Latest KFF Health News Stories
ACA Sign-Ups Exceed 1 Million So Far During Special Enrollment
President Joe Biden announced that a million people have registered for an Affordable Care Act plan since the special period started in February. Enrollment will be open until Aug. 15.
Biden Widens Vaccination Push With Governors Summit, McDonald’s Partnership, Global Sharing
As he faces drooping demand at home and navigates the tricky U.S. role in helping vaccinations abroad, President Joe Biden broadens his administration’s strategies for getting more covid shots in arms. He will meet with six governors today to talk about distribution lessons learned over the last few months.
Materials Shortages Hold Up Novavax’s Plans To Seek Vaccine Clearances
Novavax is pushing back its timeline for regulatory approval of its covid vaccine due to shortages of raw materials that would delay its production targets. The vaccine maker says it will likely still release safety and effectiveness data as soon as this month.
States Urge Parents To Be Ready To Vaccinate Teens, Preteens This Week
Alaska is already allowing parents of 12- to 15-year-olds to sign up for vaccine appointments. More news on the vaccine rollout is from Vermont, Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Montana, Oregon, California, Wisconsin, Michigan and elsewhere.
Kids Ages 12 To 15 Now Eligible To Get Pfizer Covid Shot
The Food and Drug Administration on Monday authorized emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for young teens, making all Americans ages 12 or older qualified to be inoculated. CDC recommendation is expected Wednesday. News outlets look at how quickly parents are likely to embrace the vaccine for their kids.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Reversing Trump Policy, Biden Revives Transgender Health Care Protections
The action by the Department of Health and Human Services affirms that federal laws forbidding sex discrimination in health care also protect gay and transgender people, the AP reports. Under President Donald Trump, HHS had said that anti-discrimination provisions apply only to “male or female as determined by biology.”
Viewpoints: California Farmworker Health Care Must Be Improved; New Mothers Need Extended Care
Editorial pages delve into farmworker, maternal and senior health care issues.
India’s Covid Crisis Persists; Shutdown Pressure Grows
Though the number of new daily cases in India is lower than record highs, today’s figure was still over 360,000. Reuters reports on Eli Lilly’s efforts to boost local access to its drug baricitinib to help the fight, and CBS News covers a New York doctor sending ventilators.
Perspectives: India’s Health Care Needs Huge Overhaul; What Will Be The Next Worldwide Disaster?
Opinion writers examine covid, global disasters and vaccine issues.
Germany To Give AstraZeneca, J&J Shots To All Adults
Even as the EU turns away from using AstraZeneca’s covid vaccine in the long term by not renewing contracts, some nations — including Germany — are shifting their guidance on who can receive the vaccine.
‘Forever’ Cancer-Causing Chemical Still Leaking Into Georgia Rivers
Levels of perfluoroalkyl in Georgia’s rivers are still being monitored, five years after the EPA issued a health warning about the chemical. AdventHealth, mental health care in Arkansas and Texas’ anti-trans sports bill are also in the news.
Public Venues Begin To Relax Covid Restrictions
Sports and entertainment venues are reopening, lifting capacity limits and phasing out temperature checks, though mask requirements remain for some. As NBC News reports, the moves are not welcomed by all: Some workers in these venues are anxious about the risks.
Pharmaceutical Makers Urged To Publish Unredacted Clinical Studies
Meanwhile, reports say Latinos are under-represented in U.S. clinical trials for Alzheimer’s drugs; more at-home tests for covid will go on sale; and health officials testify in the ongoing opioid trial in West Virginia.
Half A Million Health Care Workers Have Called It Quits Since Feb. 2020
Employment figures continue to be underwhelming in the health care industry: In April, the number of jobs fell by an estimated 4,100 from the prior month. And overall health care employment is down 542,000 since last winter.
Walmart Buys MeMD To Expand Telehealth Effort Nationwide
The retail giant plans to offer virtual medical and mental health services across the country. In other news, CMS issues a warning on price transparency to hospitals; Kaiser Permanente reports a big profit; and hospitals in California lower C-section rates.
Pressure Ratchets Up On Biden To Aid Global Vaccinations
Meanwhile, the White House coronavirus coordinator stands by the federal handling of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine pause. In other administration news: Nancy Messonnier’s CDC departure, White House efforts to elevate science again at federal health agencies, and more.
Indian Covid Variant Found In 5 Cases In Colorado
Meanwhile, around 20 people in France have also been detected with the Indian variant, as reports cover how much more infectious it might be even compared to the U.K. variant, which has already swept across the world.
Walk-Up Vaccination Locations Opening Up In More States
State officials are focusing their strategies on convenience and incentives as they try to get covid shots in more arms.
Covid Shot Strategy Shifting To Now Include Primary Care Doctors
Banking on the hopes that people hesitant to get vaccinated will listen to their own doctors, federal and local officials are quickly working to roll out supplies to primary care providers.
