Déjà Vu? Consumers Scramble for Covid Tests in Hard-Hit Areas
By Phil Galewitz and Rachel Bluth and Rae Ellen Bichell
As the nation confronts the delta variant, many consumers are again facing delays getting tested. The problem appears most acute in the South and Midwest, where new infections are growing the fastest, but Californians are also encountering bottlenecks.
New Single-Payer Bill Intensifies Newsom’s Political Peril
By Angela Hart and Rachel Bluth
With the introduction of a single-payer bill Friday, a group of California Democratic lawmakers set the terms of the health care debate in the Capitol this year. The move puts Gov. Gavin Newsom in a delicate political position, threatening to alienate voters as he faces a likely recall election.
Pandemic Erects Barriers for Prized Bloc of Voters in Nursing Homes, Senior Facilities
By Rachel Bluth
Voting is a point of pride for many older Americans, and senior living facilities in past years have encouraged the civic act by hosting voting precincts, providing transportation to the polls and bringing in groups to help explain election issues. But fears of the spread of the coronavirus among this vulnerable population make voting more difficult this year.
Pandemia obstaculiza al preciado bloque de votantes en centros de adultos mayores
By Rachel Bluth
Muchos seniors que necesitan ayuda para obtener o llenar sus boletas podrían sufrir la consecuencias por el cambio de las reglas sobre visitas familiares.
CVS and Walgreens Under Fire for Slow Pace of Vaccination in Nursing Homes
By Rachel Bluth and Lauren Weber
A federal program that sends retail pharmacists into nursing homes to vaccinate residents and workers has been hindered by bureaucratic hurdles and scheduling woes.
Long-Fought Nurse Practitioner Independence Bill Heads to Newsom
By Rachel Bluth
The measure caps one of the most contentious health policy debates in recent memory, potentially altering how Californians get their medical care. Gov. Gavin Newsom has until the end of September to sign or veto it.
‘It’s a Minefield’: Biden Health Pick Must Tread Carefully on Abortion and Family Planning
By Noam N. Levey and Rachel Bluth
President Biden vowed to reverse reproductive health restrictions enacted by President Trump. His pick to run HHS, Xavier Becerra, fought the Trump efforts but must now navigate a difficult legal and political landscape.
Farmworkers, Firefighters and Flight Attendants Jockey for Vaccine Priority
By Rachel Bluth and Phil Galewitz
Everyone — from toilet paper manufacturers to patient advocates — is lobbying state advisory boards, arguing their members are essential, vulnerable or both — and, thus, most deserving of an early vaccine.
Agrícolas, bomberos y azafatas buscan estar entre los primeros en recibir la vacuna
By Rachel Bluth and Phil Galewitz
Trabajadores de salud de primera línea, y residentes y personal de hogares de adultos mayores, recibirán las dosis de la vacuna contra COVID primero, pero… ¿quiénes le seguirán?
Amid Pandemic Chaos, California Legislators Fight for Major Health Care Bills
By Rachel Bluth
There’s less time, less attention and fewer resources this year, but that isn’t stopping lawmakers from acting on controversial health care legislation not directly related to the coronavirus pandemic.
