Category: Kaiser Health News

Immunocompromised Patients Worry Vaccine Exemptions Put Them in Peril

Montana’s governor pushed the state’s health workers to seek religious exemptions to a federal mandate to be vaccinated against covid, but the number who have done so is unknown.

To Families’ Dismay, Biden Nursing Home Reform Doesn’t View Them as Essential Caregivers

Relatives who often provide vital caregiving for nursing home residents say the lockdowns during the covid pandemic showed the need for family members to visit in person with their loved ones. About a dozen states have passed laws guaranteeing that right, and California is considering one.

Money Flows Into Addiction Tech, But Will It Curb Soaring Opioid Overdose Deaths?

Experts are concerned that flashy Silicon Valley technology won’t reach those most in need of treatment for substance use disorders.

Pfizer CEO Pushes Yearly Shots for Covid. Not So Fast, Experts Say.

A corporate CEO’s call for a fourth mRNA shot struck those closely watching the pandemic as self-serving. It creates public pressure for a fourth dose of vaccine before government experts have time to assess the evidence and settle on the best course forward.

Sharing Covid Vax Facts Inside ICE Detention, One Detainee at a Time

Thousands of ICE detainees nationwide have tested positive for covid; 11 have died. Medical providers in California are volunteering to educate immigrants awaiting trial or deportation about covid treatment and vaccination.

KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: We May Be Done With Covid, But Covid’s Not Done With Us

Can’t see the audio player? Click here to listen on Acast. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Logistics expert Jeff Zients, who has headed the White House covid-19 response team since the start of the Biden administration, is stepping down and will be replaced […]

It Was Already Hard to Find Evusheld, a Covid Prevention Therapy. Now It’s Even Harder.

At least 7 million immunocompromised people could benefit from the monoclonal antibody injections designed to prevent covid-19. The government says it has enough doses for a fraction of those in need ― and it doesn’t have the money to buy more.

Long Waits for Montana State Hospital Leave Psychiatric Patients in Jail

A backlog at Montana’s psychiatric hospital for those facing criminal charges has left people with serious mental illness behind bars for months without adequate treatment. In some cases, judges have freed defendants over due-process violations.

Missouri Tried to Fix Its Doctor Shortage. Now the Fix May Need Fixing.

Five states have created “assistant physician” licenses that allow medical school graduates to practice without completing residency training. But a federal indictment in Missouri of one assistant physician has some original supporters trying to rein in the medical specialty.

How to Avoid Surprise Bills — And the Pitfalls in the New Law

The No Surprises Act offers protection from many surprise medical bills — but that protection may be only as good as a patient’s knowledge of the law and ability to make sure it’s enforced. Here’s what you need to know.