Early in the pandemic, shortages of N95 respirators and other medical gear prompted panic across the world. A year later, the masks still aren't widely available to U.S. consumers.
Under a collaboration between the Trump administration and major corporations, the marketplace and business ties often shape decisions about who gets life-saving equipment, and who has to wait.
The Trump administration says it's directing critical medical supplies "to the right place at the right time." But Gov. Steve Bullock says Montana isn't seeing any of that help.
Officials in France and Germany have accused the U.S. of intercepting medical supplies as President Trump ordered an American company to stop exports. Governors complain of a "wild west" in bidding.
A global shortage of face masks is prompting concern for the safety of health care workers. Now the U.S. government is trying to bring back an industry that largely left the country years ago.
Type 1 diabetes can be well managed with insulin if blood sugar is consistently monitored. But insurance rules can make it hard for patients to get the medical supplies their doctors say they need.
