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What We're Reading: Measles Resets Immunity; Indiana Backs Off Medicaid Rule; Health Insurance Confusion
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Two studies report that children who get measles are more susceptible to other illnesses later; Indiana decides not to pursuue Medicaid work requirements; a Trump administration rule taking effect mandating health insurance for new immigrants is causing confusion.
Children With Measles More Vulnerable to Other Illnesses Later, Studies Say
Indiana Decides Not to Move Forward With Medicaid Work Requirements
Trump Administration Rule on Insurance for Immigrants Sowing Confusion
New research shows that children who get the measles may suffer from other illnesses later like flu, strep or pneumonia because of something scientists are calling “immune amnesia.” The Associated Press reported that 2 different studies published this week found that children with the measles produced antibodies to that virus, but other immune systems were basically reset, leaving them vulnerable to other illnesses. Doctors are hoping the findings will be enough to convince parents to get their children vaccinated.Indiana has joined Arizona in deciding not to move forward with plans to force some Medicaid recipients to work or do job training; both states cite federal lawsuits challenging what CMS has called “community engagement” rules that critics say violate the program’s basic purpose. The Washington Post reported that the change means that currently, no Medicaid recipient anywhere is currently at risk of losing coverage for failing to find a job. The 2 Republican-led states are the first to voluntarily step back from the policy; a federal judge in Washington has stopped 3 other states from implementing the change in 3 other states.US citizens hoping to have their relatives join them, legal immigrants, and health insurance companies are swimming through a maze of confusion and bureaucracy as the Trump administration’s new policy goes into effect in November 3 barring prospective immigrants from arriving unless they can prove they will have health insurance, or a way to pay for it, in 30 days. Reuters reported that the administration has not provided many details other than to list the type of plans that will be accepted. While a Social Security number is not required to apply for coverage, insurers may ask for it, a Kaiser Permanente official said.
