Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers delve into covid and vaccine issues.
Different Takes: Reactions To Biden’s Speech From The Left, Right
A sampling of this morning’s commentary on President Joe Biden’s speech to Congress.
Olympic Athletes To Get Daily Covid Tests; Tokyo Suffers Variant Surge
In other news around the globe, BioNTech considers producing vaccines in Africa to boost supplies; Brazil’s Sputnik V ban gets scientific approval; Germany will surveil covid deniers as threats to the state; and Peru has an unwelcome TB comeback.
State Department Tells Americans To Flee India As US Covid Supplies Arrive
$100 million worth of U.S. aid for hospitals and health care workers will start arriving today as nearly 400,000 new covid cases are reported in India. Bloomberg reports that global giant companies like Amazon are also stepping in to help.
Texas May Take Transgender Kids From Parents Who Medically Assist Them
Among other reports from across the states, Michigan considers legal limits for marijuana blood levels in drivers, Texas moves to expand medical marijuana use and Missouri’s Senate votes down funding for Medicaid expansion.
Fewer Native American, Black Male Students Are Studying Medicine
An analysis shows diversity efforts in US medical schools have been failing, with figures worsening over 40 years. In other news, Michigan tries “recharge rooms” to help tired medical staff and new CMS rules boost star ratings for acute-care hospitals.
Prenatal Exposure To Certain Health Issues Linked To Child Mental Health
Exposure to two or more from a list of issues including alcohol use, marijuana use and gestational diabetes are to blame. Cruise ship restarts, HPV vaccines and air pollution are also in the news.
Up To Four Times More: The Price Of Buying Some Brand Drugs In America
Stat reports on how much less money citizens in places like Australia and France pay for brand-name blood clot drugs or cancer treatment pills. Separately, the FDA threatens to fine drug maker Acceleron Pharma over clinical trial transparency.
New Orleans Lets The Good Times Roll, But Masks Are Still Required For Now
Despite Louisiana’s easing of restrictions, New Orleans says the mask mandate will stay until vaccination rates increase. Meanwhile, North Carolina and Maryland lift some covid rules.
Vaccines Making Dent In Covid Surge; Some Say Home Covid Tests Too Pricey
Despite many states seeing a significant decline in the number of cases, some states, such as Utah and Wisconsin, are reporting their highest number of deaths in many weeks.
Covid Vaccinated? Arkansas Governor Bans State From Asking For Proof
Meanwhile, Colorado’s main public universities say they’ll require staff and students to get vaccines, and getting your covid shot in a bar is apparently popular for some.
CDC Study Finds Moderna, Pfizer Vaccines Are Keeping Seniors Out Of Hospital
The latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show that both two-dose covid vaccines approved in the U.S. are 94% effective at preventing hospitalization among people ages 65 and older.
Scott Delivers GOP Response As Fellow Republicans Bash Biden’s Policies
Addressing deep divisions within the GOP, President Joe Biden said, “We need a Republican Party.” Well, he succeeded in uniting Republican lawmakers in their criticism of his speech.
Schooling, Child Care And Economic Aid Plans Touted In Biden’s Speech
A host of proposals that could have big impact on Americans’ health and wellbeing also featured prominently in the presidential address.
President Backs Medicare Drug Pricing Measure: ‘Let’s Get It Done This Year’
“Let’s give Medicare the power to save hundreds of billions of dollars by negotiating lower prices for prescription drugs,” President Joe Biden urged lawmakers. “The money we save can go to strengthen the Affordable Care Act — expand Medicare coverage and benefits — without costing taxpayers one additional penny.”
‘Let’s End Cancer’: Biden Calls For New NIH Agency To Advance Disease Cures
Comparing a new agency’s mission after that of DARPA, President Joe Biden says that the nation must invest in advanced research into conditions like cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
Biden Offers His Vision Of A Stronger American ‘Rising’ From Pandemic
“I can report to the nation: America is on the move again,” President Joe said during his first congressional address, largely influenced by the coronavirus crisis. “Turning peril into possibility. Crisis into opportunity. Setback into strength.” To get there, he touted his plans for health care and infrastructure.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Covid In The NBA; Diabetes; Malaria; C-Sections; Sepsis
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Different Takes: Outside Perspectives On US Health Care; Nurses Handle Much More Than We Realize
Editorial pages dive into these public health topics.
