Health care news

Here are some recent health care news stories:

COVID-19 Updates

• The US has reached a new milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 30 million cases reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• The FDA has authorized the use of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for children as young as 12 years old.
• The CDC has updated its guidance on mask-wearing, recommending that fully vaccinated individuals wear masks in public indoor settings in areas with high transmission rates.

Healthcare Policy

• The Biden administration has announced plans to increase funding for community health centers, which provide primary care services to underserved populations.
• The House of Representatives has passed a bill aimed at reducing prescription drug prices, which would allow the government to negotiate prices with pharmaceutical companies.
• The Trump administration has finalized a rule that would allow states to impose work requirements on Medicaid recipients, which has been criticized by healthcare advocates.

Medical Research

• Scientists have made a breakthrough in the development of a new type of cancer treatment that uses genetically modified viruses to target and kill cancer cells.
• Researchers have discovered a new gene that is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
• A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that a low-cost, generic antiviral medication can be effective in treating mild cases of COVID-19.

Hospital and Healthcare System News

• The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has opened a new hospital in Westwood, California, which features state-of-the-art technology and a focus on patient-centered care.
• The Cleveland Clinic has announced plans to open a new hospital in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, which will be its first international location.
• The Mayo Clinic has launched a new telemedicine platform that allows patients to access virtual consultations with Mayo Clinic doctors and specialists.

Insurance and Cost of Care

• The cost of health insurance premiums is expected to increase by an average of 5% in 2022, according to a report by the National Association of Health Underwriters.
• A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has found that high-deductible health plans can lead to delayed or foregone care for patients with chronic conditions.
• The Trump administration has finalized a rule that would allow short-term health insurance plans to be sold for up to 12 months, which has been criticized by healthcare advocates who say it will undermine the Affordable Care Act.

Other News

• The FDA has approved a new treatment for multiple sclerosis that uses stem cells to repair damaged nerve tissue.
• Researchers have developed a new type of contact lens that can monitor glucose levels in people with diabetes.
• A study published in the journal PLOS Medicine has found that a program aimed at reducing healthcare costs by improving patient engagement and care coordination was successful in reducing hospital readmissions and improving patient outcomes.