Volume 25, Number 426: August 9, 2004

Cover Story - Tennessee Seeks Waiver to Control Medicaid Costs, Avoid Cutting Enrollment
TennCare is going through yet another renovation, as the state seeks a waiver to contain costs without cutting anyone from the rolls. Advocates for the poor say the new definition of medical necessity will hurt beneficiaries, but state officials say the waiver is needed.

Focus On - Alternative Medicine: Making It in the Mainstream
A review of who uses complementary and alternative medicine and for what, as well as the potential risks associated with such therapies.

Highlights
AZ needle exchange...Employer coverage down...SCHIP coverage slips...Vaccination rate up... Medical errors...TX health college...Osteoporosis diagnoses rising...Vaccine to prevent addiction...WA hospitals flooded with uncompensated care.

Tracking Trends - States Fight the Fat
Alarmed by the growing national obesity epidemic, lawmakers have introduced hundreds of bills aimed at strengthening school nutrition standards and phys-ed curriculums.

FYI - Presidential Candidates Miles Apart on Health Care
A brief look at the President Bush’s and Sen. Kerry’s plans for reforming medical malpractice laws and Medicaid.