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…
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FDA says Tazverik is being withdrawn from the U.S. market after new safety data showed a higher-than-expected rate of new blood cancers.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…
Will I Have to Prove I’m Working to Keep Medicaid in 2027?
Usually not. The new federal rule applies to certain Medicaid expansion adults, not every Medicaid enrollee. But if you are in the affected group, paperwork, renewal timing, and proof of an exemption could matter just as much as the 80-hour standard.
Still have Raw Farm raw cheddar at home? What the April 2026 recall means
CDC closed the outbreak on April 30, 2026, but FDA’s advice did not end. Some recalled RAW FARM raw cheddar products carry 2026 dates and could still be in home refrigerators or freezers.
Born Before 1957 and Over 65: Do You Need MMR During 2026 Measles Outbreaks?
Most adults born before 1957 are generally presumed protected against measles, so an MMR shot is not automatically recommended for every older adult. But some seniors should still ask about MMR now because of healthcare work, travel, outbreaks, uncertain records, or an older…
If Dentures Make Meals Harder, When Chewing Trouble Affects Nutrition
Being able to get by with dentures is not the same as eating well. Food avoidance, sore spots, weight loss, dry mouth, heavy adhesive use, or coughing at meals can signal a denture problem, a swallowing problem, or both.
