Health Headlines for January 11, 2022

Insurers will have to cover 8 at-home virus tests per month

The New York Times

The Biden administration announced the new guidelines as it continued to work to get coronavirus tests to people regardless of their insurance status.

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New York board formally mandates booster shots for health care workers

Spectrum News

A panel at the state Department of Health on Tuesday formally adopted the mandate for health care workers to receive booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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Hochul’s ‘health equity’ proposals draw scrutiny. What advocates say was missing

Politico Pro

Some advocates have taken issue with what — and more specifically who — was not included in those health-related State of the State plans.

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Could this be the year for single payer health care in New York?

Times Union

The chair of the state Senate Health Committee, Sen. Gustavo Rivera, identified the single payer bill as top priority, though perhaps a longer-term goal.

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Hospital data indicates available beds — but health care workers say otherwise

Crain’s NY

Hospitals across NYC report thousands of available beds, but health care workers on the front lines say they struggle to find beds for a rising tide of patients.

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Buprenorphine is now available without prior authorization for people on Medicaid

Capital Tonight

The bill’s sponsor said while the new law will have high upfront costs of about $20 million, the program could save 500 lives in the first year and $50 million.

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Gavin Newsom proposes health care access for all in plan to cover undocumented Californians

The Sacramento Bee

California Governor Gavin Newsom is proposing to extend Medi-Cal coverage to all low-income, undocumented adults living in the state.

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