Local Health Alerts
This Is Why Prescription Drugs Are So Expensive
High U.S. prescription drug costs are driven by a lack of price regulation, patent monopolies, and complex supply chain mechanics involving pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that incentivize high list prices. Infographics highlight that these factors, combined with extensive marketing spend over R&D, lead…
Can AI Delay or Deny Your Original Medicare Procedure in 6 States?
CMS’s WISeR model is active for selected Original Medicare services in Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington. Here is what it does, who it affects, and what patients should ask if care is delayed.
Measles cases top 2,000: Check MMR before camp or travel
With U.S. measles cases at 2,030 as of June 4, 2026, now is a practical time to check who in your family needs one MMR dose, who needs two, and what to do if you are exposed before summer travel or camp.
Medicare weight-loss drugs in 2026: how the new $50 bridge works
CMS says a temporary nationwide Medicare bridge for certain obesity medicines starts July 1, 2026. Here is who may qualify, which drugs are included, what the $50 copay does and does not cover, and when ordinary Part D rules still apply.
Why a new study says long COVID may be undercounted
A May 27, 2026 study suggests long COVID can be missed when health systems rely on diagnosis codes alone. Here is why estimates differ, what CDC says about diagnosis, and when to get checked.
What the New No Surprises Act Dispute Rule Changes for Hospital Bills
The May 28, 2026 rule mostly changes how insurers and providers dispute payment after protected out-of-network care. It does not change the core No Surprises Act protections for patients at in-network hospitals.
Tazverik is being pulled from market. What patients should do now
FDA says Tazverik is being withdrawn from the U.S. market after new safety data showed a higher-than-expected rate of new blood cancers. Here is what patients and families should do next.
Do flu shots still help young children? What a new JAMA Pediatrics study found
A new JAMA Pediatrics study suggests flu vaccination still prevents a meaningful number of cases in children ages 2 to 5. Here’s how the research worked, what it found, and what parents should know before flu season.
Do you or your child need another MMR shot because measles cases are rising?
CDC’s measles tracker reported 2,030 confirmed U.S. cases as of June 4, 2026. That does not mean everyone needs an extra MMR shot, but some infants, travelers, students, healthcare workers, and adults in outbreak settings may need an earlier or second dose.
Should you stop or taper your antidepressant amid new SSRI scrutiny?
New HHS messaging about psychiatric prescribing and Reuters reporting about possible SSRI restrictions do not mean patients should stop antidepressants on their own. Here is what changed, what did not, and how tapering is usually handled with a clinician.
FDA approves first gene therapy for OTOF hearing loss: who may qualify
FDA has approved the first gene therapy for a rare OTOF-related hearing loss, but the eligible group is small and the evidence is still early. Here is what U.S. families should know about testing, treatment, and follow-up.
Will some Medicaid enrollees have to prove work in 2027?
CMS says some adults on Medicaid may need to show 80 hours a month of work, school, service, or another qualifying activity starting in 2027. Here is who may be affected, what can count, which exemptions may apply, and why paperwork could get…
