What We're Reading: Express Scripts Loses Anthem; Underreported Opioid Deaths; Living Alone as a Senior

Express Scripts Will Lose Its Biggest Customer

Anthem is unlikely to continue contracting with Express Scripts after its current contract expires at the end of 2019. The Wall Street Journal reported that at this time there is no reason why Anthem will end the partnership, but last year the insurer sued Express Scripts for allegedly violating its contract and charging excessive prices. Express Scripts has handled Anthem’s pharmacy services since 2009.

Opioid Deaths May Be Underreported

The opioid epidemic already has the nation’s attention, but the situation may be worse than initially thought. Some deaths caused by opioids may be misreported since the painkillers can cause people to be more susceptible to infections, reported NBC News. Research into unexplained deaths in Minnesota has found that deaths reported as being caused by pneumonia or other infectious diseases may actually have been caused by opioid abuse.

Keeping Seniors Who Live Alone Safe

Hundreds of police agencies across the country are taking it upon themselves to check on the safety of senior citizens living alone. According to The Washington Post, telephone check-in programs are a fairly inexpensive way to check on seniors who live alone. The call asks seniors to press a button if they are ok; if they don’t answer the phone after multiple attempts, an emergency contact is called. Programs like these are increasingly important with the senior population growing in the United States and nearly half of women aged 75 or older living alone.