In the News
The American Medical Association will collaborate with the Vaccine Integrity Project on an independent, evidence-based review process for vaccines against influenza, COVID-and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), furthering VIP’s goal of providing an alternative vaccine resource as health professionals lose faith in CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices following its overhaul by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
WASHINGTON — Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle pressed health insurance CEOs on premium hikes, prior authorization rules and claim denials in back-to-back House committee hearings Thursday, zeroing in on how the insurers’ decisions are affecting patients right now.
UnitedHealth Group will rebate its profits this year to the 1 million people who receive healthcare coverage through its Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange plans, Chairman and CEO Stephen J. Hemsley told Congress during a hearing today.
In response to palpable, bipartisan frustration among lawmakers over soaring costs for medical care, the chief executives of the country’s largest health insurers on Thursday attempted to place the blame on others, namely hospitals and drug makers.
But the executives, summoned to appear at back-to-back House hearings on the affordability of health care, said little that seemed to appease congressional representatives seeking ways to hold the insurance industry accountable.
CHELAN COUNTY — A federal funding package moving through Congress could bring new de-escalation tools to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, aimed at making law enforcement encounters safer for deputies and the public.
Years of legislative effort ended with victory for schoolchildren, dairy farmers and their cooperatives as Congress passed and a presidential signature is imminent for the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, a landmark restoration of choice in school meals.
EVERETT, Wash. — In a letter addressed to BP North America CEO Murray Auchincloss, a cohort of Washington delegates is demanding answers from the energy behemoth after a leak in the Olympic Pipeline released thousands of gallons of fuel near Everett
The leak was discovered by a blueberry farmer on Nov. 11, who then alerted BP. Hundreds of feet of the two consecutive pipes, carrying gas and airliner fuel, were excavated as crews attempted to locate the leak.
U.S. Reps. Kim Schrier and Marilyn Strickland on Dec. 1, introduced a bill that would aim to help farmers adopt climate-smart practices by expanding a Washington state program nationwide.