What I Learned From the World’s Last Smallpox Patient
By Céline Gounder
Declaring victory over a disease can be easier than meeting survivors’ needs.
US to Cover HIV Prevention Drugs for Older Americans to Stem Spread of the Virus
By Michael Scaturro
The government has proposed that Medicare fully cover preexposure prophylaxis drugs that prevent HIV, a change that could help America catch up with nations in Europe and Africa that are on track to end new infections decades before the U.S. under its current approach.
Prevención del VIH: proponen que Medicare cubra PrEP para adultos mayores
By Michael Scaturro
Según el plan de la administración Biden, Medicare cubriría el costo total de los medicamentos de profilaxis previa a la exposición, que previenen la transmisión del VIH.
Daily Edition for Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Virus surveillance, gun violence, covid, vaccines, hospital safety ratings, Medicare Advantage, military health, and more are in the news.
Epidemic: The Scars of Smallpox
The series finale of “Epidemic: Eradicating Smallpox” is a visit to the home of Rahima Banu, the last person with a documented case of naturally occurring variola major smallpox. When the virus was declared eradicated, she became a symbol of one of the greatest victories in global public health. What happened to Rahima Banu afterward?
Children Who Survive Shootings Endure Huge Health Obstacles and Costs
By Liz Szabo
A new study finds that young people who have been injured by firearms are more prone to psychiatric diagnoses and developing a substance use disorder than kids who have not been shot — and their families also suffer long-term ill effects.
Daily Edition for Monday, November 6, 2023
Ambulance bills, health care minimum wage, hospital safety rankings, maternal health, RSV, covid, and more are in the news.
Science Says Teens Need More Sleep. So Why Is It So Hard to Start School Later?
By Catherine Sweeney, WPLN
Sleep deprivation in adolescents is linked to mental health struggles, worse grades, traffic accidents, and more. That’s why states such as California and Florida have mandated later high school start times. But opposition to later times is less about the science than it is about logistics and costs.
As Transgender ‘Refugees’ Flock to New Mexico, Waitlists Grow
By Cecilia Nowell
As many states have moved to restrict or ban gender-affirming care for trans people, a few states, including New Mexico, have codified protections. But those laws don’t always mean accessing care is simple or quick, as a surge in new patients in the state collides with limited doctors and clinics.
New California Law Offers Fresh Protection From Steep Ambulance Bills
By Bernard J. Wolfson
The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, prohibits out-of-network ground ambulance operators from billing patients more than they would pay for in-network rides. It also caps how much the uninsured must pay.
