Leaving Block Island today. Lovely weather. Yesterday, a woman working at a restaurant suggested that I try to stay cool. I replied that the weather on Block Island is much cooler and pleasant than Washington, DC, in August. Perspective is everything.
In any event, the federal government preliminary reported earlier this week that drug overdose deaths in our country reached a new high of roughly 72,000 in 2017, compared to 66,000 in 2016.
Among the more than 72,000 drug overdose deaths estimated in 2017, the sharpest increase occurred among deaths related to fentanyl and fentanyl analogs (synthetic opioids) with nearly 30,000 overdose deaths.
Illustrative of the nationwide public health problem, the New Haven (Connecticut) Register reports that more than 80 people have collapsed (but not died) on the New Haven Green due to smoking a synthetic marijuana laced with fentanyl, a very strong opioid. The Hartford Courant adds
Two men were arraigned in state court Thursday afternoon on charges related to Wednesday and Thursday’s mass overdose of the synthetic marijuana drug known as “K2,” as stricken people continued to drop in and around New Haven’s downtown green. By Thursday afternoon, more than 85 overdose cases had been treated, according to officials.
New Haven police Chief Anthony Campbell said one of two men suspected of distributing the K2 was handing it out to build demand and clientele. Another suspect was charging money for the drugs. The chief said investigators believe more of the batch is still out in the community.
The Wall Street Journal reports that President Trump in a cabinet meeting suggested that the federal government bring its own lawsuit against the opioid manufacturers and investigate and seek to stop foreign suppliers of fentanyl and synthetic opioids. The Journal adds that
the [new federal government] data also show a slight decline in deaths in the last month of 2017 and January 2018, suggesting that efforts to prevent opioid use and treat addiction may be starting to have an effect.
On the FEHBP front, retirement consultant Tammy Flanagan offers her perspective in govexec.com on whether what annuitants with FEHBP should do when they reach Medicare eligibility. The FEHBlog wishes to point out that pursuant to 5 CFR Sec. 890.304(p):
(p) On becoming eligible for Medicare. An annuitant may change the enrollment from one plan or option to another at any time beginning on the 30th day before becoming eligible for coverage under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare). A change of enrollment based on becoming eligible for Medicare may be made only once.