Latest KFF Health News Stories
Studies: Risks Of Any Alcohol Use, Benefits Of Short Exercise Bursts
An Oxford study–not yet peer reviewed–says any alcohol use can affect the brain health. Another study shows the benefit of short burst of exercise. And a fascinating study of smallpox epidemics in the 1700s.
Japan Struggling With Covid Ahead Of Olympics
While Western Europe makes progress again covid, people in Africa and Asia still face serious threats.
Curbing Surprise Medical Bills Via Arbitration May Be Raising Costs
Doctors and other medical providers are leveraging state laws that rely on arbitration to increase in-network fees, thereby raising health care costs for everyone. In other industry news, Colorado bans harassing health workers and more hospitals are requiring their employees get covid shots.
Missouri Medicaid Expansion Heads To Court
A state court lawsuit was filed to force Missouri to expand its Medicaid program as voters decided in an election last year. Other news regarding Medicaid from Oklahoma, Tennessee, Georgia and Illinois.
Fauci: High Schools Could Be Mask-Free
The chief medical advisor to the White House said that if enough children get vaccinated by fall, high schools and middle schools would not have to require mask wearing by students. But teachers’ unions raise big concerns.
Cybercrime Hits Medical Providers
Cybercriminals hit medical providers demanding ransom to restore access to patient records.
How Effective Are Covid Vaccines Against Variant In India?
New research indicates that they may be less effective. Other studies look at the efficacy of mixing and matching shots, as well as antibodies in vaccinated people.
Pandemic’s Toll: 28% Of Americans Have Worried About Losing Their Homes
CBS News’ poll highlights how many people have worried about being homeless at some point, and 13% said they’d lost their home or been evicted before. Meanwhile, Prince Harry spoke to Oprah about mental health and funding for school mental health services is highlighted.
Short-Term ‘Junk Insurance’ Extension Bill Vetoed In Kansas
Supporters say the bill would have protected against premium increases; critics say short term plans expose patients to risk, and don’t cover pre-existing conditions. Separately, Florida’s state-run covid test sites will close, and fake and stolen vaccination cards are a problem in Oregon.
Latest New Coronavirus Leap: From Dogs
Scientists warn of a pattern of regular and frequent coronavirus emergence. They’ve discovered a coronavirus supposedly transmitted from a dog.
Editorial writer tackle these public health issues.
Congress Looks At Expanding Doctors’ Residencies
The goal is to reduce doctor shortages, especially primary care physicians. “We don’t necessarily need more dermatologists on Park Avenue in New York City,” Sen. Bernie Sanders said. Other health care worker shortages are feared.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Who Wants To Be A Vaccinated Millionaire? New York Ups The Ante
As an incentive for more New Yorkers to get the shot, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a lottery with a first prize of $5 million. With Ohio’s program showing success at bumping up vaccine rates, Maryland is also trying its luck while Oregon considers it.
Vaccination Rate Halves; Fauci Says 70% Need Shots To Avoid Fall Surge
Over the last month the pace of vaccinations in the U.S. has fallen by half. Amid worries that new variants could make herd immunity difficult to attain, Dr. Anthony Fauci has warned that 70% of Americans need at least one covid shot by July 4 to avoid a surge later in the year.
Up To 8 Million Have Died So Far From Covid, Says WHO
The world’s official covid death count is off by a factor of two to three, says the World Health Organization, citing a real total of between 6 and 8 million people. Separately, Texas school reopenings may have triggered hundred of deaths, and Florida has a covid surge in nursing homes.
Viewpoints: Why Are Vaccinated Still Masking?; What Methods Work To Convince The Vaccine Hesitant?
Opinion writers discuss masks and vaccines.
Viewpoints: Congenital Syphilis Cases Rise; Texas Anti-Abortion Policies Harmful To Public Health
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues.
Malware Attack Disrupts Alaska’s Health Department Website
Meanwhile, California lawmakers are voting on a bill for biosecurity of mailed-in DNA samples; US-Canadian border closures will last through June; doctors push back on Florida’s “Parents’ Bill of Rights”; and Black entrepreneurs target a post-pandemic healthy food-growing market.
Africa Needs More Covid Vaccines, UN Says
And China says it has been sending vaccines to 40 countries there. The status of Europe’s vaccination campaign and the buckling Gaza health system are also in the news.
