State Health Notes January 2004

State Health Notes
January 2004 Issues

Volume 25, Number 412: January 26, 2004

Cover Story - Rx Re-importation: States Risk the Wrath of the FDA and Turn North for Savings
With prescription drug spending representing an every increasing piece of the health care pie, states and residents are looking at ways to cut costs. Despite the FDA and industry warnings about safety, a growing handful are heading to Canada to buy cheaper prescription drugs.

Primary Care News - States Adopt a New Approach to Battling Cancer
Cancer control is taking on new look. At the urging of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, states are beginning to form coalitions to generate comprehensive cancer control plans.

Highlights
ID Medicaid report…smoking programs fail the grade…WI health insurance purchasing coops… Malpractice caps…Policy on soda in schools…MN abstinence-only message fails…Teen pregnancies decline…Elderly drivers in FL…Studying the woodwork effect…End-of-Life survey

Tracking Trends - Waivers Seen as the Way to Go
From NCSL's Health Policy Tracking Service States look to waivers to help address Medicaid budget shortfalls.

FYI - No More Couch Potatoes: Getting Kids to Get Active
Obesity rates among children have reached epidemic proportions. A North Carolina program, “Get Kids in Action” uses a multidisciplinary approach to prevent and reduce obesity.

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Volume 25, Number 411: January 12, 2004

Cover Story - Point-Counterpoint: Roper, Tallon Review Challenges in Health Policy
Two former public officials, William Roper and James Tallon, share their views about some of the key health issues facing the nation.

Highlights
OH report on black children... LA CHIP update…Canadian Rx importation efforts in IL, MN, NH, VT & MA…WI phys ed initiative.

FYI - WIC WINS: Helping Maryland Moms, Kids
WIC has been a mainstay in providing nutritional assistance to low-income families. In Maryland, a centralized data system called WIC WINS streamlines enrollment, risk evaluation, payment.

Public Health News - Sexually Transmitted Diseases: An Ancient Scourge Poses New Challenges
Some 18 million Americans become infected with an STD each year, and the personal and economic costs are substantial. A look at who is affected and states’ efforts to halt the spread of what are very preventable diseases.

Health Talk - Douglas: Lifting the Veil from STDs
John Douglas, Jr., director of CDC’s STD Prevention Division, talks about the health hazards of STDs, screening and the challenges facing prevention programs.

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