Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
'Fully' Vaxxed In New Mexico Includes Booster Shots, Says Governor
AP: New Mexico Governor: Full Vaccination Means Boosters Too
Going a step beyond federal guidance, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said Wednesday that she believes being fully vaccinated means three shots and she pushed for all adults in her state who are eligible to get their boosters. She made the comments during a virtual pandemic briefing, citing the increasing number of COVID-19 infections among residents who received their vaccinations more than six months ago. (Montoya Bryan, 11/18)
Houston Chronicle: River Oaks Doctor Says Houston Methodist 'Vilified' Her Over Views On Ivermectin, COVID
Dr. Mary Talley Bowden said during a press conference Wednesday that she feels targeted by Houston Methodist Hospital after it suspended her privileges for spreading COVID misinformation, which the hospital declared as “dangerous” and “harmful” in a statement. (Gill, 11/17)
Houston Chronicle: DA Issues Subpoenas Regarding Canceled $11 Million Harris County Vaccine Outreach Contract
The Harris County District Attorney has issued subpoenas seeking records related to the award of an $11 million contract for COVID-19 vaccine outreach services, Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia said. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle declined to confirm they, too, had received subpoenas. Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey’s office staff said they were unaware of any. (Despart, 11/17)
Los Angeles Times: In South L.A., A Legacy Of Limbs Lost To Diabetes Tells A Larger Story
The loss of limbs embodies the enduring grief of generations in South L.A. — of entrenched poverty, the dearth of both supermarkets with fresh food and parks to promote exercise, and a deeply deficient primary healthcare system that relies on low payouts from the state’s Medi-Cal program and a scant number of qualified doctors. “The tragedy is our community lacks almost every type of healthcare that you can think of and that most of us take for granted,” said Dr. Elaine Batchlor, the chief executive of Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital. (Mozingo, 11/17)
Augusta Chronicle: Enrollment Slow In Healthcare Marketplace, Patients Still Have Deals
Despite generous subsidies, people aren't yet flocking to enroll in Marketplace health insurance plans either in Augusta or nationally. But those that have gotten coverage have scored some deals, including monthly premiums for about the price of a candy bar, assisters said. The American Rescue Plan passed earlier this year is providing enhanced subsidies for those who make up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level to the point where their premiums may be $0 per month, according to the Center on Health Insurance Reforms. (Corwin, 11/17)
