Latest KFF Health News Stories
Japan Says People With Mild Covid Should Recover At Home, Not Hospital
The policy is stirring controversy in Japan, even as the nation is hit with record levels of new covid cases as the Olympic Games continue. Reports say China is being hit by a huge surge of delta covid, reaching nearly half the country, and other southeast Asia nations are also suffering.
Research Roundup: Covid; Seizures; Diabetes; Memory Loss; Menopause
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Michigan’s Suicide Rate Dropped More Than 12% During Pandemic
Suicides were down to 1,284 in 2020 from 2019’s 1,471 figure in Michigan. Meanwhile, a Maine project to prevent youth suicide is getting a nearly $850,000 boost from the federal government. And in other news across the states, wildfires, drought, equal pay matters and more.
HHS Watchdog To Review FDA’s Approval Of Aduhelm
The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is set to review the process by which the Food and Drug Administration approved Biogen’s Alzheimer’s drug. Separately, Congress is set to try to fix medical waste and cost issues caused by distributing drugs in over-large vials.
Ransomware Attack Forces Ambulances To Divert In Indianapolis
After an attempted ransomware attack Wednesday, Eskenazi Health was forced into diversion — sending all incoming ambulances to other hospitals. Higher medical claims from covid, One Medical, Aetna Medicare, JP Morgan, HumanCo and more are also in the news.
Senators Aim To Wrap Up Infrastructure Bill By The Weekend
Debate on amendments goes on as the Senate slowly moves forward on the massive $1 trillion package.
Stimulus Subsidies Cut ACA Costs By 40%, CMS Reports
Data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services show big savings for many Americans on their monthly marketplace premiums due to the $34 billion subsidy boost in the American Rescue Plan. More than 1.5 million have signed up during the special enrollment period that ends Aug. 15.
Had A Flu Vaccine Then Caught Covid? You Probably Had Milder Symptoms
A study has linked milder covid symptoms and reduced admissions to the ICU with covid patients having had flu vaccines six months to two weeks prior to diagnosis. Separately, a study shows heart problems post-vaccination are uncommon. Also the U.K.’s covid dip continues to baffle scientists.
NIH Director Walks Back At-Home Masking Suggestion For Parents
Dr. Francis Collins had previously said it might be advisable for parents of unvaccinated children to wear masks at home. Meanwhile, news outlets report on different masking requirements in educational settings across the country. And a man scaled a Las Vegas hotel in protest of mask mandates.
Eviction Ban Quickly Challenged In Court By Landlords, Real Estate Groups
The first of expected lawsuits was filed in federal court. Alabama and Georgia chapters of the National Association of Realtors argue that the latest temporary moratorium exceeds the legal authority of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Arkansas Governor Wants To Reverse Mask Mandate Ban He Signed
Gov. Asa Hutchinson is reported to be regretting signing a bill that banned local mask mandates and has called for the law to be amended so school districts can set their own rules. Meanwhile, CNN reports on an Arkansas hospital so short on nurses it’s offering a $25,000 sign-up.
Florida Hospitals Run Short Of Oxygen, Beds While DeSantis Criticizes Biden
As new covid cases spike 800% in Florida, overwhelmed hospitals report that resources are being stretched thin and that patients are younger than previous waves and primarily unvaccinated. Meanwhile, the state’s governor is standing firm against ordering any additional restrictions and lashed out at President Joe Biden.
CVS Halts J&J Shots In Pharmacies, Keeps 2-Dose Vaccines
The company made the change over recent weeks. In a statement, it touted the efficacy of the Johnson & Johnson covid shot, but CNBC notes this vaccine has had a muted reception in the U.S. compared to the Pfizer or Moderna shots, which CVS is still distributing in its pharmacies.
When Will Delta Peak? Variant Now Makes Up 93% Of US Cases
Experts project that the current covid surge could peak later this month. But that depends in large part on vaccinations — as does protection against any future variants.
More Than 200M People In The World Have Had The Coronavirus
It took about a year to reach 100 million cases, but only six months to double that.
More Companies, Health Providers Mandate Covid Shots — Controversially
The government has long said companies can demand their employees get covid vaccines, and a report from CNBC touts it as a way to boost employee confidence. Other reports highlight how some companies embrace the idea, but others are wary.
WHO Director Calls For No Boosters Until More Nations Get First Doses
The World Health Organization wants a temporary moratorium on third-dose covid shots in wealthy countries when so many residents in poorer ones have not had any yet.
US Moves Toward Requiring Vaccinations For International Visitors
Only foreign travelers who have been vaccinated against covid would be allowed into the U.S. under the plan as the Biden administration eyes ways to ease current travel restrictions.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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