March 2007 Health Care News

The March 2007 issue of Health Care News reports on insurance mandates in California and Massachusetts ... and questions how mandates will solve the problem of the health care-uninsured when they have failed to do so for the automobile-uninsured. Greg Scandlen, president of Consumers for Health Care Choices, notes there are 16 states where the rate of non-insurance is higher for mandated auto coverage than for voluntary health coverage.

On page 1:

• The Diabetes Ten City Challenge unites pharmacists, employers, and employees against this chronic disease.

• New Hampshire will use financial incentives and other measures to encourage health care providers to prescribe medication electronically.

• West Virginia has launched a pilot program aimed at rewarding Medicaid patients who participate in preventive care programs.

• The American Legislative Exchange Council has adopted a resolution asking the federal government to relax its laws governing narcotic drug disposal.

Also in this issue: drug price "negotiation," wellness benefits, educating consumers about health care costs, obesity, health savings accounts, FDA reform, and more.