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Mountain Town Confronts an Unexpected Public Health Catastrophe

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kffhealthnews.org – Kim Dinan – 2024-10-18 04:00:00

SUMMARY: Before Hurricane Helene, residents of Asheville, North Carolina, felt insulated from climate disasters, believing their mountainous region was safe. However, after the hurricane caused severe flooding and infrastructure damage, leaving at least 72 dead in Buncombe County, that sense of security vanished. The storm disrupted power and water supplies, risking lives, particularly for those dependent on medical equipment. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with FEMA providing essential supplies. Community leaders express concerns about the mental health impact of prolonged power and water outages. Many residents are left grappling with the aftermath and adapting to a new reality shaped by climate change.

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Florida Gov. DeSantis’ Canadian Drug Import Plan Goes Nowhere After FDA Approval

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kffhealthnews.org – Phil Galewitz, KFF Health News – 2024-11-21 10:58:00

SUMMARY: Florida’s plan to import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada, approved by the FDA nearly a year ago, has yet to launch. Governor Ron DeSantis praised the program, anticipated to save state agencies up to $180 million, but officials lack a start date. Despite bipartisan support for drug importation, complications persist, including operational challenges and safety concerns from the pharmaceutical industry. DeSantis has filed lawsuits against the FDA for delays and Florida has already spent $50 million on the initiative with no drugs imported. Other states, like Colorado, face similar hurdles in establishing importation programs.

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Washington Power Has Shifted. Here’s How the ACA May Shift, Too.

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kffhealthnews.org – Stephanie Armour and Sam Whitehead and Julie Rovner, KFF Health News – 2024-11-21 04:00:00

SUMMARY: Donald Trump’s return to the White House may inspire Republicans to weaken or repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), but significant procedural and political challenges remain. Trump has opposed the ACA and is interested in reforming it, while GOP lawmakers aim to revamp the 2010 health law, citing costs and government overreach. Potential changes could affect Medicaid expansion, raise the uninsured rate, and increase premiums. Trump could use reconciliation to change the ACA without Democratic votes, or pursue executive actions to modify it. Critics worry that policies could lead to higher costs and reduced protections for individuals with preexisting conditions.

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After Institutions for People With Disabilities Close, Graves Are at Risk of Being Forgotten

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kffhealthnews.org – Tony Leys – 2024-11-21 04:00:00

SUMMARY: The Glenwood Resource Center in Iowa, which served individuals with disabilities for over a century, closed in June 2023 amid care allegations. Its cemetery, housing about 1,300 individuals buried with minimal markers, has become a focal point for disability rights advocates who seek proper maintenance and memorialization. As redevelopment plans are discussed, local leaders emphasize honoring the memory of those buried there, as past neglect of similar cemeteries across the U.S. has faced criticism. Efforts aim to ensure significant recognition that reflects their humanity, preventing a repeat of the erasure experienced by many individuals with disabilities in institutional care.

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