Department of Health Notices – Updated June 27, 2008
Committee Meetings -
Chronic Renal Disease Advisory Committee Meeting
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee; Public Meetings
Other Notices:
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC Program); Maximum Allowable Prices and Competitive Prices
Application of Clinical Nephrology Associates, Ltd. for Exception
Application of Clinical Nephrology Associates, Ltd. for Exception
Application of Eastern Pennsylvania Nephrology Associates, P.C. [...]
Wall Street Journal: More Americans are delaying health care
The Wall Street Journal reports on the growing trend of Americans forgoing medical care because of cost worries.
Patriot-News editors support Medicaid carve-out
In an article published in today’s paper, the editors of the Patriot-News voice their support for Rendell’s proposal to have the state take over management of pharmacy benefits for all medical assistance recipients.
If budget talks stay on track, possible deal by weekend
If budget negotiations between legislative leaders and Governor Rendell stay on track Friday, there just may be an informal deal in place by the weekend. In that case, the House and Senate can begin voting on the budget bill on Monday.
A budget deal by Monday? It just might happen say Gov./lawmakers.
Today the Allentown Morning Call reported that legislators and Governor Rendell are reaching a “framework” for the final budget plan, and are “cautiously optimistic” they can have the final plan by early next week.
Highmark and Independence CEO’s say merger would benefit health system
CEOs Kenneth Melani of Highmark Inc. and Joseph Frick of Independence Blue Cross believe a merger of their organizations would give them the “geographical, financial and membership size to compete against even bigger for-profit insurers,” reports the Pittsburgh Tribune Review.
Study finds number of Americans with diabetes is increasing
A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly 24 million Americans, roughly 8% of the U.S. population, have diabetes.
DPW Secretary Richman responds to Inquirer’s editorial on MH-MR funding
Secretary of the Dept. of Public Welfare Estelle Richman took issue with the Inquirer’s editorial asking the state to give a COLA to mental health and mental retardation facilities (MH-MR). Richman’s letter to the editor says the Inquirer failed to mention the half a billion dollar of state investments in expanded services for such facilities.
High gas prices hurt American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has seen a decrease in blood donations as a result of soaring gas prices, reports The Daily Item.
Rep’s Everett, Baker want budget movement on the House floor
Even though the state spending plan is due in five days, Rep. Garth Everett (R- Muncy) told the Williamsport Sun-Gazette yesterday that there still has been no action on the budget bill on the floor.