Latest KFF Health News Stories
National Guard Called To Help Understaffed Nursing Homes
Also, the Federal Emergency Management Agency sent 20 first responders to UVM Medical Center in Vermont to help tackle “record” patient numbers, many suffering from severe covid. Other news outlets cover the strain on medical staff and the ongoing impacts of covid on the industry.
Enrollment In ACA Plans Hits Record High
With still another month before the enrollment window closes, a record 13.6 million have signed up for a 2022 health insurance plan on the Affordable Care Act marketplace. The previous high was 12.7 million in 2016.
First At-Home Covid Treatment Approved: FDA Authorizes Pfizer Pill
Approval of an at-home medication cocktail is viewed as a milestone in the fight against covid. Pfizer’s twice-a-day pill is taken in combination with a generic antiviral and was authorized for use by the Food and Drug Administration for people 12 and up. The next hurdle to treating more patients will be increasing supply.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: KHN’s First Edition will not be published Dec. 24 through Jan. 3. Look for it again in your inbox on Jan. 4. Happy holidays from all of us at KHN!
Perspectives: Biden’s Build Back Better Plan Would Stunt Drug Development
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Different Takes: What We Know So Far About Omicron; Vaccine Mandates Work And Should Be Enforced
Opinion writers examine these covid and vaccine issues.
Viewpoints: Worrisome Flu Vaccine Rate Drop; Mailed Abortion Pills Won’t Be Available To Everyone
Editorial writers look into these public health issues.
Manufacturing Hiccup Spells Trouble For New Obesity Medicine Wegovy
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Generational Ban On Tobacco Begins In Massachusetts Town
From now, anyone born after January 1, 2000 will not be able to buy tobacco products in Brookline, echoing a similar move in New Zealand, which was enacted at national scale. Also: Unproven covid remedies, grants for nursing in West Virginia, an addiction treatment center in Kentucky, and more.
Israelis Over 60 Start To Get Fourth Covid Shots
The booster is also being given to medical workers and immunocompromised people. Portugal, despite one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, reimposed some restrictions over the threat of omicron. Meanwhile, of the 107 French teens with MIS-C, none were fully vaxxed.
Alarming Covid Spike In New Jersey; NYC Mayor Vows No Shutdowns
The Teaneck Daily Voice reports on a surge in covid cases which has forced all township buildings closed to the public. Teaneck was where covid first hit New Jersey. AP reports on a “huge” spike in covid cases in New York, but Mayor Bill de Blasio has said he won’t implement more lockdowns.
Covid Health Disparities Targeted By New HHS Digital Startup Scheme
Federal support will go to more than a dozen digital health startups as part of the “PandemicX Accelerator”, with the goal of reducing health inequalities exposed during the pandemic. Also, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services won’t allow more home drug infusions for Medicaid beneficiaries.
Coverage Of Disasters In Media Linked To Child Mental Harm
Researchers in Florida analyzed children participating in a long-term brain development study and found a link to negative impacts on mental health from disaster coverage. Separately, the Food and Drug Administration investigates listeria infections linked to pre-packed salads.
Federal Prisoners Can Stay In Home Confinement Until Health Emergency Ends
As the covid pandemic endures, the Justice Department announced its decision that the U.S. Bureau of Prisons does not yet have to reincarcerate people still serving federal sentences under home confinement. Other Biden administration news relates to the supply chain, economic aid, vaccine patents and birth control coverage.
Supreme Court Upholds New Mexico’s State Worker Vaccine Mandate
The New Mexico mandate, which does have provision for medical and religious exemptions, applies to hospital workers, nursing home staff and more, and had been challenged in court. Meanwhile, California will mandate its health workers to get a booster shot amid the threat of omicron.
Hospitals Are Literally Begging For Help
Six Cleveland-area medical systems placed an ad in Ohio’s biggest newspaper saying simply, “Help.” Meanwhile, Massachusetts deployed the National Guard to aid hospitals in dealing with too many covid patients. Across the U.S., covid cases are rising quickly and dramatically.
US Death Rates Up, Birth Rates Hit Record Lows. Blame Covid, Of Course
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, population growth for the U.S. during 2021 was the lowest since the founding of the nation. Meanwhile, the AP says 2021 is set to be the country’s deadliest year yet. The inevitable reason for the double-blow to the populace is, inevitably, the pandemic.
Flying On A Plane Two Or Three Times More Risky For Catching Omicron
A top medical adviser is reported by Bloomberg as saying the risk of catching covid on a flight is much higher thanks to the omicron variant. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is under pressure from Delta Air Line’s CEO to relax worker quarantine rules.
It May Not Be March 2020, But Biden Urges Caution And Vaccinations
Yes, we now have covid vaccines, antibody treatments and a lot more knowledge about the virus. But President Joe Biden marked a critical moment in the pandemic — as the omicron variant surges — particularly speaking to those who haven’t had the shot yet: “Almost everyone who has died in the past many months has been unvaccinated.” The president also provided details about his administration’s testing and hospital staffing expansion plans.
Omicron Patients 80% Less Likely To Be Hospitalized, New Study Finds
The study compared omicron and delta infections in South Africa between April and November. In another hint of good news, there are some signs that infections in South Africa may have passed a peak.