AGP Executive Report

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has reported 1,222 cases, with health officials investigating another possible death. The CDC has sent a disease investigator to assist, while state officials say vaccination rates are rising. Insulin Costs: Attorney General Dave Sunday sued insulin makers and pharmacy benefit managers, alleging a scheme that inflated prices by more than 1,000%. Health Care Workforce: Gov. Josh Shapiro and Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen launched a nurse-shortage assistance program as Reading Hospital plans an expanded emergency department. Women’s Health: A Philadelphia nonprofit opened applications for a program supporting 10 Pennsylvania life-sciences and medical-device startups working to address gaps in women’s care. Public Health: Allentown’s water authority secured $15.44 million to replace about 1,000 lead service lines, and a new report found PFAS in more than 90% of tested Pennsylvania and New Jersey waterways. Care Access: A new federal rule bars states from using federal funds for gender-affirming care for young people, affecting Medicaid and CHIP coverage.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania reports 1,222 cases across 42 counties, 225 hospitalizations and five confirmed deaths; a possible sixth death is under investigation. The CDC is sending an expert to help the state respond, as MMR vaccinations climb and officials say spread appears to be leveling off. Health Care Access: Jefferson Health says some facilities could leave Highmark’s network Jan. 1 if contract talks fail, potentially affecting patients across Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley. Drug Costs: Pennsylvania’s attorney general is suing drugmakers and pharmacy benefit managers, alleging they colluded to manipulate insulin prices. Health Workforce: Gov. Josh Shapiro and Health Secretary Debra Bogen launched a nurse-shortage assistance program, while Penn Medicine is also introducing high school students to nursing careers. Life Sciences: Merck plans a $2.9 billion investment to expand vaccine and medicine manufacturing in Montgomery County.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has reported a sixth measles-associated death, a 39-year-old Franklin County woman who was unvaccinated. State officials say cases are steady as vaccination interest grows, and the CDC is sending added support to investigate the outbreak. Insulin Costs: Attorney General Dave Sunday sued major drugmakers and pharmacy benefit managers, alleging they conspired to inflate insulin prices and left patients paying more for essential medication. The companies have not been shown to have violated the law. Nursing Workforce: Gov. Josh Shapiro and Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen launched a nurse-shortage assistance program in Honesdale, aimed at strengthening the state’s health care workforce. Baby Food Safety: A Pennsylvania House bill would require testing baby food made in the state for toxic heavy metals and listing results on labels. It passed 200–3 and now goes to the Senate. Seasonal Wellness: As shorter days arrive, seasonal affective disorder can cause more than the “winter blues,” disrupting daily life and relationships.

Vaping Rules: Pennsylvania can begin enforcing Act 57 on Oct. 19, barring sales of vaping products not on the state’s approved list. Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has reported 1,136 cases and six related deaths. Lancaster County leads with 415 cases, while health officials urge people concerned about immunity to contact a provider before visiting a clinic. Georgia officials say a new case there was linked to Pennsylvania’s outbreak. Insulin Costs: Attorney General Dave Sunday is suing insulin makers and pharmacy benefit managers, alleging they colluded to drive prices up by more than 1,000% and burden people with diabetes. Nursing Workforce: Gov. Josh Shapiro launched a student-loan repayment program to help hospitals recruit nurses; statewide vacancy rates average 15%, and Wayne Memorial Hospital reports 25%.

Measles Emergency: Pennsylvania’s outbreak has claimed a sixth life: a 39-year-old unvaccinated Franklin County woman with underlying health conditions died Oct. 10 after a recent infection. State figures recorded 1,136 cases across 41 counties through Oct. 9, with more than 200 hospitalizations. Vaccination Watch: A UPMC Harrisburg infectious-disease specialist calls measles a “canary in the coal mine,” warning that falling vaccination rates could leave communities vulnerable to mumps and rubella, too. Lancaster County’s MMR vaccination rates remain below the 95% level needed to prevent measles spread. Coverage Changes: Pennsylvania’s Medicaid work rules, set to begin in 2027, could affect nearly 700,000 enrollees. Health Investment: GSK plans to invest more than $800 million in its Pennsylvania biologics site, expanding manufacturing and adding 300 jobs. Penn State and state agriculture officials also broke ground on a $65 million Animal Diagnostic Laboratory expansion to strengthen disease detection and public-health protection.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has reported its sixth measles-associated death, a 39-year-old Franklin County woman with underlying health conditions. The state had 1,136 cases and more than 200 hospitalizations as of last week, with cases reported in 41 counties. Prescription Costs: Pennsylvania and 44 other states are awaiting court approval of settlements with three generic drug makers accused of conspiring to inflate prices and limit competition. The companies have agreed to terms aimed at preventing future violations. Health Industry: GSK plans to invest more than $800 million to expand its Pennsylvania biopharma operations, with the project expected to create 300 jobs. Youth Mental Health: Pennridge families, educators and behavioral-health professionals met to discuss student survey findings on social media, bullying, substance use and mental health.

Measles Emergency: Pennsylvania’s outbreak has reached 1,136 cases, with 219 hospitalizations and five reported deaths, as U.S. cases top 4,000. Oxford Area High School is excluding unvaccinated students and staff for 21 days after an exposure, while Chester County warned of possible exposures at three stores. Drug Manufacturing: GSK plans to invest more than $800 million in Upper Merion facilities for biologics production and research, with more than 300 jobs expected over five years. Insurance Access: Jefferson and Independence Blue Cross are warning patients their contract could expire Dec. 31 without a deal, potentially disrupting care or raising costs for members. Memory and Brain Health: A Philadelphia clinical trial reported an early decline in a brain-damage biomarker among people treated for a rare form of progressive aphasia; clinical results are expected next year. In Chester County, Simpson is also offering families guidance on choosing memory care that supports independence and connection.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania remains the nation’s hardest-hit state as U.S. cases top 4,000. State figures show 1,136 infections across 41 counties, 219 hospitalizations and five deaths; officials say vaccination clinics are drawing more people. Nursing Workforce: Philadelphia-area schools and hospitals are expanding accelerated training and offering loan repayment of up to $65,000 to help ease Pennsylvania’s nursing shortage. Black Lung: Disease rates are surging in Appalachia, including Pennsylvania, while federal enforcement of new coal-mine dust rules is on hold—raising concern about miners’ exposure.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has the nation’s largest measles outbreak, with more than 1,000 cases and five deaths. In the Philadelphia region, 40% of kindergarten classrooms fell below the 95% vaccination level considered important to limit spread. Health officials say the virus spreads easily and can cause severe illness, especially in young children and pregnant people. Food Safety: At least five people in Pennsylvania have been sickened in a Salmonella outbreak linked to oysters harvested from Virginia’s Little Wicomico River. Virginia has temporarily closed part of the river to shellfish harvesting while officials investigate.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has surpassed 1,100 cases across 41 counties in its largest outbreak in 35 years. A fifth Pennsylvanian has died, and a Chester County high school closed after a case. Seasonal Health: Flu activity hit its highest mid-September level since 2022, about seven weeks earlier than in the past two seasons. Environmental Health: Anglers were warned not to eat fish from the Wissahickon watershed because of unsafe PFAS levels; the state Senate also advanced a bill to phase out PFAS-containing firefighting foam. Life Sciences: GSK plans to invest more than $800 million to expand its Montgomery County operations, creating over 300 jobs.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has 1,136 confirmed cases this year, with 219 people hospitalized and five deaths, as U.S. cases reach 4,080. About 95% of cases nationwide involve people who are unvaccinated or whose status is unknown. A Chester County high school closed after a confirmed case. Seasonal Health: Flu activity rose unusually early, with September levels the highest for that time of year since at least 2022. Health officials are reminding Pennsylvanians to consider updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Medicare Help: Open enrollment runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Free, unbiased counseling is available through local Area Agencies on Aging to help residents compare coverage and check eligibility for savings programs. Food Safety: Virginia temporarily closed part of the Little Wicomico River to oyster and clam harvesting after a Salmonella outbreak was linked to shellfish harvested there and reported in Pennsylvania. Public Health: The state Senate approved a bill to phase out PFAS-containing firefighting foam, aiming to reduce firefighters’ exposure and limit contamination of soil and water.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania reported 58 new cases, including two in Snyder County, bringing the total to 1,136 across 41 counties. The state has recorded 219 hospitalizations and five deaths. Oxford Area High School closed after a confirmed case, and Chester County officials warned of possible exposures at local stores. Water Safety: State officials advise against eating fish from the Wissahickon watershed after PFOS contamination was detected; the source is unknown. Biopharma Investment: GSK plans to invest more than $800 million in its Montgomery County facilities, creating 300-plus jobs and expanding medicine research and manufacturing. Prescription Costs: A coalition of states is seeking approval of settlements with three generic drugmakers over alleged price-fixing. People who bought generic prescriptions from May 2009 through December 2019 may qualify for compensation.

Measles: Oxford Area High School in Chester County closed Friday after a confirmed case as Pennsylvania’s outbreak reached 1,078 cases, 207 hospitalizations and five deaths. State health officials also reported 74 new cases. Medicare: Free, unbiased PA MEDI counseling is available ahead of open enrollment, which begins Oct. 15. Counselors can help compare plans and check eligibility for cost-saving programs. Hospital Safety: A Penn Nursing study linked for-profit hospitals to about 11 more deaths per 1,000 medical admissions than nonprofit hospitals; nurses’ reports of unsafe workloads explained part of the gap. Vaping: Pennsylvania’s new law takes effect Oct. 19, barring sales of e-cigarettes and vape products not listed in the state Attorney General’s directory.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has reported 1,078 cases across 41 counties and five measles-associated deaths, all among unvaccinated people. Lancaster County has 401 cases. Elizabethtown Area School District says a Bainbridge student tested positive, but it has not been determined where or when the student was exposed. Medicare Enrollment: Open enrollment starts Oct. 15. Pennsylvania seniors can get help comparing coverage through the state’s MEDI program; its helpline is 1-800-783-7067. Vaccine Season: State health leaders are urging residents to get updated flu and COVID-19 shots as respiratory virus season begins. Vape Rules: Pennsylvania’s ban on most unapproved e-cigarette products takes effect Oct. 19, with retailers allowed to sell only products on the state’s approved directory. Kratom Regulation: The Pennsylvania House passed a bill to regulate kratom sales and ban synthetic compounds.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has recorded 1,078 cases across 41 counties, with 207 people hospitalized and five deaths. All five who died were unvaccinated; health officials urge anyone not protected to get vaccinated. Rural Emergency Care: A study of six north-central counties found EMS agencies short on workers and money, with hospital closures lengthening response times and tying up ambulances. Hospital Care: St. Luke’s opened a 140-bed heart hospital at its Anderson Campus, nearly doubling inpatient capacity there. WVU Health System also named Matthew Schnur to lead Butler and Clarion hospitals after its acquisition of Independence Health System. Seasonal Wellness: Penn Highlands Healthcare is offering flu shots as the fall respiratory-virus season approaches.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania’s outbreak has reached 1,078 cases across 41 counties, with 207 hospitalizations and five deaths. A Bainbridge Elementary student tested positive as health officials expand vaccination efforts; the outbreak is the state’s largest in decades. Veterans’ Wellness: The VA awarded $849,309 to four Pennsylvania organizations for adaptive sports, helping veterans with disabilities stay active, build independence and connect with others. Medicare Changes: About 1.66 million Pennsylvania seniors are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, and many face plan changes, reduced extra benefits or higher out-of-pocket costs when open enrollment begins Oct. 15. Environmental Health: State agencies issued a do-not-eat advisory for all fish in the Wissahickon Creek basin after tests found elevated PFOS levels. Maternal Health: A Scranton community baby shower connected expectant mothers with prenatal and postpartum services and resources.