Fort Worth health brief: free screenings, flu surveillance update, and Medicare Advantage enforcement action
Fort Worth, TX – March 4, 2026 – Free screenings return to Tarrant County in March as CDC data show flu remains elevated; Medicare Advantage enforcement shifts.
Free kidney and breast cancer screenings scheduled in Tarrant County
Tarrant County Precinct 2 Commissioner Alisa Simmons announced a March health expo offering free kidney disease and breast cancer screenings for residents, along with a community resource fair and preventive health education. The 3rd Annual Kidney Wellness and Health Expo is set for Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tarrant County Sub-Courthouse, 700 E. Abram St., in Arlington.
Organizers said the event will also offer low-cost flu shots and additional services such as health education sessions and vendor resources. Registration is available online, and phone registration is also offered through the commissioner’s office.
Outbreak watch: CDC reports flu activity still above baseline
New CDC FluView data for the week ending Feb. 21 show respiratory illness activity remains elevated nationally. During that week, 4.4% of outpatient visits reported through ILINet met the definition for influenza-like illness, staying above the national baseline for the 12th straight week. The CDC also reported 17.9% of clinical lab specimens tested positive for influenza, and the national share of emergency department visits with an influenza discharge diagnosis was 3.2%.
Public health surveillance notes that multiple respiratory viruses can circulate at the same time, and the mix can vary by region. For local updates and public health notifications relevant to Fort Worth, residents can monitor the City of Fort Worth’s public health notifications page.
Health insurance watch: Medicare Advantage enforcement action announced
In an update that may be relevant to older adults and caregivers reviewing coverage, Healthcare Finance News reported that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is freezing enrollment in Elevance Health’s Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug Plans under intermediate sanctions tied to risk-adjustment and data submission requirements. The report said CMS sent a letter dated Feb. 27 and that the enrollment freeze is scheduled to take effect March 31, remaining in place until CMS is satisfied the issues are corrected.
Insurance changes can affect provider networks and plan communications. Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to read plan notices carefully and use official channels when verifying coverage details.
Sources
https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/content/main/en/news/2026/commissioner-alisa-simmons-to-offer-free-kidney-and-breast-cance.html?linklocation=latest-news&linkname=Commissioner+Alisa+Simmons+to+Offer+Free+Kidney+and+Breast+Cancer+Screenings
https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2026-week-07.html
https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/cms-freezes-enrollment-elevance-medicare-advantage-part-d-plans
https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/environmental-services/public-health
If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.
