Drug Makers on the Defensive, Rising Teen Birth Rates and the Medicaid Nightmare

By RONI CARYN RABIN
The New York Times
Published: Jan 09, 2009

Teen Birth Rates on the Rise

Teen birth rates have increased significantly in 26 states for the first time in many years, USA Today reports. The increases occurred in 2006, the most recent year for which statistics are available. The highest birth rates are in the South and Southwest, and the lowest in the Northeast.

Medicaid: A Nightmare for the Poor?

An internist writing in the Wall Street Journal says Medicaid is a bureaucratic nightmare presenting barriers that poor, sick patients must overcome in order to get proper care. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, says the government health plan needs to undergo reforms before getting a new infusion of federal cash.

Drug Makers Move to Preempt Regulations

With an eye toward the incoming administration, drug companies are trying to clean up their image, The Washington Post reports. The pharmaceutical industry will be spending tens of millions of dollars on ads promoting health coverage for all Americans; drug makers also are voluntarily restricting marketing in hopes of avoiding stricter regulations. Proposed legislation would curb direct-to-consumer ads and require drug companies to disclose all payments to doctors.

Los Angeles Ponders a Broader Smoking Ban

Los Angeles may ban smoking on restaurant patios and at outdoor coffee shops, the Los Angeles Times reports. The city’s arts and parks committee has taken the first step toward barring smoking within ten feet of any establishment that serves food, though exceptions would be made for bars and adult clubs.

Massachusetts: Next Front in the Obesity War?

Taking a page from New York City’s playbook, Massachusetts also may soon mandate calorie labeling at chain restaurants and require public schools to weigh children in the first, fourth, seventh and tenth grades, The Boston Globe reports. Notes would be sent home if children are found to be overweight.

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