Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
CMS Rejects Texas' Application For Postpartum Medicaid Extension
Texas’ application to extend Medicaid coverage for new mothers from two months to six months has been denied by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the agency offered no immediate reason for the rejection. (Klibanoff, 8/4)
State lawmakers who successfully passed a measure last year extending postpartum Medicaid benefits said Thursday the Biden administration rejected the proposal, citing concerns over its eligibility criteria. The administration did not immediately explain the decision, but Texas Democrats said the issue had to do with the plan’s limitations. (Blackman, 8/4)
In news about opioids and psychedelic drug use —
A former Youngstown area doctor who overprescribed opioids to dozens of patients, including two who died from overdose, was sentenced Thursday to 25 years in federal prison. (Ferrise, 8/4)
As Florida grapples with nearly 2,000 overdose deaths so far this year, state leaders on Wednesday announced a “massive” effort to address opioid addiction in counties that need it most. (Dailey, 8/4)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers revealed an ayahuasca experience paved the way for the "best season" of his decorated NFL career. On the Aubrey Marcus Podcast, Rodgers said he consumed the plant-based psychedelic drug ayahuasca in South America prior to winning his third and fourth MVP awards in 2020 and 2021. (Neysa Alund, 8/4)
