United States pledges medical aid to India amid COVID-19 surge; poll on attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines spotlight hesitancy among Republicans, non–health care essential workers; waiver fees for COVID-19-related treatments ending for insured patients of several health plans.
Amid marked spikes in cases of COVID-19 reported in India, the United States pledged to provide more medical aid to the country, which will include raw materials for vaccine production, test kits, ventilators, and personal protective equipment. NPR reported that 350,000 new daily cases of COVID-19 were reported yesterday in India, marking the fourth consecutive day that the country broke the record for most cases in a day. The United States is also said to be potentially deploying a team of public health advisers from the CDC and US Agency for International Development to assist health officials in India and the US Embassy.
According to a poll by CBS News, 6 in 10 Americans say they will get vaccinated or report having received at least one dose, with the remaining 4 in 10 providing responses of "maybe" (18%) or "no" (22%), marking a 4-point decrease in the percentage of Americans who expressed hesitancy last month. In delineating groups who may most likely be reluctant to receive a vaccine, the Kaiser Family Foundation COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor indicated that more than 20% of non–health care essential workers say they will definitely not get the vaccine, which is higher among Republican or Republican-leaning essential workers with 4 in 10 (40%) not intending to be vaccinated.
With many insurers having voluntarily waived all deductibles, copayments, and other costs related to COVID-19 infection for insured patients last year, an article by Kaiser Health News highlights how a growing number of insurers are quietly ending those fee waivers for COVID-19 treatment on some or all policies. Although cost sharing for testing has been waived through guidance reinforced by the Biden administration, treatment has conversely not been addressed, which can prove financially burdensome for patients who fall significantly ill with the virus and require hospitalization.
Standard Criteria for Loss of Ambulation Needed in DMD
April 19th 2024A recent study suggests the differences between ambulation definitions for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can impact the identification of ambulant vs nonambulant individuals, and standard criteria across settings are needed.
Read More
Overcoming Employment Barriers for Lasting Social Impact: Freedom House 2.0 and Pathways to Work
April 16th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our second episode, in which we learn all about Freedom House 2.0 and the Pathways to Work program.
Listen
Early Involvement Critical in Treating Immunotherapy-Induced Overlap Syndrome
April 19th 2024A series of case studies reveals the importance of early diagnosis and involvement of special teams of clinicians when dealing with potential cases of overlap syndrome, which encompasses myocarditis, myasthenia gravis, and immune checkpoint inhibitor–related myositis.
Read More
Making Giant Strides in Maternity Health Through Baby Steps
April 9th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are kicking off a special month-long podcast series with our strategic alliance partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our first episode, which is all about the Baby Steps Maternity Program and its mission to support women throughout every step of their pregnancy journey.
Listen
Standard Criteria for Loss of Ambulation Needed in DMD
April 19th 2024A recent study suggests the differences between ambulation definitions for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can impact the identification of ambulant vs nonambulant individuals, and standard criteria across settings are needed.
Read More
Overcoming Employment Barriers for Lasting Social Impact: Freedom House 2.0 and Pathways to Work
April 16th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our second episode, in which we learn all about Freedom House 2.0 and the Pathways to Work program.
Listen
Early Involvement Critical in Treating Immunotherapy-Induced Overlap Syndrome
April 19th 2024A series of case studies reveals the importance of early diagnosis and involvement of special teams of clinicians when dealing with potential cases of overlap syndrome, which encompasses myocarditis, myasthenia gravis, and immune checkpoint inhibitor–related myositis.
Read More
Making Giant Strides in Maternity Health Through Baby Steps
April 9th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are kicking off a special month-long podcast series with our strategic alliance partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our first episode, which is all about the Baby Steps Maternity Program and its mission to support women throughout every step of their pregnancy journey.
Listen
2 Commerce Drive
Cranbury, NJ 08512