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Star News

partner publisher · 16.2K followers
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Democrats' NC legislative gains could put PFAS oversight back in spotlight

While North Carolina Democrats digest their stunning success on Election Day that gave the party control of the N.C. House and touching distance of taking over the N.C. Senate, supporters are wondering what the changes in the state legislature will mean in practice. One of the issues top of mind for residents, and one that became a campaign issue in the bruising race between Sen. Michael Lee , R-New Hanover, and victorious Democratic challenger Jessica Bichler, was what the changes could mean for environmental enforcement − specifically when it comes to "forever chemicals." The StarNews first broke the story in 2017 of the chemical discharges into the Cape Fear, which serves as the primary drinking water supply for nearly 500,000 people in Southeastern North Carolina, that couldn't be filtered out by local utilities before the water reached homes and businesses. Since then, testing also has found extensive PFAS contamination in groundwater and the environment across the Cape Fear region. Formally known as per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, PFAS are manmade substances used in a range of products from medical devices to nonstick cookware that don't break down quickly − hence their name forever chemicals − and have been tied to a host

North Carolina · 2d

FOX Carolina

publisher · 135.6K followers

South Carolina flu activity widespread, doctor explains treatment and vaccine options

South Carolina · 2d

The Financial Wire

partner publisher · 65.9K followers
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North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey says many Medicare plans plan 2027 increases, some significant, and changes must be made by Dec. 7 for Jan. 1 coverage

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is warning Medicare beneficiaries that many plans plan 2027 increases, some significant, and that changes must be made by Dec. 7 for coverage to start Jan. 1. In an Oct. 14 release, Causey said, “Many plans have indicated that they intend to have increases, some significantly.” The department did... The post North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey says many Medicare plans plan 2027 increases, some significant, and changes must be made by Dec. 7 for Jan. 1 coverage appeared first on The Financial Wire .

North Carolina · 5d

The Financial Wire

partner publisher · 65.9K followers
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Medicaid in Michigan, North Carolina and Arizona will pay only two months of past bills for applicants 65 and older starting Jan. 1, 2027, down from three months

Older adults who apply for Medicaid in North Carolina, Arizona and Michigan starting Jan. 1, 2027, will get coverage for only two months of bills from before the application, down from three. North Carolina’s Medicaid program says anyone who applies by Dec. 31, 2026, still gets up to three months of approved costs covered. For... The post Medicaid in Michigan, North Carolina and Arizona will pay only two months of past bills for applicants 65 and older starting Jan. 1, 2027, down from three months appeared first on The Financial Wire .

North Carolina · 3d

Main Street Dollars

partner publisher · 39.0K followers

Medicare Advantage members in Oregon, Maine and North Carolina lose hospitals or doctors Jan. 1, while Florida, California and Wisconsin systems may also leave

Medicare Advantage members who use Oregon Health & Science University, Maine’s InterMed practices or a North Carolina hospital face network changes at the start of 2027, and members in Florida, California and Wisconsin could be next. Some of the changes are settled and some are still being negotiated. Open enrollment ends Dec. 7, and that […]

Wisconsin · 9d

WITN

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Flu activity rising in ENC, doctors urge vaccination ahead of holidays

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - Flu activity is beginning to increase across North Carolina, and health experts warn that the approaching holiday season could lead to more cases. Dr. Philip Lamptey, chief medical officer of FastMed, says clinics statewide have seen an uptick in flu patients over the past several weeks, although activity remains relatively mild.

North Carolina · 5d

828newsnow.com

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Southeastern Orthopedics & Spine adds five physicians, expands care in Western North Carolina

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Southeastern Orthopedics & Spine has added five physicians to its practice this fall, expanding specialty care options for patients in Asheville and across Western North Carolina. The physicians bring experience in spine surgery, sports medicine, shoulder conditions, pain management and joint replacement. All five are...

Asheville, NC · 7d

WWAY NewsChannel 3

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Novant Health launches virtual headache and migraine clinic for North Carolina patients

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Novant Health is expanding access to specialized care for people experiencing migraines and chronic headaches with the launch of a new virtual headache clinic available to adults across North Carolina. The new service, called Novant Health Virtual Headache Care, allows patients ages 18 and older...

North Carolina · 6d

wunc.org

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Plans are disappearing, drug costs are rising. What NC Medicare enrollees need to know this year

Thousands of North Carolinians face Medicare coverage changes as insurers discontinue plans or adjust their service areas for 2027. Monthly premiums don’t tell the whole story. Changes to deductibles, prescription drug costs and provider networks could affect what beneficiaries pay. Medicare open enrollment ends Dec. 7. Advocates encourage beneficiaries...

North Carolina · 6d

hoodline.com

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Atrium Health Tops Out $130M Concord Tower, Adding 90 Beds by 2028

Atrium Health has topped out a $130 million expansion at its Cabarrus County hospital in Concord, adding three new stories and 90,000 square feet that will bring 90 additional inpatient beds, including space for intensive care patients, when the project opens in early 2028. The expansion is being added to...

Concord, NC · 8d

wnctimes.com

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Flu-Like, COVID-Like ER Visits Tick Up in Western North Carolina

Raleigh -- November 3, 2026: State health officials report modest increases in the Asheville region while broader respiratory activity remains low st... Raleigh -- November 3, 2026: State health officials report modest increases in the Asheville region while broader respiratory activity remains low statewide. Emergency department visits for flu-like and...

North Carolina · 8d

lakenormanpublications.com

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Shepherding in good health for those in need

DENVER – A group of individuals known as the Good Shepherd HealthCare Alliance started “stargazing.”. It all started with Dr. Peter Alford, a physician with the Catawba Valley Health System who practices a combination of pulmonary and sleep medicine, looking for a service project for children as part of a multi-church celebration of MLK Day last January.

Lincoln County, NC · 7d

North Carolina Health News

publisher · 2.3K followers

Plans are disappearing, drug costs are rising. What NC Medicare enrollees need to know this year

Thousands of North Carolinians face Medicare coverage changes as insurers discontinue plans or adjust their service areas for 2027. Monthly premiums don’t tell the whole story. Changes to deductibles, prescription drug costs and provider networks could affect what beneficiaries pay. Medicare open enrollment ends Dec. 7. Advocates encourage beneficiaries...

North Carolina · 6d

The Money Overview

partner publisher · 74.9K followers

Some Medicare Advantage members in Florida, Oregon, North Carolina and Maine may lose Sarasota Memorial, OHSU, CarolinaEast or InterMed on Jan. 1 unless they switch by Dec. 7

Medicare Advantage members who use Sarasota Memorial in Florida, OHSU in Oregon, CarolinaEast Medical Center in North Carolina or InterMed in Maine face a network change on Jan. 1, 2027, and Medicare’s fall enrollment window closes Dec. 7. The four breaks involve three different insurers, so the name of a member’s plan, not the name […] The post Some Medicare Advantage members in Florida, Oregon, North Carolina and Maine may lose Sarasota Memorial, OHSU, CarolinaEast or InterMed on Jan. 1 unless they switch by Dec. 7 appeared first on The Money Overview .

North Carolina · 9d

North Carolina Health News

publisher · 2.3K followers

As mental health needs grow in NC prisons, state leaders look to improve care after release

About 4,700 people with mental health diagnoses leave North Carolina state prisons each year. Limited staffing and other barriers can make it difficult to coordinate treatment and support as they transition back into their communities. A new committee is developing recommendations to improve services and support for people with mental...

North Carolina · 9d

thewashingtondailynews.com

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State launches Rural Health Transformation Program Dashboard

The NC Department of Health and Human Services today launched a new dashboard sharing all projects that were awarded Rural Health Transformation Program funds in Year 1, along with the counties served, the amounts committed, and brief descriptions of the work. The announcement comes after the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded an initial $100 million to North Carolina for Year 2 Rural Health Transformation Program funding, with additional funding to follow. The program aims to improve health care in rural communities, help people get better care, and maintain rural health services.

North Carolina · 8d

ABC11 Eyewitness News

partner publisher · 141.7K followers

North Carolina early voting tops 2 million as voters cite economy, health care concerns

More than 2 million North Carolinians cast ballots during early voting ahead of Election Day.

North Carolina · 11d

Main Street Dollars

partner publisher · 39.0K followers

North Carolina state retirees face a Nov. 6 State Health Plan enrollment cutoff

North Carolina’s State Health Plan will close open enrollment for 2027 coverage on Nov. 6, 2026. Retirees on the plan have until that date to review their choices and make changes, after the state pushed the deadline back from Oct. 30. The plan covers about 750,000 members and has warned that it could run out […]

North Carolina · 9d

carolinajournal.com

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10,500 noncitizens lost Medicaid coverage in NC under new rules

North Carolina’s public health commission held an Oct. 28 joint meeting with physicians virtually to discuss federal Medicaid changes, including coverage restrictions affecting noncitizens, anticipated funding reductions, and investments in rural healthcare. State Health Director Dr. Lawrence Greenblatt said approximately 10,500 people had lost Medicaid coverage following changes to...

North Carolina · 9d