Using the CDC’s COVID Data Tracker and Wednesday as the last day of the week, here is the FEHBlog’s latest weekly chart of weekly COVID cases for 2021 through the 39th week (September 29, 2021):

Here is a link to the CDC’s weekly new hospitalization chart which also is trending down:

Here is the FEHBlog’s latest weekly chart of new COVID deaths this year:

Medscape notes that “COVID-19 deaths are beginning to plateau in the US, adding another promising sign that the latest coronavirus surge has peaked. The 7-day average of daily deaths has hovered around 2000 for more than a week and dropped below 1900 on Thursday. The trend follows a 2-month climb in deaths as the Delta variant hit unvaccinated populations, particularly in Arkansas, Florida, and Louisiana. * * * COVID-19 cases began to level off nationally in early September, and hospitalizations and deaths have followed a similar trend several weeks later.”

Here is the FEHBlog’s latest weekly chart of COVID vaccinations distributed and administered in 2021:

The CDC reports that as of today 65% of the eligible U.S population (over age 12) and 84% of the U.S population over age 65 is fully vaccinated. The CDC COVID Data tracker now is displaying booster administration. For example, 6% of the fully vaccinated population over age 65 has received a booster.

Health Leaders Media reports on stakeholder reaction to the No Surprises Act interim final rule on the independent dispute resolution process. AHIP’s President Matt Eyles remarked that the final rule

“signals a strong commitment to consumer affordability and lower healthcare spending through an independent dispute resolution process that should encourage more providers to join health plan networks.”

“We are particularly encouraged to see the rules conform to the intent of the No Surprises Act and direct that arbitration awards must begin with a presumption that the appropriate out-of-network reimbursement is the qualified payment amount,” Eyles said.

“This is the right approach to encourage hospitals, health care providers, and health insurance providers to work together and negotiate in good faith. It will also ensure that arbitration does not result in unnecessary premium increases for businesses and hardworking American families.”

The FEHBlog’s take is that the interim final rule protects consumers while controlling the cost of care. After all, the surprise was not receiving out of network care; rather the suprise was the eye popping bill.