Latest KFF Health News Stories
Push For 9/11-Style Covid Investigation Commission
As the covid lab-leak hypothesis is reported in several news outlets, the AP reports on efforts to begin a full investigation into covid’s origins. Separately, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said no “threats or ultimatums” will be made to China to investigate the source of the virus outbreak.
Delta Variant ‘Probably’ Headed Toward Dominant Status, Could Spur Fall Surge
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pointed toward the high transmissibility of the delta variant in suggesting it may likely become the dominant strain in the country in the coming months. And although the U.S. has reached 300 million vaccine doses administered, states with low vaccination rates remain at risk.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Democrats See Window Of Opportunity To Expand Medicare, Medicaid
On the heels of last week’s Supreme Court providing more security for the Affordable Care Act, congressional Democrats are moving on measures that could expand Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health programs.
Viewpoints: 3D Bioprinting Of Transplant Organs Stalled By FDA; Shifting Away From Abelist Language
Editorial writers explore these various public health topics.
Opinion writers examine these Covid and vaccine issues.
Kabul’s US Embassy Locked Down As Covid Surges Locally
Afghanistan’s health care system is reported to be at “its limits” as covid surges. Meanwhile, the G7 summit may have left a lingering covid footprint in Cornwall, U.K., and thanks to the delta variant the U.K.’s overall daily case rate is over 10,000 — the highest in four months.
Japan’s Medical Experts Warn That Olympic Spectators Are A Covid Threat
Separately, Canada says people who’ve had AstraZeneca covid shots should switch to Pfizer or Moderna for their second shot for better immune coverage. South Korea will also mix doses, due to supply delays. Meanwhile, China is set to administer its billionth covid shot.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on the coronavirus, covid vaccines, IVF, Bill Gates, the human brain and more.
New Mexico’s Aid-In-Dying Law Takes Effect Today
The law is aimed at allowing people with terminal illnesses to end their own lives. Meanwhile, Texas requires wellness checks on medically fragile people during power-outage situations. Adult day care centers, covid tests, medical bills and cannabis sales are also in the news.
Record Heat Wave Hits The West; Utility Suppliers Threaten Shut-Offs
Electrical grids are under strain from air conditioning, prompting utilities in Texas and California to say they may shut off power. Forever chemicals in groundwater, hacking of California’s water supply, child tax credits and poverty’s impact on children’s teeth are also in the news.
Shortage Of Donated Blood Forces Delayed Surgeries
Separately, Sutter Health cuts 400 jobs in California, a San Diego doctor is charged with negligence over “scam” diabetes treatments, gender bias in patents may impact biomedical innovation, hospitals merge and more.
Many Have Mixed Feelings About Using Alzheimer’s Drug, Poll Finds
People say they are concerned about the FDA’s regulatory process but are excited about the drug itself. In other pharmaceutical news, the FDA has granted its “Breakthrough Therapy” designation for Novartis’ experimental therapy targeting advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Covid’s Long-Term Trouble: Irreversible Brain Loss, Double-Lung Transplants
Former FDA chief Dr. Scott Gottlieb says the destruction of brain tissue could explain why covid patients lose their sense of smell.
Only Fully Vaccinated Should Take Cruises, CDC Says
But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relaxed its overall warnings over cruise travel. Meanwhile, Kentucky, D.C., Louisiana and Nevada try more vaccine incentive schemes, and California and Michigan relax and tweak their covid restrictions.
70% Or Not 70%: White House Quiet On Risks To July 4 Vaccine Deadline
Administration officials say even if President Joe Biden’s goal of vaccinating 70% of adults is missed, the U.S. is still on course for overall recovery. Separately, the risks of variant covid, vaccine hesitancy in southern states and immigrant vaccines are also in the news.
House Democrats Push Localized Medicaid Expansion In Resistant States
Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) introduced a bill that would work with city and county leaders to cover more people. Meanwhile, the latest stats show that 9 million Americans enrolled in Medicaid during the pandemic. And Missouri’s expansion battle heads to court, while the state’s Medicaid funding is at risk over contraceptives coverage.
CDC: More Than 300 Cases Of Heart Inflammation In Young Adults After Jab
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, chief of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, noted that the cases are rare out of the more than 20 million adolescents who have received the Pfizer vaccine so far.
Medicare No Longer Covers Pricey Brain-Cancer Therapy
NextSource Biotechnology is exiting a federal discount program, leaving its $1,000-a-capsule drug unaffordable for patients who depended on the Medicare Part D drug benefit. In related news: a GAO analysis finds that big prescription drug ad campaigns have driven up use by Medicare beneficiaries.
Biden Administration Infuses $3.2 Billion Into Antiviral Development
A new federal program aims to speed up the development and manufacturing of medicines to manage viruses. A pill to treat covid, which could be taken at home and in early stages of the disease, is targeted for the end of the year.
