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 Ends Medicare Part D Premium Program Before 2027
CMS will end the temporary Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration before the 2027 plan year, changing how some beneficiaries may experience prescription-drug costs.
HHS Defers More Than $1 Billion in Medicaid Payments to California and Minnesota
The Department of Health and Human Services said the payments will remain deferred while it reviews claims classified as high risk in a Medicaid fraud crackdown.
Montvale post-acute care center breaks ground on skilled-nursing facility
Montvale Post Acute and Healthcare Center held a July 15 groundbreaking for a new skilled-nursing and post-acute care facility, with Marquis Health Consulting Services supporting the project.
Lawrenceburg nonprofit receives $125,000 federal award for Dearborn County youth substance-use prevention
C.A.S.A., based at 423 Walnut St. in Lawrenceburg, received a $125,000 fiscal year 2026 award for the Dearborn County Prevention Project.
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.
