Latest KFF Health News Stories
Delta-Plus Is Here; US Testing Strategy Reevaluated As Variants Spread
The Biden administration is reportedly weighing diagnostic lessons learned from the pandemic’s last 15 months to try to prepare for the emergence of the delta strain. Meanwhile, the first case of delta-plus is detected in Louisiana.
Record Heat Likely To Blame For Hundreds Of Deaths In Northwest
Historic temperatures lingering over the region for five days officially caused 63 deaths with hundreds of others under investigation. And an Oregon public health official said, “This was a true health crisis that has underscored how deadly an extreme heat wave can be.” Meanwhile, much of the rest of the nation copes with a heat wave.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Problems Come With Vaccine Mandates; Should Vaccinated Re-Mask Due To Delta?
Opinion writers weigh in on covid, masks, vaccines and related health issues.
Viewpoints: Burnout Has Health Consequences; Mental Health Conservatorships Due For Change
Editorial pages tackle these various public health issues.
North Korea’s Leader Hints At ‘Grave’ Covid Crisis
North Korea’s leader previously denied there was any covid in the country. Separately, China’s Sinovac vaccine is effective in kids as young as 3, Australia struggles with AstraZeneca vaccine rules, and the U.K. is confident it can beat delta covid.
California To Extend Medi-Cal To Nearly 240,000 Undocumented People
Undocumented adults in California are often essential workers, and 235,000 of them will be eligible for free or low-cost medical services as early as next year. Police funding, suicide hotlines, homeless encampments and more are also in the news.
Marijuana Laws Change, But Exactly How Depends On Your State
From yesterday, people in New Mexico can possess and grow recreational marijuana, but confusion reigns in Virginia over what’s exactly legal after July 1. Meanwhile the first medical marijuana dispensary is set to open Thursday in South Dakota.
Northwest Heat Wave Prompts Hundreds Of ER Visits, 60 Deaths
The Oregonian reports on a farmworker’s death attributed simply to “heat,” and CNN covers ER visits and deaths in several Northwest states. In other news, excessive screen time linked to preteen obesity, and the future of cat allergy treatments is explained.
Poll Says Most Doctors Disapprove Of Alzheimer’s Drug Approval
The poll by Stat and Medscape also shows that nearly two thirds of doctors surveyed thought Biogen’s Aduhelm trial data was unclear about benefits. Stat also reports on how Biogen used a “back channel” to gain the drug’s approval at the FDA.
Perspectives: FDA Officials Explain Why They Approved Alzheimer’s Drug
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Walmart Launches Own Line Of Insulin
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
At least one Utah hospital has had to delay a surgical procedure as a critical blood shortage hits hospitals across the United States. Health experts warn that the shortage could affect the treatment of burn patients during the July Fourth weekend.
Hackers Hit Las Vegas Hospital, Stealing And Sharing Personal Data
The hacker group posted proof of the breach at University Medical Center by sharing images of people’s drivers licenses and more. In other news, a new report says Georgia skipped infection-control inspections of hospitals during the pandemic.
Most Unemployed Qualify For Deep ACA Subsidies Starting This Week
The Biden Administration announced the new benefit on 2021 federal Affordable Care Act plans starting July 1, as part of the pandemic relief package passed this spring. Meanwhile, the White House considers other changes to the health law.
Hospitals Lobby Against Proposed Medicare Cuts In Infrastructure Bill
Hospitals were already disappointed to not get new funding out of the infrastructure deal. The industry also objects to measures included to pay for the $1.2 trillion package — such as additional Medicare reimbursement reductions and clawing back unspent covid relief funds. Meanwhile, the White House touts the benefits of the legislation.
New Covid Vaccine Promotion Ads Include Tuskegee Relatives
Separately, Ohio’s Medicaid beneficiaries are less likely to get covid vaccines; a study shows the healthiest U.S. communities tend to be less keen to vaccinate; and Colorado and Oklahoma try using phone calls and texts to boost vaccine uptake.
Fauci Warns Of ‘Two Americas’ — One That’s Protected, One That’s At Risk
The infectious-disease expert says he is “very concerned” about the wide disparities in the vaccine rate in certain states, cities and counties. Meanwhile, first lady Jill Biden travels to Phoenix today to encourage more people to get the jab.
Supreme Court Leaves CDC’s Eviction Ban In Place For Final Month
In a divided 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court justices rejected an emergency request from landlords and realtors to lift the federal eviction moratorium. Other developments related to the pandemic’s economic toll is also in the day’s news.
MIT, Harvard Develop Face Mask That Can Detect Covid
The innovation relies on tiny disposable sensors fitted inside masks, and potentially into clothing like lab coats. Meanwhile, a study links higher grade masks with lower covid infection risks, and doctors call for mass use of these “FFP3” high grade versions.
