Stat News reports that the Food and Drug Administration just approved the emergency use of remdesivir, an antiviral drug, as a treatment for COVID-19. It is not a cure. But, it could speed up your...
Diane Archer
2020 Social Security and Medicare Trustees report
This year’s Social Security and Medicare Trustees reports were released without considering the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and so are not likely to reflect the current state of these...
Coronavirus: Atypical symptoms for older adults
It seems that the novel coronavirus causes atypical symptoms in older adults. Judith Graham reports for Kaiser Health News on how these unusual symptoms can make it hard for older adults to get...
2020: What you might not know about Medicare Advantage plans
The Kaiser Family Foundation has a new report on Medicare Advantage plans–private health plans that offer Medicare benefits–in 2020. Here’s what you might not know, including the...
Why are taxpayers paying Medicare Advantage plans for VA care?
A new study, published in JAMA network, finds that the VA delivers a significant amount of costly care received by people who are in both the VA and Medicare Advantage. But, the Centers for Medicare...
Coronavirus: Who’s immune?
It’s not at all clear yet when the need for social isolation will end and life will return to normal. For many people, two questions are top of mind. What does it take to be immune to the...
Coronavirus: How best to guarantee everyone access to care
In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, members of Congress are proposing all sorts of ways to help people get health care. One Democratic proposal would be a handout to the health insurance...
Coronavirus: Have a plan if you get sick
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers an array of advice to people during the coronavirus pandemic, including a checklist for how to prepare in the event you get sick and...
Coronavirus: Minimizing the health risks of isolation
Paula Span reports for The New York Times on efforts to minimize the risks of isolation for older adults during this coronavirus pandemic. It’s not normal for most people to spend so much time...
FDA seizing some prescription drugs imported from Canada
Phil Galewitz reports for Kaiser Health News that the FDA recently has been seizing some drugs that Americans are importing from Canada and other countries. Given that stay-at-home orders during this...