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…
CMS posts proposed 2027 Medicare payment rule for hospitals and surgery centers
The proposed rule covers 2027 Medicare payments for hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgical centers, as well as quality reporting, star ratings and hospital price transparency.
WHO says Ebola outbreak in DRC began months before declaration as response falls behind
The Bundibugyo-virus outbreak in eastern Congo began in February but was not declared until mid-May, WHO says, as transmission outpaces contact tracing and health services.
UN Scales Up Ebola Response in Congo After Spread to Haut-Uele and Tshopo
The United Nations says Ebola-containment efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are being expanded after the disease spread to Haut-Uele and Tshopo provinces, while worsening insecurity has disrupted humanitarian operations.
HHS Watchdog Reports $5.56 Billion in Projected Recoveries and Savings
A six-month federal health-care enforcement report cited $5.56 billion in expected recoveries and projected savings, 1,212 exclusions and major Medicare Advantage settlements.
FDA updates Cyclospora investigation tied to iceberg lettuce as prices pressure restaurants
The FDA identified iceberg lettuce as the leading food item of interest in a Cyclospora investigation and listed eight states in the distribution footprint of a Taylor Farms de Mexico recall.
WHO Updates Multinational Andes Hantavirus Outbreak Linked to M/V Hondius Cruise Ship
The World Health Organization says an Andes hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship M/V Hondius involved 13 cases and three deaths by May 27, with a later probable case reported in Tristan da Cunha after disembarkation.
Great River Health says Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center complies with price-transparency rules
Great River Health says Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center complies with federal hospital price-transparency requirements after a recent report questioned the system’s status.
Parkview Logansport Hospital reports more than $15 million in first-year investment
One year after joining Parkview Health, the 83-bed Logansport hospital says it has invested more than $15 million and maintained full-service operations.
EPA proposes giving drinking-water systems until 2031 to comply with federal PFOA and PFOS limits
The EPA proposed retaining federal limits for PFOA and PFOS while allowing eligible drinking-water systems to request up to two additional years to comply.
UN Agencies Report 2.1 Billion People Faced Food Insecurity in 2025
A new five-agency UN report finds modest global progress on hunger, but says affordability and regional disparities continue to block progress toward 2030 goals.
GAO Says VA Community Care and Medicare Advantage Need Stronger Payment Controls
A new Government Accountability Office report says the Department of Veterans Affairs and Medicare Advantage need additional steps to reduce improper-payment and fraud risks.
