State Health Notes March 2005

State Health Notes
March 2005 Issues

Volume 26, Number 440: March 21, 2005

Cover Story - The New Controversial Thing: Health Savings Accounts
While some states are wary, others are enthusiastically embracing consumer-directed health care – specifically, health savings accounts (HSAs) – as a way to provide low-cost coverage to large and small groups, as well as individuals. Some states are adding HSAs to high-risk pools, others are offering them to state employees, and a few are considering making them available in Medicaid.

State Speak - Murphy: Hospital Billing Reform and Premium Assistance Programs
Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy talks about hospital billing reform and strategies the state hopes to use to reduce the number of uninsured.

Highlights
Medicaid best drug prices...Some disparities worsen...Sam’s Club and health care...Computerized drug orders...Report cards backfire...Canadian drug shipments...Aspirin therapy for women...Exposing teens to drunk driving...WA enacts parity...Cigarettes and the Internet...KY increases cigarette taxes.

FYI - Legislators’ Top Priorities for 2005: Medicaid and Expanding Coverage
Medicaid, increasing access to coverage and LTC are top priorities listed by the chairs of state health committees. Results from NCSL’s Health Chairs Survey.

Graphically Speaking - Public’s Rx for High Drug Prices: More Government Regulation
Public opinion on prescription drugs. A Kaiser Family Foundation Poll.

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Volume 26, Number 439: March 7, 2005

Cover Story - The Changing Face of Medical Liability: Could Caps on Damages Become Passe?
States continue to wrestle with medical liability reform, even though malpractice insurance premium increases are slowing. For many, the model has been California’s 1975 law that capped non-economic damages. But some say a whole new system of medical liability is needed; they’re calling for special health-care courts.

Behavioral Health News - The Stigma of Mental Illness: Legislation Can Enhance or Decrease It
Despite educational campaigns, the stigma associated with mental illness persists. A new survey examines state legislation to determine whether it reduces discrimination.

Highlights
Medical malpractice rates...Health care spending...Nursing home Rx errors...MD HMO tax...Adolescent smoking rates down...Alcoholism research...Hospital infection rates...Increasing physician supply...Salt as additive...Screening LTC providers in AK.

Graphically Speaking - Improving Economy Doesn’t Eliminate Budgetary Challenges
While Medicaid has been the “main driver” behind state budget problems in recent year, states are reluctant to make major cuts to the program, says State of the States, a a new report.

FYI - A Stitch in Time Saves Nine: Detecting Autism Early
Early diagnosis and treatment of autism can mitigate symptoms and increase functioning. A new public awareness campaign from the CDC to increase awareness of developmental milestones among parents and others.

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