Latest KFF Health News Stories
Some Schools Cut Social Distancing Down To 3 Feet; CDC May Follow Suit
At least one study has shown no significant difference in covid infection rates among K-12 students and staff when other measures such as universal masking were implemented.
Vaccinations Up, So Pandemic Restrictions Go Down, In Some Places
As vaccinations begin to have an impact, New York will remove quarantine rules for out-of-state visitors, and Oklahoma no longer requires mask-wearing in state buildings. These moves, and others, come as reports say more Americans are going outside their homes than before.
Experts Worry Falling Covid Numbers Mask Ongoing State Of Pandemic
Lower infection statistics for the pandemic suggest the worst is over, but just as a flare-up happens in Nevada and new variant cases pop up, some experts remark that this is not the time to behave as if the battle is won.
House Moves To Stave Off Automatic Medicare Cuts Triggered By Deficit
Without intervention, Medicare faces mandatory 2% spending cuts under sequestration now that the latest stimulus bill has been enacted. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer says the chamber will vote next week on a measure to reset the pay-as-you-go amounts.
Medicaid Work Requirements Pulled From Supreme Court’s Agenda
The Biden administration had asked the justices to put off March 29 oral arguments on a consolidated pair of cases, telling the Supreme Court that they are in the process of unwinding the relevant Trump administration policies allowing states to impose work requirements on Medicaid beneficiaries.
Becerra HHS Nomination Advances; Floor Debate, Vote Expected Next Week
The vote to discharge California Attorney General Xavier Becerra’s nomination was approved 51-48, with centrist Sens. Joe Manchin and Susan Collins backing the measure.
Biden Signs $1.9T Relief Bill Aimed At Bolstering Pandemic Economy
A formal ceremony will mark the win on Friday afternoon, but President Joe Biden didn’t wait to sign the massive legislation once the paperwork was delivered. Next up: the White House plans a road show to promote the stimulus package’s measures to the American public.
Biden Plots Path To ‘Independence’ With May 1 Goal For Shot Eligibility
Directing states to open vaccinations to all adults by early May, President Joe Biden said in his first prime-time address that the U.S. could “not only mark our independence as a nation, but mark our independence from this virus” this coming July 4th.
Fact-Checking Biden: Where The President’s Speech Got It Wrong
While President Joe Biden’s speech swung between pragmatic and hopeful notes, news outlets identified some exaggerated or misleading claims and numbers.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Parsing Policy: A Closer Look At Gulf War Illness, ‘Pay And Chase’ And More
Editorial pages confront these topics and others.
Opinion writers tackle the one-year anniversary of the pandemic and more.
Research Roundup: Covid; Fish Consumption; Staph Vaccine
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Mexico Set To Legalize Personal, Medical Marijuana Use
Mexico nears legalizing personal cannabis use, with strict limits, as the lower house of Congress approved a decriminalization bill. Around the globe, the EU approves Johnson & Johnson’s coronavirus vaccine, but Denmark pauses AstraZeneca vaccines over clotting worries.
No Foreign Fans Allowed At Olympics
Olympic officials haven’t yet announced how many Japanese spectators will be allowed, either. Meanwhile, questions linger over the torch relay and how to keep volunteers safe from covid.
Study Backs Up Claims That Schools Can Be Safe For Kids During Pandemic
In-person learning in New York City — the nation’s largest public school system — was not associated with increased covid infections compared with the general community, according to a peer-reviewed study released Wednesday and reported by Bloomberg.
Texas Can Cut Planned Parenthood From Medicaid Program, Judge Rules
The move would stop thousands of people from accessing nonabortion services. In other news from Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s administration has threatened to sue Austin for continuing to require residents to wear masks; the Texas Rangers will allow full capacity at games; and more.
Spring Break Is Coming, But Study Says Teens More Likely To Catch Covid
A new multistate study shows that teens and young adults are more likely to catch coronavirus than older people. The news comes as a California university offers to pay students to stay home and skip spring break.
Scope Of Pandemic’s Traumatic Toll On Health Workers Detailed
While combatting covid-19, health care professionals across the globe have suffered anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. New research attempts to quantify the mental health damage.
Covid Antibody Drugs Shown To Cut Risk Of Death, Serious Illness In Trials
New studies show over 80% lower risk of hospitalization and death when covid patients are given Ely Lilly’s monoclonal antibody drugs. Meanwhile, convalescent plasma is deemed ineffective in different studies.
