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Biotech / Medical : VVUS: VIVUS INC. (NASDAQ) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Mkilloran who wrote (10456)	7/4/1998 5:05:00 PM
From: E'Lane	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 23519

This has possibly been posted already...but just in case.... SOME STATES RESIST VIAGRA MANDATE Associated Press (Copied from Nashville Tennesseean 7/4/98) The federal government could be in for a battle with the states over Medicaid coverage of Viagra. New York and Wisconsin health officials said yesterday that they would not go along with a federal directive instructing state Medicaid programs to pay for the impotence pill. They say they aren't sure Viagra is safe or necessary. And Officials in at least one other state, Michigan said they were debating whether to ignore the order or brace for what they say would be an annual $14 million bill. "When you think about all the other things you can do with $14 million, we have to believe that there are better uses for that money," said Geralyn Lasher, spokeswoman for the Michigan Dept. of Community Health. "We're still looking at our options." On Thursday, the Clinton administration directed states to cover costs of the prescription drug when medically necessary. Viagra costs $8 to $10 a pill. Medicaid, the insurance program for the poor and disabled, is paid for with state and federal dollars. "We're exploring what to do, but our plans are right now that we are not covering this drug," said Robert Hinckley, spokesman for the New York Health Department. "The feds are trying to require the states to cover it, and we think it's the wrong decision. We have significant concerns about the impact this could have on the health of our Medicaid recipients." It isn't clear what will happen to states that ignore the directive. Poor people could sue for the drugs, or the federal government could try to withhold Medicaid money from states that refuse to comply. In a letter to the governors' association Thursday, Medicaid administrator Nancy-Ann Min DeParle recommended that states take steps to discourage abuse, such as by limiting prescription refills. DeParle noted that about 90% of the nation's 37 million Medicaid beneficiaries are women and children. "The number...that could be diagnosed with erectile dysfuntion is very small." she said. ************** So, we have US states bucking the system now where Viagra is concerned. It will be argued by some that the states are just trying to save $14 million/yr. I see it as more. These states are concerned for the health of these medicaid recipients. It has to be more than money for them to refuse government directives. Take big uns' to for them to stand up for what they believe, and I would imagine other states won't be far behind. JMO.. Have a wonderful, safe 4th Everyone! E'Lane Have you ever noticed that not only is Viagra not a word according to SI, but neither is Clinton??? Hummm....