Latest KFF Health News Stories
Biden’s Plan To Send Vaccines Overseas Is Proving Difficult To Do
NBC News reports on how President Joe Biden’s plan to send millions of covid shots overseas is mired in diplomatic and logistical problems. Meanwhile, the FDA and J&J near a deal for renewed production in Baltimore, and a discussion of vaccine-related blood clots.
Covid Vaccination Rates Improve
Ten states are now at 70% vaccinated. But a poll shows that it may be difficult to get shots in the arms of the remaining unwilling and hesitant.
Biden’s $6T Budget To Push Health Initiatives, Social Infrastructure Spending
President Joe Biden will release his massive budget proposal today that will consolidate initiatives previously announced by the White House, including its infrastructure plan. On that subject, Republicans yesterday offered a more modest counter which would reclaim covid relief funds. Biden criticized the proposal and Democrat state treasurers warned against it.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
(Editor’s note: We will not publish newsletters on Monday, Memorial Day).
Editorial pages tackle these public health topics.
Perspectives: Biden Should Help Vaccinate Poor Countries; Mask Debate Really About A Lack Of Trust
Opinion writers tackle vaccines, masks and covid-19 origins.
Colorado Bill Aims At Free Contraceptive Care For Immigrants
The goal is to lower maternal and infant mortality and raise graduation rates in young women, regardless of their immigration status. Also covered: Maine’s vaccine passport plans; San Diego’s first responder and military covid relief plans; and more.
Concerns Mount About Japan’s Covid Situation As Olympics Nears Start Line
Japan’s government may extend a state of emergency across much of the country. Health experts highlight that current plans are not being science-led, and point out worries about potential new-variant spreading at the Tokyo Olympics.
Mental Health Crisis Highlighted For Black People, Colorado Kids
Reports from NBC News and AP highlight the mental trauma of Black people across the U.S. and children in Colorado, where one hospital has declared a “mental health emergency” due to a surge of patients. Separately, mental health and school absences are discussed.
Colds and Flu? They Are Coming Back.
In other public health news, workplace shootings are on the rise, a new tool provides window into health disparities and the pandemic’s impact on climate change.
Drug Makers Sue Government Over Discount Cards And Coupons
A look at Amazon’s possible move into pharmacies, while Google makes a clear move into medical records with a deal with HCA. And the latest Bill of the Month.
Students More Interested In Public Health; Nursing Shortages Persist
It’s being dubbed the “Fauci Effect:” more students are looking at public health careers. In other health personnel news, some hospitals are having to pay a premium for registered nurses amidst the national worker shortage.
Human Embryo Research After 14 Days May Be Allowed In Rule Change
A decades-old international ethical standard which limits research on human embryos to a 14-day window has been altered to allow longer experimentation by a scientific panel.
Medicaid Rolls Grow By 8.5 Million People During Pandemic
An analysis by Georgetown University researchers shows a 17% increase in enrollment. Meanwhile, Texas lawmakers fail to advance bipartisan bills that would have expanded Medicaid coverage for new moms and made it easier for low-income children to stay in the program.
Progressive And Centrist Democrats Pushing Biden To Expand Medicare
More than 150 House Democrats are working together to urge the president to prioritize lowering the eligibility age for Medicare to 60 from 65 and expanding benefits to to cover dental, vision and hearing services. Also in the news, the pandemic creates concerns about funding the Medicare trust fund, and federal officials bust up a scam that billed millions in bogus Medicare claims.
Air Travel Is Back. Cruise Ships, Not So Much.
The cruise ship industry, still limited by CDC rules, is finding willing volunteers to test new health protocols. And the European Union and some Asian governments are still trying to develop a digital vaccine passport.
Long-Term Covid Symptoms Linked To Severity Of Infection
Even as reports show covid case numbers across the U.S. are in decline, a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention links the risk of long-term symptoms to more severe infections. Another study says even mild, asymptomatic cases are as infectious as severe ones.
Sen. Murray, Rep. Pallone Launch Effort To Get Public Health Insurance Option
The two, who head key committees in Congress, are seeking input on how the government could craft a government-run health plan that would compete with private insurers. Republicans and the insurance industry oppose such an effort. Also on Capitol Hill, lawmakers are weighing new proposals on how the Department of Veterans Affairs should handle former service members’ health problems caused by toxic substances.
Law Firm With Ties To Anti-Vaxxer Groups Aids Opposition To Covid Shots
Lawyers from Siri & Glimstad — a New York firm — have been involved in a diverse campaign against compulsory immunizations to fight covid-19. Meanwhile, officials in North Dakota and Indiana question public health efforts to get people vaccinated. And misinformation about the shots proliferates.
Covid Immunity May Last Years; Health Agencies Will Decide On Boosters
In a positive piece of news about covid, new studies of people who’ve been exposed to the virus point to “years”-long immunity. Simultaneously, debate about when and if booster vaccine shots will be given is in the news.
