SUMMARY: In Cuthbert, Georgia, Adams Family Pharmacy co-owner Nikki Bryant offers coffee and baked goods to supplement income, struggling against pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that drive up drug costs and complicate access to medications. Despite hopes for state legislation to align reimbursements with chain pharmacies, Governor Kemp vetoed it, citing significant costs. The FTC recently sued major PBMs for manipulating drug prices, which threatens independent pharmacies. Critics argue that PBMs exploit pricing spread, harming local pharmacies like Bryant’s, which daily faces competition with large chains amidst financial pressures. The situation exemplifies ongoing challenges for independent pharmacies nationwide.

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The post PBM Math: Big Chains Are Paid $23.55 To Fill a Blood Pressure Rx. Small Drugstores? $1.51. appeared first on kffhealthnews.org

SUMMARY: Toby Ewing, director of California’s Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, traveled to London this summer, funded by the digital mental health company Kooth, while he advocated against a proposed $360 million budget cut that would affect Kooth’s contract. Ewing lobbied legislative staff to preserve funding amid California’s $45 billion deficit. Despite initial uncertainty, lawmakers ultimately restored the funding during Ewing’s trip. Whistleblower complaints allege Ewing’s actions benefitted a private company, raising ethical concerns. Recently placed on administrative leave, Ewing’s conduct is under investigation while Kooth continues its partnership with California in providing youth mental health services.

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The post A California Official Helped Save a Mental Health Company’s Contract. It Flew Him to London. appeared first on kffhealthnews.org

SUMMARY: Over 600 frozen waffle products from various brands are being recalled due to potential listeria contamination, detected through routine testing at a manufacturing facility. Fortunately, there have been no confirmed cases of illness or death associated with these products. They are sold at major retailers like Target and Walmart, which have responded by removing the affected items from stores and placing sales restrictions on them. The increase in listeria recalls is attributed to a more complex food supply chain, higher consumer demand for ready-to-eat processed foods, and advances in testing that allow for better detection of foodborne pathogens.

More than 600 frozen waffle products are being voluntarily recalled due to a potential listeria contamination.

KFF Health News’ Celiné Gounder joined CBS Mornings to discuss what to do if you have one of the affected products.
#waffles #listeria

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