document exists and that the news organization has been requesting one for a year. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/administration-news-061226/