Latest KFF Health News Stories
Different Takes: Is It Time To Retire ‘The Match’?; Female Veterans Struggle To Receive Care
Opinion writers weigh in on residency programs, female veterans and vaccine history.
Opinion writers tackle covid, vaccines and long-term health effects.
Research Roundup: Covid; MRSA; Community-Acquired Pneumonia; Alzheimer’s; Decompensated Cirrhosis
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
President Of Tanzania, A Covid Denier, Dies Amid Rumors He Had Coronavirus
The official announcement said President John Magufuli died of heart complications. Magufuli had railed against masks and said that God had helped the country eliminate the virus. As vaccine rollouts began, he also discouraged his Health Ministry from securing doses for Tanzania, The New York Times said.
Indiana Probes Man’s Death After Nurse Says She Removed Oxygen Mask
The nurse at Wedgewood Healthcare Center allegedly wrote about the incident in social media posts. “I asked him on day 4 … do you want me to take all this off for you and let you go and fly with the angels and he said yes,” she wrote. She did not have orders to remove the mask.
Advanced Cancers Surging; Screening Slowdowns During Lockdown Blamed
In other news, Ford is trialling a home-work system for tens of thousands of employees; Michelle Obama has a new campaign to fight hunger and food insecurity; and child hunger levels in the richest U.S. counties are reportedly surging in some of the steepest rises.
Iowa, Oregon, Massachusetts Soon To Dramatically Expand Vaccine Program
Starting April 5, Iowa plans to offer covid vaccines to all residents. Meanwhile, Massachusetts plans a similar move for all people aged 16 and older starting April 19, and Oregon will open vaccines to everyone 16 and older on May 1. Plans for these vaccinations hinge on increased supplies.
Human Embryo-Like Structures Created In Lab, A Research Breakthrough
Scientists have created living samples that mimic human blastocysts, a breakthrough it is hoped will help research into embryonic development. The model cells are stirring mixed responses amid moral and legal debates surrounding this type of science.
FEMA Announces Reimbursement Plan For Covid Victim Funerals
As worries spread that another coronavirus surge is about to happen, and daily case numbers tick up in Michigan, FEMA says it will reimburse funeral expenses for families who have buried covid victims since Jan 20, 2020.
Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Passes House, Moves To Senate
The law lapsed in 2019. Renewed efforts to reauthorize and expand the measure passed the House 244-172, with all no votes coming from Republicans. Negotiations over the bill have already started in the Senate.
Biden May Extend Enrollment Window To Sign Up For ACA Health Plans
The special enrollment period currently runs from Feb. 15 to May 15. The stimulus plan enacted last week includes subsidies to offset costs for buying the plans, which may entice more uninsured Americans to sign up.
CMS Reverses Trump-Era Limits On Drugs Covered By Medicare Part D
The Trump administration had planned to allow some 2022 Medicare Part D plans to not cover all drugs in five of the six protected classes. CMS’ Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation has now halted that change.
Amazon To Open Its Internal Telehealth System To All US Companies
Amazon Care has been a limited, employees-only telemedicine program, but that will change this summer when the retailer breaks into the telehealth market by offering it to all employers across the country.
How Close Is Too Close In Classroom? CDC May Loosen Guidance To 3 Feet
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention plans to review its current recommendation for 6 feet of physical distance — which many schools say is a primary barrier to safely reopening. And a new study provides some evidence that 3 feet may be sufficient.
White House To Distribute $10B To Schools To Boost Covid Testing
“With this funding for testing, every state in America will have access to millions of dollars to set up screening testing programs, to add a layer of protection for schools, teachers and students,” said Carole Johnson, the White House COVID-19 Testing Coordinator. The funds will come out of the recently enacted $1.9-trillion stimulus plan.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: What’s Causing Declining Fertility Rates?; Medicaid Is Failing New Mothers In Texas
Opinion writers tackle pregnancy, abortion and mental health issues.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic issues.
Read recent commentaries about patents and other drug-cost issues.
US, UK, EU Launch Joint Task Force To Fight High Drug Prices
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
