SUMMARY: Lisa Trumble, reliant on IV nutrition due to severe intestinal issues, faced a sudden hospital discharge cancellation when CVS stopped providing her home care. With 25,000 U.S. patients similarly affected, Hurricane Helene’s destruction of a key North Carolina factory exacerbated an existing IV fluid shortage. CVS’s subsidiary Coram exited the parenteral nutrition and IV antibiotic market, leaving many patients without critical supplies. Despite FDA emergency measures, replenishing supplies remains uncertain. Patients like Trumble, as well as their families, are struggling with health risks and financial strains during this crisis, highlighting the urgent need for reliable infusion care.

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SUMMARY: California Governor Gavin Newsom recently affirmed the state‘s commitment to reproductive rights, critiquing national Republican efforts to restrict such freedoms. He signed legislation mandating insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization, introduced safeguards for reproductive health service access, and backed a ban on synthetic food dyes in schools. However, he vetoed multiple bills aimed at increasing health and safety regulations due to cost concerns. Among the enacted laws, Medi-Cal will cover psychiatric emergency treatments and medical debt won’t impact credit scores. Newsom’s mixed stance reflects a balance between progressive initiatives and fiscal constraints amid a heated election cycle.

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The post California Continues Progressive Policies, With Restraint, in Divisive Election Year appeared first on kffhealthnews.org

SUMMARY: Lyft drivers, like Tramaine Carr, play a vital role in Georgia’s medical transportation system, transporting seniors and patients to essential medical appointments. With rural hospital closures increasing the distance to care, ride-hailing services like Lyft and Uber have become crucial for patients across Georgia, especially those in rural areas. A significant percentage of Lyft trips are over 50 miles each way, highlighting the reliance on these services. While insurance and charity programs often help cover costs, many still face transportation barriers. Some experts advocate for subsidizing these rides for low-income residents, while others call for expanded Medicaid to improve local healthcare access.

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The post Patients Are Relying on Lyft, Uber To Travel Far Distances to Medical Care appeared first on kffhealthnews.org