Legislative Update October 10, 2007

Author: Kathy Lynch

October 8, 2007

The Legislature is still in Special Session working on health care reform.  We will keep you updated as substantive information becomes available. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at klynch@cpha.com or (916) 779-1400. 

Thank you very much for your continued support!

Kathy   

FDA Looks at New Class of Drugs

The FDA announced last week a public meeting to obtain comments regarding a "behind the counter" (BTC) category of drugs.  The FDA is interested in obtaining comments as it explores the public health benefit of certain drugs being available without a prescription but only after intervention by a pharmacist.  To view the notice, click here.

Medicare Audits Show Problems in Private Plans (New York Times, October 7, 2007)

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 - Tens of thousands of Medicare recipients have been victims of deceptive sales tactics and had claims improperly denied by private insurers that run the system's huge new drug benefit program and offer other private insurance options encouraged by the Bush administration, a review of scores of federal audits has found. Click here to read more.

Means Test for Medicare Drug Plan Sought (Pharmacist elink, October 8, 2007)

The Bush administration is backing a proposal to charge upper-income seniors more for using Medicare's prescription drug benefit, officials said. Click here to read more.

Home Infusion Market Growing (Pharmacist elink, October 8, 2007)

An aging population, the increase in home health care services and new drugs that can be delivered intravenously are increasing the need for an industry segment known as infusion pharmacies. Click here to read more.

NCPA 109^th Annual Convention and Trade Exposition