CAREGIVERS USA NEWS

Vol. I, No. 33
June 23, 2003

KENNEDY WEIGHS IN ON MEDICARE DRUG BILL
Saying it's a $400 billion down payment, Sen. Edward Kennedy has thrown his support behind the Republican-sponsored Medicare prescription drug benefits bill. The bills moving through the Senate and House this week have some major differences but they share one characteristic: both are complex, running more than 600 pages, and certain to be extensively modified by subsequent Congresses.

NASAL MIST FLU VACCINE APPROVED
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new "live" flu vaccine that's given through an inhaled mist. The mist is not suitable for seniors but the good news is that with younger adults likely to opt for the mist, it's should free up more of the traditonal vaccine for those over 50.

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WALGREEN HELPS ITSELF
ConsumerAffairs.Com has learned that Walgreen, the nation's largest drug chain, is charging consumers a minimum fee of $8.99 for prescriptions, even when the cost of the medication is less than $8.99. This is not disclosed to the consumer and may be a violation of consumer protection laws. Anyone who has had this experience should file a consumer complaint to help build a case against the giant retailer.

HHS SEEKS PERSONAL ASSISTANT PROPOSALS
Gearing up to meet rising demand for personal assistants as boomers age, the "Demonstration to Improve the Direct Service Community Workforce" will fund seven to ten projects around the U.S. designed to develop and implement programs that will recruit and retain direct service workers, HHS Secretary Thompson announced.

NEW HHS GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS
HHS has announced 19 new grants totaling nearly $11 million to help communities provide comprehensive health care services to an estimated 150,000 people, including many without health insurance. The centers, which offer care to patients regardless of their ability to pay, are in locations ranging from Casper, Wyoming to New York City.

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LIPITOR RECALL EXPANDED
The Food and Drug Administration is trying to track down counterfeit versions of Lipitor, used to lower cholesterol. The expanded recall involves products repacked by Med-Pro Inc., of Lexington, Neb., and distributed by Albers Medical Distributors Inc., of Kansas City, Mo. The recall came as researchers found the Pfizer, Inc. drug helps reduce strokes and heart attacks in patients with Type II diabetes.

FEDS SEIZE SEASILVER
Supposed cure-all not supported by scientific documentation, FTC and FDA charge. The FTC alleges that promoters hawked Seasilver as safe and effective to treat or cure 650 diseases, including AIDS and cancers, and to cause substantial and permanent weight loss.