Governor Beshear admits the health focus right now needs to be solely fixed on coronavirus. But, during Tuesday’s briefing the governor said attention will eventually need to focus back on the cost of health care including pharmaceuticals.
Beshear said the cost of insulin is, quote, “absolutely outrageous.” “Companies should get a profit when they make these things, but we cannot ask people to pay what they are being charged and I will welcome any help,” said Beshear.
The governor also announced a change in allowable hours of operation for bars and restaurants with last call moved back to 11:00 p.m. and closings to midnight.
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander said a $35 million federal grant will help expand drug treatment efforts. Friedlander said the funding will support more medical assisted treatment and pave the way for more recovery services. He said it goes beyond opioid addiction. “This grant now will not just be focused on opioids, but will be focused on other drugs and drug usage that we can begin to address in our community,” explained Friedlander.
Beshear said there were 745 new cases of coronavirus Tuesday and nine additional deaths.? The governor said their reporting shows the positivity rate is now just below 4%.
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