Health Headlines for Monday, October 30

Fifth year’s ACA enrollment season opening with daunting obstacles

Washington Post

In Indianapolis, the director of the state’s largest organization helping people find Affordable Care Act insurance had to lay off nine of 13 staff members last month because the federal government had just taken away more than 80 percent of the grant that paid for their work.

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CVS bid for Aetna: A $66 billion bet on cutting drug costs

Reuters

The proposed merger between U.S. pharmacy operator CVS Health Corp and No. 3 health insurer Aetna Inc represents a $66 billion bet that insurers can drive down high U.S. drug prices by cutting out the middleman.

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The high-protein craze may actually carry some risks

Washington Post

If there’s one claim that’s almost certain to boost sales of a food these days, it’s to say the item is high in protein.

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Clearing up myths about drug use

WXXI News

With the opioid crisis claiming tens of thousands of lives in the U.S. last year, a local school district wants to make sure students understand how to safely use prescription and over-the-counter medications.

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Flu season winding up, flu shots winding up too

Daily Gazette

Flu season has begun, with a handful of confirmed cases across the state, including a few in Schenectady County two weeks in a row.

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