AGP Executive Report

Measles Alert: Gov. Josh Shapiro urged Pennsylvanians to follow public-health guidance as measles spreads statewide. State officials also warned of possible exposure at a Lebanon Target, with unvaccinated people most at risk. Cancer Prevention: A new Pennsylvania insurance law guarantees no-cost colon cancer screenings starting at age 45, down from 50. Rural Care: In Warren, an independent pharmacy is a healthcare lifeline as staffing shortages, rising costs and lower reimbursements strain providers. Warren General has cut services, and nearly a third of Pennsylvania’s rural hospitals are at risk of closure. Hospital Access: Sharon Regional Medical Center paused inpatient care after missing two payrolls but is keeping its emergency room open.

Health Coverage: As 2027 ACA enrollment opens, shoppers face higher premiums, added identity checks and tighter subsidy eligibility; Pennsylvania is among the states starting enrollment Nov. 1. Cancer Prevention: A new Pennsylvania law requires insurers to cover colon cancer screenings at no cost starting at age 45, down from 50. Consumer Alert: A recalled Whole Foods ashwagandha supplement may be contaminated; buyers should check the lot number and discard affected bottles. Measles: Pennsylvania’s outbreak has approached 1,400 cases across 44 counties, with health officials urging vaccination as cases continue to spread. Hospital Care: Sharon Regional Medical Center has paused inpatient services after missing two payrolls, but its emergency room remains open. Patient Privacy: Lehigh Valley Health Network will pay $800,000 to settle a federal privacy case after hackers leaked cancer patients’ photos.

Patient Privacy: Lehigh Valley Health Network agreed to pay $800,000 to settle a federal investigation into a 2023 ransomware attack that exposed data from 248,359 people, including photos of cancer patients receiving radiation treatment. Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania’s outbreak has climbed to 1,426 cases, with multiple deaths reported; some Amish communities are showing more openness to vaccination. Care Access: Sharon Regional Medical Center paused inpatient care after missing two payrolls but is keeping its emergency room open. A new Wright Center primary care clinic is also opening in Pennsylvania. Insurance Costs: Pennsylvania’s average ACA marketplace rates are set to rise nearly 16% for 2027 coverage, making it important for shoppers to compare plans during open enrollment. Children’s Services: A planned wellness center at the Scranton School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children will bring audiology, mental health, speech and other therapies together, aiming to cut long waits.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania’s count reached 1,426 cases, with 268 hospitalizations and five reported deaths. Health officials are urging vaccination and warned of a possible exposure at a Lebanon Target; nationally, 96% of cases involve people who are unvaccinated or whose status is unknown. Hospital Access: Sharon Regional Medical Center has paused inpatient care after missing two payrolls, but its emergency department remains open; patients needing admission will be stabilized and transferred. Pediatric Care: Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital regained Level II trauma accreditation, making it central Pennsylvania’s only designated pediatric trauma center. Clinical Training: IUP’s osteopathic medicine college added Johnstown-area partners, including Highlands Health Medical Center and Laurel Pediatric Associates, for student training. Food Safety: A ground cinnamon product recalled over elevated lead levels was distributed in Pennsylvania; consumers should check for Wise Wife brand cinnamon with a best-before date of April 25, 2027.

Measles: Pennsylvania remains the nation’s outbreak hotspot, with cases nearing 1,400. Health officials reported a possible exposure at a Lebanon Target and are urging people to get vaccinated before holiday travel. Hospital Care: Sharon Regional’s financial crisis is disrupting services: its cardiac care unit has closed, emergency services are limited and some patients may be moved as workers question whether they’ll be paid. Emergency Services: Cranberry Township is considering an EMS authority that could charge residents a mandatory fee, as officials warn that agencies across Pennsylvania are closing amid funding shortfalls. Nursing Workforce: A new Allegheny General nurses’ contract aims to improve staffing and end forced day-to-night shift changes. Consumer Alert: Check Whole Foods’ 365 ashwagandha capsules for recalled lot 2025-26227; the maker cited possible salmonella contamination and advises consumers to stop taking them.

Measles Alert: Pennsylvania has confirmed 1,398 cases across 44 counties, with 265 hospitalizations and five deaths. Health officials also warned of possible exposure at a Lebanon Target, putting unvaccinated people at greatest risk. Insurance Enrollment: ACA enrollment for 2027 begins Nov. 1 as health costs rise. Medicare open enrollment runs through Dec. 7; Pennsylvanians can get free, unbiased plan counseling through PA MEDI at 800-783-7067. Food Access: A Central Pennsylvania Food Bank report found food insecurity affects 12.5% of Centre County residents—nearly 20,000 people—and 15.4% of children.

Measles Watch: Pennsylvania’s outbreak is nearing 1,400 cases across 44 counties, and health officials warned of possible exposure at a Lebanon Target on Oct. 23. Check vaccination records and contact a provider if you may have been exposed. Insurance and Costs: ACA open enrollment for 2027 begins Nov. 1 in Pennsylvania as health costs rise. One in four Pennsylvanians says they paid out of pocket for an annual checkup; if you’re billed for preventive care, ask your insurer and clinic to review how the visit was coded. Research and Care: A $35 million initiative at Penn Medicine will establish a brain tumor center focused on research and treatment. In Johnstown, IUP signed clinical training agreements with two local providers, expanding opportunities to prepare healthcare workers for rural communities.

Measles: Pennsylvania’s outbreak is nearing 1,400 cases across 44 counties, and health officials are warning doctors about risks to pregnant patients and newborns. Insurance Costs: ACA open enrollment for 2027 begins Nov. 1 as Pennie rates rise and health costs squeeze families; state House Democrats are pitching universal coverage. Medicare Changes: Several prescription drug plans won’t renew in Clearfield County next year, and UPMC for Life is ending some local Medicare Advantage plans. A forum on Oct. 30 will help beneficiaries review options. Care Access: Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center is opening a Level II neonatal intensive care unit, expanding specialized care for newborns. Health Protections: Pennsylvania lawmakers passed a bill to limit toxic PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam, aiming to protect firefighters and communities.

Measles: Pennsylvania’s outbreak reached 1,398 cases by Wednesday, with 265 hospitalizations and five reported deaths. The state’s latest update added 38 cases in two days. 2027 Health Coverage: ACA open enrollment starts Nov. 1 in most states. Pennsylvanians may face higher premiums, added identity checks and new limits on which immigrants qualify for subsidies. Rising Costs: As employer health insurance costs climb, Pennsylvania House Democrats are pitching universal coverage as one response to mounting pressure on workers and businesses. Care Access: The Wright Center opened a Scranton primary care clinic offering checkups, screenings and treatment for common illnesses, expanding access beyond Allied Services patients.

Food Safety: Pennsylvania shoppers should check Great Value fruit cocktail for the recalled lot amid concerns about elevated lead. The 15-ounce cans have UPC 078742369570, lot code 6FCB 04 C2263 and a Sept. 1, 2027, best-by date; no illnesses have been reported. Measles: Pennsylvania’s outbreak has reached 1,360 cases, with 73 new cases reported last week. Lancaster County has recorded 478 infections, and a new case was reported in Northumberland County. State health officials are also warning doctors about risks to pregnant patients and newborns. Coverage and Care: Pennie’s 2027 ACA enrollment opens Nov. 1, with many Pennsylvanians facing higher premiums. AHN Grove City will offer a multi-cancer screening clinic Nov. 7; appointments are required, and patients with or without insurance may attend. GLP-1s and Alcohol: Pennsylvania clinicians say some patients taking GLP-1 drugs report weaker alcohol cravings, but the drugs are not FDA-approved to treat alcohol use disorder and aren’t considered first-line treatment.

Measles Alert: Pennsylvania’s outbreak has reached 1,360 cases, and Penn State Health reported an exposure at Lancaster Medical Center. State officials have also warned doctors about risks to pregnant patients and newborns. Food Safety: Walmart’s Great Value fruit cocktail is under recall for possible elevated lead levels. The affected 15-ounce cans were distributed in Pennsylvania; check lot code 6FCB 04 C2263 and best-by date Sept. 1, 2027. Hospital Care: AHN Grove City Hospital will voluntarily withdraw its Level IV trauma-center accreditation effective Nov. 1. Medication Safety: A Reading man’s liver injury from drug interactions underscores the risks of taking multiple prescriptions; experts encourage patients to review their medications with clinicians. Maternal Health: Pennsylvania is launching the nation’s first statewide doula training apprenticeship program, expanding a pathway into maternal care.

Measles Alert: Penn State Health reported possible measles exposures at Lancaster Medical Center and Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital on Oct. 18, 19 and 21. Pennsylvania has reported about 1,360 cases across 44 counties, with five deaths. Anyone potentially exposed should check vaccination status and watch for symptoms. Maternal Care: Pennsylvania has launched the nation’s first registered doula apprenticeship, aiming to train more birth and postpartum support workers. Sickle Cell Care: Jefferson Health will lead a new federal regional hub to expand access to specialized sickle cell services; nearly 4,000 Pennsylvanians live with the disease. Coverage and Costs: Pennie’s 2027 ACA enrollment opens Nov. 1 as insurance costs rise; shoppers can compare plans and seek financial assistance. Harrisburg Outreach: The American Foundation for Children with AIDS, based in Harrisburg, supports health care, education and family self-sufficiency programs in five African countries.

Measles Surge: Pennsylvania’s total rose by 74 in a week to 1,360 cases, including 23 new cases in Lancaster County, now at 478 for the year. The state also reported a new Northumberland County case, and Penn State Health alerted patients to a measles exposure at Lancaster Medical Center. Children under 5 have the highest hospitalization rate among those infected. School Health: Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a bell-to-bell cellphone ban for Pennsylvania schools, starting in the 2027–28 school year. The law includes exceptions for medical needs and disability accommodations; supporters say fewer phone distractions may help students focus and connect. Insurance: Pennie’s 2027 ACA open enrollment begins Nov. 1 as health costs rise. Health Workforce: A new state nurse loan program offers up to $20,000 a year, aiming to help address staffing needs. Environmental Health: Pennsylvania has restricted PFAS-containing firefighting foam to reduce contamination.

Measles Alert: Pennsylvania’s outbreak has topped 1,300 cases and claimed six lives, with infections reported across 44 counties. State officials have warned doctors about congenital measles after 66 pregnant women were infected. Coverage Costs: ACA open enrollment starts Nov. 1 as premiums rise. Pennie says four in five enrollees qualify for savings, so residents should compare plans rather than assume coverage is unaffordable. Cancer Care: A study of 5,432 patients found an in-home and virtual supportive-care program was linked to 10.4% fewer hospital admissions and lower health spending during active cancer treatment. Transfusion Policy: Jehovah’s Witnesses can now accept some separated blood components, though the ban on whole-blood transfusions remains. The policy shift may affect patients weighing treatment options.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania’s outbreak has topped 1,338 cases across 44 counties, with the state reporting a sixth death. Health officials also warned doctors about congenital measles after 66 pregnant women were infected. Care Access: New analysis warns Medicaid changes could strain hospitals and health providers, while nurses face high demand and mounting departures. Children’s Health: Pennsylvania’s bell-to-bell school cellphone ban is set to take effect in 2027–28; advocates say it could help protect students’ well-being. Pittsburgh’s Blackbird Health is also expanding pediatric mental health care. Prevention: A new Pennsylvania law requires childcare providers to receive food-allergy training.

Pediatric Mental Health: Blackbird Health has expanded into Pittsburgh with a Bethel Park location, offering coordinated evaluations and treatment for children, teens and young adults. Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania cases have climbed above 1,300, with six deaths reported. State officials also warned doctors about congenital measles after 66 pregnant women were infected in the outbreak. Medicaid and Care Access: A Pennsylvania report warns federal changes could leave about 310,000 residents uninsured and deepen pressure on hospitals as uncompensated care rises. School Wellness: Pennsylvania’s statewide bell-to-bell cellphone ban is set for the 2027–28 school year, amid concerns about student mental health. Insurance: Pennie’s 2027 ACA enrollment opens Nov. 1; shoppers face stricter verification rules as health costs rise. Sleep Health: A University of Pennsylvania sleep specialist explains how seasonal clock changes affect the body’s rhythms and offers tips for adjusting.