MEDI-CAL: Suit Against Big Tobacco Thrown Out
The Bakersfield Californian reports that California's "multibillion-dollar claim against the tobacco industry seeking reimbursement of Medi-Cal costs" has been rejected by a Superior Court judge. The state is seeking recovery of smoking-related health costs paid for by Medi- Cal, California's Medicaid program. Judge John Lewis ruled that a 1987 state statute protected the tobacco industry from product liability lawsuits. However, he did give the state "permission to amend its claim to include fraud allegations, a move that is all but certain to keep the claim alive." State Attorney General Dan Lungren (R) "has until May 26 to file an amended claim" (5/12).
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