What We’re Reading: COVID-19 Surge; Medicaid Nonexpansion States Lack Affordable Insurance; Tobacco-Flavored e-Cigarettes

President Biden’s Positive COVID-19 Test Reflects Nationwide Summer Surge

President Joe Biden's recent positive COVID-19 test mirrors a growing wave of summer cases across the United States driven by increased travel, indoor gatherings due to extreme heat, and the emergence of new variants, according to NBC News. Despite the United States no longer tracking cases, CDC data suggests rising infections in 45 states. Experts emphasize the need to rethink vaccine timing, while those at risk, like Biden, are advised to consider antiviral treatments like Paxlovid.

Coverage Gap Leaves 1 in 5 Working-Age Adults in Non-Expansion States Without Affordable Health Insurance

Nearly 20% of uninsured working-age adults in the 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act fall into a "coverage gap," earning too much for Medicaid but not enough for marketplace subsidies, according to Stateline. An analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities revealed that this issue disproportionately affects people of color and contributes to broader community health crises. Some states, like Mississippi, are reconsidering Medicaid expansion to address this critical gap and access federal funds.

FDA Authorizes Sales of Tobacco-Flavored e-Cigarettes

The FDA has granted marketing authorization for six tobacco-flavored Vuse Alto e-cigarette products from R.J. Reynolds, recognizing a potential benefit for adult smokers switching from traditional cigarettes, according to The Hill. However, the agency underscores that this does not imply the products are safe or FDA approved and highlights the ongoing risks of tobacco use. Last year, the FDA banned other Vuse flavors due to youth popularity, and it continues to face scrutiny over its handling of e-cigarette regulations.