Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers tackle these covid and vaccine issues.
Perspectives: Affordable Care Act Has Loopholes That Can Hurt Patients
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
In Just One Week, Bhutan Hit Full Vaccination For 90% Of All Adults
Bhutan, with around 800,000 people, made headlines in April by giving the first covid shot to around 90% of adults in two weeks, and now it’s achieved distribution of second doses even faster. Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Russia, Mexico, Israel and the U.K. are also in the news.
Teachers Win $185 Million Damages For Brain Injuries From Monsanto PCBs
Three teachers won a case against Monsanto that blamed the company for brain injuries from exposure to PCB chemicals in school fluorescent lighting and caulking in walls. Separately, an acid leak in a Texas chemical plant caused two deaths and several injuries Tuesday.
Audit Says Troops Aren’t Protected From ‘Forever Chemical’ Damage
Meanwhile, studies say wildfires are increasing health risks in already polluted areas; research hints some alcohol consumption protects from heart disease; illegal weed growers are stealing water in California; delta-8 THC gains popularity and concerns lawmakers; and more.
Deadlines Nearing For ACA Special Enrollment, COBRA Coverage
The sign-up window for COBRA insurance coverage for laid-off workers closes this week. Meanwhile there’s still time in the enrollment window to sign up for low/no-cost private coverage through the federal ACA marketplace. Also, a Kansas lawmaker suggests a fix to the “birthday rule” for insurance bills.
National Black Women’s Group Sues J&J Over Baby Powder Cancer Issues
The National Council of Negro Women alleges Johnson & Johnson marketed its baby powder to Black women despite knowing ingredients in the talc could cause cancer. Meanwhile, Biogen withdrew a paper on Aduhelm from medical research journal JAMA instead of making requested edits.
Covid Hospital Visit Limits Show Benefits Of Visitors In Health Care
Stat reports on how limitations in personal hospital visits have impacted patients experiencing the “best care.” Other news outlets cover how some hospital systems are tightening visitor restrictions again as covid surges hit their area. Health disparities and Highmark Health are also in the news.
More States, Cities, Companies, Schools Refine Their Vaccine Mandates
Los Angeles is requiring city employees to get covid shots or undergo weekly testing. Ascension Health and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville join the list of providers requiring employees get shots. Cal State University, too. Meanwhile, rules for the Lollapalooza festival will depend on partiers’ vaccine status.
Man, 56, Arrested And Charged With Threatening To Kill Fauci, His Family
Federal authorities say Thomas Patrick Connally Jr. sent threatening emails to Dr. Anthony Fauci and also NIH Director Francis Collins. Connally was arrested in West Virginia but charged in Maryland court; it’s not clear where he lives.
Biden Prepared To Issue Vaccine Mandate For All Federal Workers
CNN reports that an announcement will be issued Thursday. The policy under consideration would require all employees and contractors to attest that they have been vaccinated for covid or submit to regular testing, social distancing and masks. The order is expected to not include the U.S. military.
‘I’m Angry’: Covid Setbacks Spur Resentment Among Vaccinated
As blame mounts against unvaccinated Americans for the reversing pandemic progress, some experts worry that increased pressure on holdouts could backfire.
States Weigh Reinstating Mask Mandates
Nevada quickly revived its requirement for face coverings indoors. Other states like Oregon and Pennsylvania are recommending residents do so. State and local leaders in other places are debating how to respond to the latest federal guidance.
Kids, Teachers Should Also Wear Masks When Schools Reopen, CDC Says
In another guidance change, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that all schools require masks for both unvaccinated and vaccinated people returning in the fall.
In A Red Zone? CDC Advises All To Mask Indoors, Despite Vaccine Status
Responding to the shifting state of the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reversed its guidance on face coverings for vaccinated people living in areas with high transmission rates. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky acknowledged the frustrations felt by most Americans but warned that the delta variant requires more precautions to keep people safe.
Citing Mental Health, Biles Withdraws From Olympic Competitions
Gymnastics megastar Simone Biles is trying to “focus on her mental health,” withdrawing during the team final and then from the individual all-around competition. News outlets discuss athletes’ support for Biles and how the pandemic-era Olympics also affected tennis player Naomi Osaka.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
How Mark Cuban And Others Are Trying To Cut Our Prescription Costs
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Viewpoints: TBI And Its Long-Term Effects; Source Of Burkholderia Pseudomallei In Texas A Mystery
Editorial pages tackle these public health issues.
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid and vaccine issues.
