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The pandemic is to blame, of course, with blood drives canceled, staffing problems and a decline in donor numbers. Other news stories cover actress Betty White's cause of death, alcohol consumption, pregnancy rates and more.
The plan is part of Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's $286.4 billion budget. The governor also plans to use some of California's multibillion-dollar surplus to address homelessness and affordable housing problems, as well as housing for mentally ill people.
Brayden Smith's family claims his death was related to recent colorectal surgery. Meanwhile, J&J is partnering with Microsoft for advanced digital surgery; Medtronic is buying med tech firm Affera; and medical records/AI firm Cloudmed is being bought by R1 RCM.
Reporting on the remarkable news, USA Today notes the 57-year-old recipient of the donor pig's heart has lived for three days now. The transplant is the first successful one achieved, and the patient had no other options. Stat reports that inevitably ethical questions have been raised.
The demand from Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is "highly unusual," Stat reports. Becerra's actions could lead to lower Medicare Part B costs — after standard premiums jumped 15% for 2022.
The Hill reminds us that the Biden administration rule, which covers businesses with 100 or more employees, could ultimately be doomed as part of an ongoing Supreme Court battle. Other news outlets cover different vaccine and booster mandates, including efforts to limit them in some places.
In California, two powerful labor unions decried the state's move to temporarily allow health workers who test positive to continue working. Other states across the U.S. are allowing the same as hospitalizations skyrocket. About 24% of nearly 5,000 hospitals are experiencing staff shortages.
"It's time for everyone to pitch in and do what works. Wear your mask indoors. Avoid gatherings. ... Get your vaccine and, if eligible, get boosted. That's how we'll get through this surge" said Democratic Gov. John Carney of Delaware, where hospitals are coping with "over 100% inpatient bed capacity."
Pfizer announced that by March it may have a new covid vaccine ready that is modified specifically to protect against the omicron variant. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson also said their variation is in development. Some health experts say it's unclear if one will even be needed by that timeframe though.
It's a dreadful world record: On Monday, the number of confirmed covid cases in the U.S. blew through the previous daily high of 1.03 million. That number is triple the count from just a week ago. In a glimmer of good news, parts of the country may be close to or past the omicron peak.
Under guidance issued by the Biden administration yesterday, providers must shoulder the costs for up to 8 rapid antigen tests per month starting Jan. 15. Insurers can work with preferred pharmacies or retailers to directly cover over-the-counter test kits or reimburse beneficiaries after purchase.
Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers delve into these covid topics.
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues.
Bloomberg reports on an omicron outbreak in Japan which local officials blame on U.S. troops spreading covid into the community. More developments in the Novak Djokovic case in Australia, China's reaction to omicron, pushback against 4th doses in the U.K. are also reported.
Women seeking medication-based abortions must now receive drugs at a licensed abortion facility, instead of just meeting with a physician in person once. Grants for West Virginia health centers, fentanyl seizures on Texas' Mexican border and more are also in the news.
New research suggests that cataract removal to improve vision may also be linked to lower risk for older patients developing dementia, including Alzheimer's. In other fascinating news, a study finds exercise boosts production of a protein that may also delay potential dementia.
Stat reports on worries over Medicare's upcoming ruling over cover for controversial Alzheimer's drug Aduhelm, and if it will impact state Medicaid funding. The Biden administration's plan to empower pharmacies by cutting middlemen fees is also in the news, along with its impact on Medicare costs.
"Unusual behavior" was detected on Maryland's Health Department network on Dec. 4 and subsequently was found to be a cyberattack. The Washington Post says many systems are still unusable more than a month later, affecting the pandemic response as well as routine care.
Meanwhile, schools in California, Maine, New York City, Georgia, Baltimore and elsewhere in the Northeast struggle to cope with sick kids, sick teachers and online learning.
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