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Good afternoon,
It's almost Independence Day! On your way to the river, the lake, or the neighbor's backyard barbeque, make sure to pick up some fresh corn, tomatoes, and melons. It's a great way to support your local farmers – and make a delicious meal!
Americans across the country are celebrating our nation's independence, declared in 1776 to free us from King George III's rule. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court just declared that Donald Trump – and other former presidents – are independent of accountability, "a king above the law" in his own right.
The court ruled that Trump has immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts made during his tenure in office. The case was sent back to the U.S. District Court for an analysis of which of Trump's actions are official versus unofficial. The trial, which was scheduled for March, will now be further delayed – likely until after the November presidential election.
In more hopeful news, here are some developments in Minnesota's medical world that are working to provide more affordable access to health care...
PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICE TRANSPARENCY
- The high costs of prescription drug prices can make families panic, forcing a difficult decision pitting critical medication against other necessities, like groceries, gas, and other essential goods.
- Minnesota is working to change that. The bipartisan-supported Minnesota Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act provides information about cost drivers that impact prescription drug prices in the state. The Minnesota Department of Health has just published its inaugural list of Drugs of Substantial Public Interest that will be subject to reporting from drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacies, and wholesalers.
- Reports on the listed 364 drugs from 76 manufacturers will be available to the public. Increasing transparency in the prescription drug market will provide policymakers with information needed to lower drug prices and alleviate patients' financial burdens.
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Each week, this newsletter highlights what's going on in rural states, counties, and communities, and what One Country Project is up to around the country. If you value this content, please consider donating to One Country Project. Your contribution supports our efforts to connect with rural voters and to promote greater opportunities for rural communities.
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HEADWATERS NETWORK KEEPS RURAL HOSPITALS AFLOAT
- Rural hospitals across the nation have been closing at alarming rates. The loss of 200 rural hospitals since 2005 has expanded health care deserts and worsened health outcomes in rural areas – undermining care in communities that most need it, with older, less healthy, and less affluent populations.
- In Minnesota, 19 independent hospitals are banding together as Headwaters Network to continue providing care for their communities. The local collaboration allows the hospitals to pursue cost-saving opportunities otherwise unavailable to small providers, such as by buying medical supplies and pharmaceuticals in bulk or opening up virtual appointments for specialists throughout the network.
Be sure to follow the One Country Project on Twitter and Facebook, and listen to The Hot Dish podcast.
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