Volume 26, Number 450: August 8, 2005

Cover Story - Cash and Counseling: The Way of the Future?
Cash and counseling is taking the long-term care world by storm. The experimental program departs from traditional Medicaid by giving a monthly allowance to beneficiaries who receive personal care services. The beneficiaries can hire friends and relatives to provide them with assistance, instead of relying on agency aides. Early results are promising.

State Speak - Utah Health Director Tackles Multiple Problems
In Utah, about 10 percent of the population is uninsured. Utah Department of Health Director David Sundwall, MD, is working to expand coverage to these residents, as well as to lower the rates of obesity.

Highlights
Congress and meth … NC warning … Progress in lead levels … CO, MA malpractice … Teen drinking lowered … Smoking in cars in NJ … Childhood vaccinations are high but often late … HIV tracking in CA … Immigrant health needs

Graphically Speaking - The Costs of Building a National Health Information Network
Building a national health information network would cost $156 billion in new capital investment, a study says.

FYI - Coming to the Aid of Veterans by Providing Discounts
States are helping veterans and others who move into long-term care facilities to continue to get discounts on their prescription drugs.