Iowa news
IDPH to offer self-administered COVID-19 tests
The Iowa Department of Public Health has announced it will offer Iowans self-administered COVID-19 tests instead of testing at drive-thrus beginning Friday. Like the previous testing, the at-home tests will be free. Unlike the uncomfortable nasal test, the home test will require Iowans to collect a saliva sample and send it to the State Hygienic Lab to wait for the emailed results. (Iowa Public Radio)
Iowa Medicaid officials to seek another Medicaid managed care organization
Iowa Medicaid officials said the state plans to start taking applications for a third managed care organization later this year. Iowa has had just two managed care organizations for its Medicaid program since United Healthcare left the state in June 2019. (Iowa Public Radio)
Davis County has lowest COVID vaccination rate in Iowa
Davis County has the lowest percentage of population fully vaccinated against COVID-19 of any county in Iowa according to coronavirus.iowa.gov, which shows the county’s vaccination rate at 28.7%. Johnson County, which includes Iowa City, has the highest percentage at 57.9%. (Bloomfield Democrat)
National news
Hospitals, health systems mandating vaccines for workers
The number of hospitals and health systems requiring COVID-19 vaccination for employees is growing. Here are the health care organizations that have announced mandates. (Becker’s Hospital Review)
Superspreader ‘explosions’ plague efforts to curb pandemic
Superspreader events that first seeded the coronavirus in the US are keeping the pandemic smoldering, with experts pointing to human behavior and social circles as the main drivers. The problem persists even as the country nears the milestone of having half of its population fully vaccinated. At a church camp in South Texas in late June, an outbreak was linked to more than 125 cases of Covid-19. Eighty-five infections in central Illinois were traced back to a summer camp in mid-June. (NBC News)
Tracking telehealth changes state by state in response to COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues nationwide, states, payers and providers are looking for ways to expand access to telehealth services. Telehealth is an essential tool in ensuring patients are able to access the health care services they need in as safely as possible. To provide quick and actionable guidance on the evolving telehealth landscape, Manatt Health has developed a comprehensive 50-state tracker for policy, regulatory and legal changes to telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. (JD Supra)