Latest California Healthline Stories
Drugmaker Actelion Agrees To Pay $360M To Settle Kickback Investigation
The Justice Department alleged that Actelion Pharmaceuticals violated federal law by using a foundation fund to funnel kickback payments aimed at inducing patients to buy its drugs. Actelion was bought by Johnson & Johnson in 2017, after the alleged actions took place, and admits no wrongdoing as part of the settlement. And in other pharma news: Walgreens’ new delivery service; an EpiPen alternative; and the FDA approves a new lung cancer treatment.
EPA Circulating Proposal To Limit Obama-Era Rule On Water Pollution
The Obama administration’s regulation was a target for rural landowners since it could have restricted how much pollution from chemical fertilizers and pesticides could seep into water. In other national news, the surgeon general acknowledges the need for changes in the classification of drugs, the Trump administration requests more funding for immigrant detention efforts and Maine’s outgoing governor loses another skirmish in his efforts to stop Medicaid expansion.
Health Spending Growth Slows For Second Year In A Row
Although the nation spent $3.5 trillion on health last year, federal economists found that the increase in health expenses did not exceed the growth in the overall economy.
Health Law Sign-Ups Down 11% From Same Period Last Year
In the first five weeks of the enrollment period, 3.2 million Americans signed up for health insurance coverage through healthcare.gov. In the same period last year, 3.6 million enrolled. Enrollment on the federal exchanges close Dec. 15, while Covered California’s sign-up period runs through Jan. 15, 2019.
Sponsors of the legislative initiatives, which run the gamut of exempting the cost of diapers from taxation to providing health care for undocumented immigrants, hope the newly elected Gavin Newsom will by more supportive. In addition, an aide to Sen. Kamala Harris of California resigned after the state settled a sexual harassment claim against him. The alleged issue took place while Harris was in charge of the California Department of Justice.
Judge Considers Delaying CVS-Aetna Merger, Citing Potential Anti-Competitive Harms
But antitrust experts say it’s only possible for the Department of Justice to block the merger. DOJ approved the $70 billion deal in October. Meanwhile, CVS and Aetna are moving ahead with integration plans. Other industry news looks at CVS’ new prescription drug-price plans, the rising costs of Pitocin and Ketamine, and a recall on infant ibuprofen.
Flu Shot Still Left Off To-Do List For 40 Percent Of Adults Even After Last Year’s Deadly Season
Public health officials warn about a repeat of last year when the virus killed 80,000 people, and they stress that side effects from the shot are mild. Other public health news focuses on the outcry over the first CRISPR babies; prescription heroin; new transplant rules; more raw beef recalls; and the rise of mosquito-born illnesses.
Medical System Hasn’t Completely Figured Out How To Treat Transgender Children
There are disagreements among doctors about what pediatric transgender care looks like and when it should start. “There’s not consensus around the world on how to do this,” said Dr. Jack Drescher, a Columbia University professor who’s helped develop industry protocols on transgender treatment. Other outlets also look at the possible link between childhood infections and mental care and between trauma and chronic pain.
Nearly A Third Of Physicians Working In U.S. Born Abroad, Analysis Of Health Workers Finds
A new study breaks down the number of doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists and other health care experts working in the U.S. who are foreign-born or who are not U.S. citizens. And in other health care personnel news, Eisenhower Health and the University of California’s School of Medicine expands its slots for training future doctors.
Sen. Manchin Presses Trump To Support Senate Compromise To Help Stabilize ACA Markets
Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) last year reached an agreement aimed at reducing Affordable Care Act premiums, but the deal faltered amid a dispute over restrictions on funding going to abortions. Manchin, a moderate Democrat, wants to revive the deal.