The week in healthcare reform
Our Weekly News Roundup brings you snippets of news and brief commentary on topics related to America’s failing healthcare system, with a special focus on Medicare for All and California.
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“The news comes during a weekend in which California added a record high of 15,442 new coronavirus cases on Saturday…”
LA County to Shut Down All Restaurant Dining Amid COVID-19 Surge
Patch | Kat Schuster | November 22, 2020
“A federal rule change last year stoked this new approach. It allows employers to reimburse workers for coverage they bought without paying a tax penalty.”
Employers Start Sending Workers Shopping for Health Coverage
ABC News | Tom Murphy | November 23, 2020
“Waivers … are set to expire at the end of 2020. … Insurers’ current financial performance suggests they can afford to be generous.”
Most Health Insurers Are Waiving Covid-19 Costs for Consumers, New Analysis Shows
Forbes | Deb Gordon | November 24, 2020
“I don’t think the worst is here yet.”
‘We’re Drowning’: COVID Cases Flood Hospitals in America’s Heartland
Reuters | Nick Brown | November 24, 2020
“…it’s just a matter of staying disciplined for the next couple of months….”
Vaccine Expert: Once A COVID Vaccine Is Available, ‘Don’t Overthink It. Don’t Wait’
NPR | Terry Gross | November 24, 2020
“It’s important that we get a whole rainbow of colors of people, if you will, to participate in these trials….”
Black People Are More Hesitant About a Vaccine. A Leading Nurse Wants to Change That
NPR | James Doubek and David Greene | November 24, 2020
“…Purdue agreed to pay fines of more than $8 billion. But the company will likely only pay about $225 million to the federal government — provided it complies with a settlement moving through federal bankruptcy court….”
OxyContin-Maker Purdue Pharma Admits Role in Opioid Epidemic, Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges
USA Today | Steve Janoski | November 24, 2020
“Chloroquine and a related compound, hydroxychloroquine, have been associated with cases of psychiatric disturbances and suicidal behavior after being given to COVID-19 patients, warned the EU’s drug regulator today.”
Drugs Hyped as Coronavirus Treatment Linked to Psychiatric Disorders, Says EU Agency
Politico | Carlo Martuscelli | November 27, 2020
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