Latest KFF Health News Stories
‘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.
States Begin To Cast Vaccine Net Wider, Covering More Groups
New worker groups and people with disabilities become eligible for vaccination, and “Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine!” is Dolly Parton’s new pro-shot spin on her classic song.
Vaccine Distribution Efforts Encounter Confusion, Technical Setbacks
Vaccination sites open up in some states, even as others suffer confusion or are forced to cancel appointments because of low supplies.
Government Plans For Looser Restrictions For Vaccinated People
Early indications point to positive impacts from vaccines, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may lift some restrictions once you’ve had the shot.
Biden Emphasizes Vaccines For Educators In Plea To States
As vaccine supplies improve and states plan how to reopen schools safely, President Joe Biden calls for early vaccinations for teachers and staff.
Enough Vaccine By End Of May: Biden Announces Fast-Tracked Timeline
The U.S. will have enough vaccine supply by then for every adult in the country, President Joe Biden pledged. The White House invoked the Defense Production Act to help Johnson & Johnson ramp up production and brokered a deal with Merck to join in those efforts.
Depressed Covid Testing Alarms Experts As Another Surge Looms
A recent steep decline in testing is partly due to fewer infections. But efforts to vaccinate have also taken away resources from diagnostic operations at a crucial time.
Mask Mandates, Business Restrictions Revoked In Texas, Mississippi
Despite warning from public health officials that states should not let down their covid guard, two are doing just that: Republican governors in both states point to vaccines and declining case numbers as they roll back requirements for face coverings and limits on business capacity.
