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Combating Medicaid Fraud and Abuse
To help policy makers learn about steps taken in their state and across the country, the State Health Care Spending Project created an online database containing hundreds of practices found to be promising by state and federal Medicaid agencies. more
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- Stateline Story
Voters Decide Initiatives Ranging From Gambling to Gun Control
Holding to a traditional pattern, voters appear to have rejected just over half the citizen initiatives put to them Nov. 7, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Voters in 42 states faced a total of 204 ballot measures, some written by legislators, but many -- including the most controversial -- spawned by activists and interest groups. more
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- Stateline Story
Jaunts Across the Border Best Rx for High Drug Prices?
Treks into Canada or Mexico to buy cheap prescription drugs have long been the norm for many U.S. citizens. However, during the 2000 campaign season new faces have been showing up for these rides: Political candidates. more
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- Stateline Story
On The Record: Maine State Sen. Chellie Pingree
Over the past year, the cost of prescription drugs has become a white-hot issue in state legislatures across the country. The issue is now a focus of the presidential race. Stateline.org spoke by telephone with Maine Senate Majority Leader Chellie Pingree, a Democrat who spearheaded the effort behind the Pine Tree State's first-in-the-nation price-control law for prescription drugs, to talk about the new Maine law, about how the issue has taken off and what's likely to happen next. more
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- Stateline Story
Bush Rx Plan Would Give Responsibility To States
One of the central issues of this year's presidential election campaign is how to provide prescription drug benefits for the elderly. Al Gore and George Bush both have plans to address the issue. Under Bush's plan, states would take the lead, at least for the short term. But evidence suggests states are not eager to take on this responsibility. more
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- Stateline Story
Maine Experiments With RX Price Law
There is nothing small about the battle set to begin in a federal courtroom in Bangor. It pits the State of Maine against the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry, and its outcome could affect the price and availability of prescription drugs nationwide. A trade organization representing about 100 of the largest drug companies is challenging Maines first-in-the-nation price-control law for prescription drugs. The "Maine Rx Program" was passed by the Legislature and signed by Independent Gov. Angus King last May. more
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Model Policies Help South Recast Image
Once regarded nationally as branches of a regional backwater with few high-paying jobs or modern conveniences, several Southern states are now seen as political trailblazers, leading the way with innovative education, healthcare and economic development policies. Florida, Texas, Georgia and North Carolina are all in the forefront of education reform; Tennessee has pioneered a new approach to health insurance coverage; and Virginia portrays itself as a model for high tech development. more
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- Stateline Story
Many States Set For Influx Of Genetic Data
In an enormous breakthrough for biological research, scientists have announced completion of a rough draft of a complete map of the human genetic code. Questions about the use of such information are bound to follow. Are states ready to safeguard the privacy of an individual's genetic information? Will it be treated as part of a medical record? Or will it be protected in a category of its own with stricter safeguards? more
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- Stateline Story
Maine's Approach To Prescription Drugs Draws National Attention
Legislators in 20 states have announced efforts to lower prescription drug prices in present and upcoming legislative sessions. Joined by labor leaders and senior citizen activists, legislators announced plans to model their efforts after a law passed in Maine five weeks ago that established the nation's first program where the state negotiates prescription drug prices for residents. more
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- Stateline Story
Americans Concerned About Link Between Health And Environment: Survey
A survey released Sunday shows that Americans believe the government should be monitoring chronic diseases and their links to environmental hazards. The survey was released by Health-Track, a national public health organization funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts. more
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- Stateline Story
Massachusetts, Alaska Join States In Mandating Diabetes Coverage
Diabetics with insurance can now count on having their health plans cover the disease in 40 states. Massachusetts Gov. Paul Cellucci Thursday (5/4) and Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles last month signed bills that require health insurers to provide coverage for diabetes. more
