Latest KFF Health News Stories
More States Are Widening Eligibility For Covid Vaccination
News on prioritization comes out of Georgia, Texas, Florida and Nevada.
Vaccine Distribution Efforts Kick Up A Gear, But Some States Falter
More than 600 CVS in-store pharmacies across 17 states now have coronavirus vaccines, including rooms to deliver doses. Elsewhere, Native American vaccine efforts are succeeding better than many others, and Alabama and California struggle with vaccination equality and contracts.
Former Presidents Team Up To Urge Americans To Get The Shot
“Roll up your sleeve and do your part,” former President George W. Bush says in a new series of videos aimed at persuading all to be inoculated. Former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama also joined the effort. Former President Donald Trump did not, though he issued a statement touting his role in the development of the vaccine.
Biden Administration To Buy 100M Additional J&J Vaccine Doses
This latest order means the U.S. will have enough doses of Johnson & Johnson’s one-shot covid vaccine to inoculate a total of 200 million people — in addition to the supplies from Moderna and Pfizer.
‘We’re Gonna Get Through This’: Biden To Give First Prime-Time Address
A year into the pandemic and with vaccination rates picking up, President Joe Biden will talk to the nation in a Thursday night speech about the “next phase” of the pandemic: “There is light at the end of this dark tunnel over the past year. We cannot let our guard down now or assume that victory is inevitable.”
Biden’s First Big Legislative Win: White House Touts Relief Bill
As soon as the House passed the stimulus legislation, the Biden administration kicked off a public outreach strategy to highlight key features of the massive package.
Congress Clears $1.9 Trillion Package Aiming To Boost Pandemic Economy
President Joe Biden signed the bill Thursday afternoon while federal agencies prepare to implement its broad measures, including $1,400 relief checks for Americans who qualify.
It’s Been A Year Since ‘Normal’ Ended
From the perspectives of government officials to health care workers to ordinary Americans, news outlets look back at the past 12 months of the global coronavirus pandemic.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and others.
Perspectives: Importing Drugs From Canada; Oklahoma Bill Targets Costs
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
One-Third Of Women Worldwide Suffer Violence, WHO Reports
A report from the U.N. highlights the physical and sexual violence that women experience around the globe. In other world news, Italy will make Russia’s coronavirus vaccine and Mexico plans to use China’s version.
Maryland Relaxes Its Lockdown As Florida’s Immigrants Face Covid Risks
Some businesses in Maryland will be allowed to open this week without capacity limits, and bars and restaurants are on the menu. Elsewhere, North Carolina prisons will test for hepatitis C, and Wyoming plans to extend Medicaid coverage.
Shkreli Sued By Blue Cross Minnesota, Alleging Price Gouging And Monopoly
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Another Health System Posts A Loss
Providence lost $306 million on $25.7 billion in operating revenue last year. Its revenue included $957 million in stimulus grants, without which its loss would have been much higher, Modern Healthcare reports. Other news is on the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida, UnitedHealthcare, Northern Light Health and more.
Arkansas Enacts Near-Total Abortion Prohibition
The sponsor of the bill — which allows an abortion only to save the life of a mother or fetus with no exceptions for cases of rape or incest — describes the ban as a “trigger” case to challenge Roe v. Wade at the Supreme Court.
First Covid-19 Vaccine Vial Used In The US Becomes A Museum Piece
The vial that was used on America’s first coronavirus vaccine recipient is now a historic artifact, property of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Meanwhile, studies say it’s safe to use a face mask during intense exercise, and other reports link steroid use to bodybuilder’s testicular damage.
White House Urged To Install A Permanent Leader At The FDA
As worries emerge about the FDA’s stance on drug review processes, the Biden administration faces pressure to finally nominate a permanent commissioner to lead the agency, which has a critical role in ending the pandemic.
Over Twice As Many Americans Now Qualify For Yearly Lung Cancer Scans
New guidelines released by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend that all Americans between 50 and 80 who smoke or quit smoking in the past 15 years should get annual screenings. Insurers can’t charge a copay to people who meet the criteria.
LA Schools, Teachers Union Reach Deal To Reopen After Months Of Squabbles
The union, one of the most powerful in the country, took a hard line on vaccinations as a prerequisite for reopening the nation’s second-largest school district. No specific date was given for reopening.
