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Rx News | April 19, 2013

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Upcoming Events featuring
National CooperativeRx


National CooperativeRx Annual Member Meeting
April 24, 2013
Madison, WI 

National CooperativeRx is a not-for-profit coalition founded and owned by plan sponsors to achieve higher value prescription benefits through volume purchasing, clinical solutions, actionable data and unparalleled customer service. For your sales and marketing needs, please contact us at 866-679-9479, extension 223

Coalition News
      
Annual Meeting
Next Wednesday, April 24

Taking place at the Monona Terrace in Madison, WI next Wednesday is the National CooperativeRx Annual Meeting.  We're certain that attending members will gain industry knowledge from nationally (and some internationally) recognized speakers, Dr. Michael O'Donnell, Laura Putnam, and Trisha Torrey.  The cooperative is pleased to be able to offer HR and Wisconsin OCI continuing education credits for each of the three presentations.

 

We'll also be providing delicious breakfast and lunch options.  Our CEO, Greg Horstman, and our Board Chair, Paul Meyer, will be opening the meeting.  CVS Caremark will hold a presentation during the lunch hour.

 

We look forward to seeing you there! 

 

Your PBM Cooperative,

National CooperativeRx 

 

 

 

 
News You Can Use
TimeIt's been shown that aerobic exercise can alleviate age-related brain damage.  A new study looked into whether exercise can also protect the brains of heavy drinkers.  Study results suggest that aerobic exercise can protect the white matter in brains. (Sifferlin, 4/18)  Full Story

Reuters.  Research found that losing weight may have long-term benefits for people suffering from mild sleep apnea.  A study in which half of the participants received exercise and nutrition help showed that those who received the help were half as likely as their counterparts to see their sleep apnea progress to a more serious disease. (Pittman, 4/18)  Full Story

Industry News

Time.  A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers demonstrates that when doctors are informed of the costs of supplies and tests, they order cheaper services.  This leads to less costly visits.  (Sifferlin, 4/16)   Full Story    

 

BloombergPhillip Morris International, the largest publicly traded tobacco company, experienced a 1.7% decline in the first quarter.  There was a 10% drop in sales in Europe, which is struggling economically, and a 43% drop in the Philippines, which just increased its excise taxes.  (Burritt, 4/18)  Full Story

Health Policy Matters
Kaiser Health NewsWhen it comes to screening for colon cancer, some patients are unsure if it is covered by their insurance.  The health law requires that insurance companies cover the cost of preventive procedures without a cost to the patient, but if a polyp is removed during the screening some insurance companies were changing the screening status to a therapeutic status.  This article covers why some screening coverage remains murky.  (Andrews, 4/16)  Full Story

Kaiser Health NewsThe health law's insurance exchanges are set to begin this fall.  The Obama administration will again try to convince Congress to provide more funding.  Ellen Murray, HHS assistant secretary for financial resources, said that whether or not more funding is provided, they're determined to make it work.  (Carey, 4/11)  Full Story