By Ashley Fredde As this year’s Medicare open enrollment period proceeds, Medicare beneficiaries in North Carolina are facing a year of higher costs. Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare enrollees could see increases in premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses in 2026, according to data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The open enrollment period […]
Posted inEnvironmental Health
Stainless steel takeout containers gain ground on NC campuses
By Will Atwater Single-use, compostable and recyclable takeout containers are on their way out at some North Carolina universities. Stainless steel is taking their place. This fall, UNC Greensboro introduced reusable stainless steel foodware in its campus dining halls, joining UNC Wilmington to become just the second university in the state to adopt the model. […]
Posted inChildren's Health
Federal SNAP snafu affects nearly 85,000 NC college students who receive federal food assistance
By Jennifer Fernandez UNC Greensboro junior Taniyah McCormick grabbed a couple of plastic bags to fill as she perused the shelves at the Spartan Open Pantry on Thursday. She used to stop by once a month, but with rising prices — and now a delay in her November federal food benefits — she said she’s […]
Posted inMental Health
NC invests $9.5 million in teams to help people with serious mental illness after their release from incarceration
By Rachel Crumpler Trying to get back on one’s feet in the community after leaving prison or jail is rarely easy. People often face steep hurdles finding housing, employment and health care. For those with serious mental illness, the transition can be even more difficult. About two in five people who are incarcerated have a […]
Posted inCost of Care
Congressional stalemate creates chaos for Obamacare shoppers
By Michelle Andrews KFF Health News This year’s Obamacare open enrollment period, which started Nov. 1 in most states, is full of uncertainty and confusion for the more than 24 million people who buy health insurance through the federal and state Affordable Care Act marketplaces. Even with sign-up season underway, the fate of the enhanced premium tax […]
Posted inEnvironmental Health
Local activists want more resident involvement in solar project negotiations
By Will Atwater At the Nov. 3 Northampton County Board of Commissioners meeting, Sylvia Vincent stood at the podium during the public comment period and voiced frustration over a newly approved community benefits agreement between the county and solar developer SunEnergy1. “You did not consider the Vultare community when you made that deal,” Vincent told […]