Latest KFF Health News Stories
Senate Preps For Marathon Of Debate On Revised Covid Stimulus Bill
News outlets report on details of the latest version of the legislation that is expected to hit the Senate floor on Thursday. Senate Republicans, meanwhile, plan their tactics to drag out the debate.
Special Enrollment Yields Over 200,000 ACA Sign Ups So Far
Analysts say the strong enrollment numbers show a pent-up demand for health coverage while President Joe Biden called the trend “encouraging.” Americans can apply for an Obamacare plan through May 15.
CDC Delays Updated Covid Guidelines, Warns Of St. Patrick’s Day Crowd Risks
New CDC pandemic guidelines for vaccinated people are being finalized. Meanwhile potential St. Patrick’s Day crowds cause concern, while the FDA is under fire for slowing drug manufacture with inspection delays.
Walensky Warns Of ‘Pandemic Fatigue’ Amid Fourth-Wave Worries
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, voiced concerns about slipping anti-coronavirus habits as case numbers in the U.S. and across the world seem to stop falling.
White House Gives A Shot In The Arm To School Reopening Plans
As the Biden administration urges vaccines for teachers and staff, state- and company-driven efforts to vaccinate educators begin.
Abbott’s Motives Questioned Amid Criticism For Revoking Mask Mandate
Public health officials warn that Texas reopening so liberally will lead to more deaths. And others criticize Gov. Greg Abbott, calling his decision politically motivated and an effort to distract from his state’s deficient response to recent winter storms.
Businesses Brace For Repeat Of Mask Battles
While some big businesses announced that they will continue to require customers to wear face coverings, no matter state mandates, other Texas and Mississippi establishments will no longer do so. That tension sets up a likely return of confrontations over masks.
‘Big Mistake’: Biden Slams States For Prematurely Lifting Covid Precautions
“The last thing, the last thing we need is Neanderthal thinking, that, ‘In the meantime, everything’s fine. Take off your mask. Forget it.’ It still matters,” President Joe Biden said of Texas and Mississippi rolling back mask mandates.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: The Covid Vaccine Is Not ‘Another Tuskegee’; Blame Your Allergies On Climate Change
Opinion writers weigh in on vaccine equity and other topics.
Editorial and opinion pages focus on the news out of Texas as well as other pandemic issues.
Perspectives: Biden Needs To Restore ‘Protected’ Drug Classes; Obamacare; Drugs From Canada
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Vaccinations Will Ease Door Open To International Travel
While the European Union is still months away from issuing vaccine passports, one cruise line reveals its plans for vaccine-certified trips. And Mexico eases restrictions in the popular tourism beach spots.
No Big Parties For St. Patrick’s Day, Boston Mayor Urges
Private gatherings are still limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, Mayor Marty Walsh said. Other places in the news include Utah, Kentucky, Michigan and Alaska.
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
More Dying ‘In Prime Ages Of Their Lives’ Since 2010: Report
Suicide, substance abuse and health conditions caused by prolonged obesity are among the factors behind an alarming increase in deaths of working-age Americans, a new report finds.
Amazon Care’s Medical Provider Expanding Into 17 More States
Care Medical is the provider that Amazon Care has partnered with since 2018 to offer telehealth and in-person health appointments.
Covid Researchers Dig Deeper Into Experimental Treatments, Antibodies
Other research news includes updates on CRISPR, drug misuse, antibiotic treatments for UTIs, Alzheimer’s disease, the Apple Watch and more.
Workplace Safety Body Accused Of Failing Workers During Pandemic
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration faces accusations of performance lapses during the pandemic. Meanwhile Dr. Anthony Fauci’s personal coronavirus model finds a new home.
ACA Changes Added To Relief Bill Fly Under The Radar
In years past, any changes to the Affordable Care Act would have been much debated. Yet the reforms featured in the stimulus legislation — that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer predicts will pass the Senate this week — are not generating any controversy and could set the stage for future Obamacare reforms.
