Phil Galewitz

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United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. | FRANCINE SRECA/PIXABAY

Hospitals ask Congress to delay ACA Medicaid funding cuts — for the 14th time

It is unlikely the reductions that leaders agreed to years ago will occur this year

Jul 25, 2023

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In this 2017 photo, a narcotic detection dog alerts a U.S. Customs officer to a package containing a narcotic at the international mail facility in Chicago. Seizures of fentanyl at International Mail Facilities have become a rare occurrence in recent years. | U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION

Illicit drug shipments to US are more viagra than opioids

The overwhelming majority of packages confiscated in a two-year period were uncontrolled prescription drugs that people had ordered

Mar 7, 2023

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THOMAS BREHER/PIXABAY

States challenge Biden to lower drug prices by allowing imports from Canada

The Biden administration is facing mounting pressure from states to let them import medicine from Canada to help lower prescription drug costs.

Dec 15, 2022

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LEXIE HEARING

Say What? Hearing Aids Available Over-the-Counter For As Low As $199, And Without A Prescription

Hearing aid prices are dropping dramatically as a federal law takes effect.

Oct 18, 2022

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LEXIE HEARING

Apple, Bose, Others Pump Up Volume On Hearing Aid Options, Filling Void Left by FDA

Consumers’ options have expanded with more hearing devices entering the market and alternative ways to get them and at lower prices.

Aug 26, 2021

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Biden Administration Signals It’s in No Rush to Allow Canadian Drug Imports

Six states have passed laws to start drug imports from Canada, and Florida, Colorado and New Mexico are the furthest along in plans to get federal approval.

Jun 1, 2021

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Four Portland area hospital systems are running the mass vaccination site at the Oregon Convention Center. | OHSU

4 Things To Know About The Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

Health experts said regulators have to strike a balance between addressing small but serious risks while encouraging millions to get vaccinated.

Apr 14, 2021

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Geography Is Destiny: Dentists’ Access to Covid Shots Depends on Where They Live

Oregon is one of a handful of states that have put dentists lower in priority order, despite the CDC advisory board's recommendation that all front-line workers get priority.

Jan 15, 2021

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Courtesy of Tabrez Syed on Unsplash

As Biden Gets Sworn In, White House Will Get Scrubbed Down

As Joe Biden lifts his right hand to take the oath of office at noon on Jan. 20 at the Capitol, a team of specially trained cleaners will be lifting their hands to disinfect the White House.

Dec 21, 2020

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Joe Biden/Gage Skidmore from CC BY-SA 2.0

Hospitals Hostile To Biden Plan To Drop Medicare Age To 60

Dropping Medicare eligibility age to 60 from 65 would deprive hospitals of billions of dollars in revenue they now get from commercial insurance plans.

Nov 11, 2020