Healthcare

Maine CDC Seeks Contacts After Rabid Raccoon Found in Wells

The Maine CDC is seeking individuals who may have had direct contact with a raccoon found in Wells, Maine, that has tested positive for rabies. The agency is urging anyone who touched the animal to call a dedicated hotline for potential post-exposure treatment.

Maine DHHS: Rising Flu Activity and Hospitalizations

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is reporting rising influenza activity across the state, with 62 hospitalizations reported this season. The Maine CDC urges residents to take preventative measures, including vaccination, to protect their health during the holiday season.

CoverME.gov Final Day for 2026 Health Coverage Enrollment

Maine's CoverME.gov announced January 15, 2026, as the final day for residents to enroll in health insurance for 2026 coverage. The notice highlights preliminary enrollment trends, including a decrease in the percentage of consumers receiving advance premium tax credits and an increase in enrollment in higher-deductible plans, potentially due to the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies.

Iowa Safe Haven Law - Baby Boy Placed with Foster Family

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced that a baby boy, born in October, has been placed with a foster family under the state's Safe Haven Law. This marks the 79th infant placed since the law's inception over two decades ago.

Iowa HHS Reports First Flu Death of Season

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has reported the first influenza-related death of the 2025-26 respiratory virus season. The deceased was an older adult from southwest Iowa. HHS encourages preventative measures and vaccination.

Iowa Medicaid Director Elected NAMD President Elect

Iowa Medicaid Director Lee Grossman has been elected President Elect of the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD), effective April 1, 2026. This appointment highlights Iowa's role in national Medicaid policy discussions and the sharing of best practices among states.

Iowa Measles Exposure Locations Released

Iowa health officials have released locations in eastern Iowa where individuals may have been exposed to measles. The notice follows a report of an Illinois resident with confirmed measles traveling through Iowa while infectious. The state is advising unvaccinated individuals born after 1957 who visited the identified location to monitor for symptoms.

Iowa SNAP Benefits Resume After Federal Shutdown

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced that SNAP benefits for November are being issued following the resolution of a federal government shutdown. Over 130,000 Iowa households rely on these benefits. Additionally, Iowa's food banks successfully met a $1 million donation match challenge.

Idaho DHW Increases Efforts to Prevent Child Care Program Fraud

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) is increasing efforts to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in its Child Care Program. This includes heightened reviews of previously disbursed subsidies and potential provider termination. DHW conducted 1,045 grant evaluations, identifying discrepancies and initiating corrective actions.

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Foster Family Night

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is partnering with the Idaho Steelheads to host a Foster Family Night on February 7, 2026. This event aims to celebrate and support foster families in Idaho, recognizing their contributions and providing an opportunity for community connection.