SUMMARY: Beverly Hills will train its employees on abortion clinic protections following local officials‘ attempts to block the DuPont Clinic from opening in violation of state law. California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s proposed settlement revealed that city leaders pressured the clinic’s landlord to cancel the lease and delayed permits, citing potential security threats from protests. Bonta criticized the city’s actions as undermining reproductive freedom and noted that the clinic never opened. The agreement mandates employee training, complaint protocols, and a compliance officer, although the city did not admit wrongdoing. Proposition 1 enshrined rights protecting reproductive health in California.

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SUMMARY: Brigin Feffer, a 2-year-old, was bitten by a rattlesnake in San Diego, requiring over $200,000 worth of antivenom to save his life. He received 30 vials of antivenom, leading to a total medical bill of nearly $300,000, which covered hospital stays and ambulance rides. Hospitals often mark up prices significantly, with charges exceeding $957 per vial at one facility. Only two brands of snake antivenom exist, limiting competition. Although insurance negotiated a reduction in costs, the family faced a substantial deductible and potential additional charges. Brigin has since healed, though nerve damage affects his thumb’s dexterity.

For snakebite victims, antivenom is critical — and costly. It took more than $200,000 worth of antivenom to save one toddler’s life after he was bitten by a rattlesnake.

Read more of this “Bill of the Month” here: https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/toddlers-backyard-snakebite-bills-totaled-more-than-a-quarter-million-dollars/

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SUMMARY: Stephanie, a Florida resident recovering from opioid addiction, faced a crisis when she lost her Medicaid coverage during the state‘s eligibility reevaluation after COVID-19 protections ended. Her treatment with methadone, crucial for managing cravings, became financially burdensome. Reports indicate over 1.9 million Floridians lost Medicaid, jeopardizing addiction treatment access. Experts stress that interruptions in care increase overdose risks. Nonprofits like Operation PAR are struggling to assist uninsured patients amid rising demand. While some individuals regained coverage, many face ongoing challenges, emphasizing the need for stable funding sources to ensure continued access to lifesaving medications for those in recovery.

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