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…
Do Adults Need a Measles Immunity Check or Another MMR Before Travel?
CDC says most adults do not need routine measles titers or an extra MMR dose in 2026. But international travel, local outbreaks, and certain higher-risk groups can change the answer.
Omnipod FDA alert: What to do if your blood sugar is rising
The FDA’s June 4 Early Alert follows Insulet’s May 26 correction for certain Omnipod pod lots. Here’s how to check your pods, what signs to watch for, and when high blood sugar may need urgent or emergency care.
Measles in Wastewater Near You: What Families Should Do Next
A measles signal in wastewater is an early community warning, not proof your household was exposed. Here’s what current CDC data means and what families can do now.
Should you choose a blood test for colorectal cancer screening?
A blood test is now included in American Cancer Society colorectal screening guidance, but for most average-risk adults, stool testing or colonoscopy still offers more proven screening value.
Why do new long COVID estimates look so different?
Two recent long COVID studies are not directly comparable because they counted different populations, used different definitions, and found cases in different ways.
What changes if my local hospital becomes a Rural Emergency Hospital?
A Rural Emergency Hospital can keep emergency care and many outpatient services close to home, but it does not provide acute inpatient admissions. Here is what current CMS guidance, federal analysis, and early research suggest for rural families.
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.
