Volume 26, Number 454: October 17, 2005

Cover Story - Vermont’s Unique Medicaid Waiver Will Save Millions, Backers Say; Others Worry
Vermont has become the first state in the nation to accept a cap on its Medicaid program. Under its recently granted 1115 demonstration waiver, it has locked in generous federal Medicaid payments for the next five years – and gained unprecedented freedom in deciding who it will cover and what services it will provide. While some think the move will save the state money, other are dubious.

Graphically Speaking - Fundamental Transformation of U.S. Health System Needed, Report Says
While the US spends well over twice the per capita average of other industrialized nations, Americans don’t have any better health outcomes. A new report finds that the U.S. health-care system needs to be transformed.

Highlights
IL Rx Reimportation...Industry Giveaways…Coverage for Part-timers…FL HSAs…PA Quality of Care…Pay for Performance Review…Access to LTC by Dual-eligibiles…IL Coverage for Kids

Behavioral Health News - Can Ordering Treatment Help the Mentally Ill? Some Say Yes
Forty-two states and DC have “assisted outpatient treatment” laws, which enable courts to order treatment for persons found to be a danger to themselves or others.

FYI - As Flu Season Approaches, States Prepare for Outbreaks
A recap of a recent NCSL webcast on preparing for flu season: what states need to consider when creating their influenza outbreak plans.

COVER STORY - CERTIFICATE OF NEED: CAN A 1970S-ERA PROGRAM STILL DO THE JOB?
Some state lawmakers are resurrecting certificate of need (CON) programs in an effort to restrain soaring health-care costs. This time, they’re gearing the process toward outpatient facilities. Other lawmakers contend that the marketplace is the best way to hold down costs.

PRIMARY CARE NEWS - STATES DEBATE EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
The issue of emergency contraception is on the front burner, as state legislatures debate whether pharmacists should have the right to refuse to dispense the pills. Some states support “conscience clauses,” while others require pharmacists to fill prescriptions.

HIGHLIGHTS
Katrina waivers … MI dental coverage … Employees pay more … Consumer desires … MT smoke-out … Flu vaccines … Healthy AR … IL nurse shortage … PA screening … NJ substance abuse … NH teen drinking

GRAPHICALLY SPEAKING - SMALL BUSINESS DROPPING COVERAGE; WORKERS PAYING MORE, NEW STUDY FINDS
Fewer businesses are offering health insurance to their workers, and the cost of premiums is rising faster than both wages and inflation, according to a new study.

FYI - STAYING FIT AND EATING RIGHT: TEENS TALK TO TEENS
California has launched a new campaign against childhood obesity. The effort, featuring a Web site and pop idol Hilary Duff, is based on the premise that kids will listen to kids.