Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers weigh in on these Covid and vaccine issues.
Covid Treatment Efforts Pushed Aside By Vaccine Drive
As Politico reports, efforts to develop effective treatments for covid have suffered, potentially threatening efforts to end the pandemic. In other news, the trial of Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes begins to take shape.
Some Tucson Medical Providers Reportedly Billing For Free Covid Tests
Meanwhile, reports show racial disparities in covid vaccinations in Georgia and Florida; Maryland’s vaccine lottery is in the news; and people experience unmasking in Baltimore and Ohio.
India Nears 300,000 Covid Fatalities, Battles Fatal Fungal Infections
Mucormycosis, usually rare, is suddenly a growing issue in India. Separately, the U.K. has said an official study proves Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are effective against the Indian covid variant.
Pandemic Leads To Surge In Eating Disorders And Delays In Treatment
Some patients are waiting four to five months to get treatment, a health expert says. Before covid-19 hit, waits usually lasted only a few weeks. In news on other effects of the pandemic, reducing children’s screen time will tough as the country returns to a more normal schedule. And New York announces that city schools will not have a remote learning option in the fall.
Study Of Blood Donation From Gay Men Could Change FDA Restrictions
Three of the country’s largest blood donation organizations have completed a study into whether individual risk assessments could replace the current three month waiting rule.
Missouri Lawmakers Fail To Extend Tax That Funds Medicaid
The legislators did not approve a long-standing Medicaid provider tax that provides funds to care for elderly, disabled and low-income residents. Nursing home owners say if the state doesn’t fix the problem, their businesses will suffer and residents will be caught in the middle. Other advocates are also challenging the decision by the Missouri governor to not implement a Medicaid expansion approved by voters. Efforts to expand Medicaid in Florida and Wyoming are also making news.
Report Details Governor’s Role In Boston Nursing Home’s 76 Covid Deaths
Meanwhile Politico covers how nursing homes are using Trump-era protections to defend against covid lawsuits. The “massive” shortage of health care workers across America is highlighted by Axios.
Senators Say Upcoming Abortion Case Could Trigger Revamp Of High Court
Democratic senators predict that if the Supreme Court next year overturns or weakens the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion, pressure will build for Congress to add more justices to the court. Also in congressional news, health care providers hope for more money through the renewed earmark process on Capitol Hill.
Two Studies Hint At Why Covid May Hit Some Women Harder And Longer
New research opens a window on why women with a little known circulation disorder or who have polycystic ovary syndrome may suffer more severe covid symptoms.
As Hope Of Sweeping Health Initiatives Fade, Biden Looks To Build On ACA
President Joe Biden and Democratic lawmakers came into office promising major health initiatives. But that is proving hard. They have revamped parts of the Affordable Care Act, adding more than a million people to the insured rolls and reducing costs for many families. But those gains will only last two years and Democrats are divided on how to move forward with health policy.
Vaccine Passports Are Back In Spotlight
A survey by the Covid States Project reveals that more of the public support government-mandated vaccinations versus businesses using covid passports, even though other reports say medical experts support the use of the passport system.
As Vaccinations Spread, Officials’ Emphasis On Covid Testing Retreats
In what appears to be a shift in the focus of the epidemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week that people who are fully vaccinated and have no covid symptoms don’t need to be screened for the virus, even if exposed to someone who was infected. In other administration health news, officials weigh new policies for handling unaccompanied minors crossing the border without authorization.
Covid Cases, Deaths Drop To Levels Not Seen Since Summer 2020
The seven day average of new infections dropped to about 26,000 Sunday, the lowest since June 2020. The news comes as figures show half of states have fully vaccinated at least 50% of their adult population.
Pfizer Vaccine Storage Rule-Change Lauded As Game-Changer
Allowing vaccination sites to store the Pfizer vaccine in a typical refrigerator for a month will dramatically improve accessibility, ABC News reports. Meanwhile Stat looks into efforts by wealthy nations to aid international vaccine efforts.
CDC Investigates Rare Myocarditis In Young Covid Vaccine Recipients
“Relatively few” cases are apparently involved, but the CDC is still concerned about reports of heart inflammation in some teenagers and young adults who’ve had covid vaccines.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Hospitals Ask HHS For More Time To Spend Covid Relief Funds
The Biden administration is considering calls to extend the June 30 deadline as health providers say they need the remaining $30 billion to cover continuing pandemic care, The Wall Street Journal reports. And the pandemic’s cost on Medicare is released.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads (And Listens) You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on the next pandemic, medical bills, long-haul covid, PPP loans abuse, the latest study on mask effectiveness, racist city planning’s mark on public health, Roe v. Wade and more.
Studies: Risks Of Any Alcohol Use, Benefits Of Short Exercise Bursts
An Oxford study–not yet peer reviewed–says any alcohol use can affect the brain health. Another study shows the benefit of short burst of exercise. And a fascinating study of smallpox epidemics in the 1700s.
