ALSO NOTED: MO bill directs tax refunds and lottery prizes to medical bills; Cuts to Medicaid hitting indie pharmacies hard; an

> The Missouri legislature has passed a bill which will allow the state to intercept tax refunds and lottery prizes for patients with medical bills, keeping 20 percent as a fee and turning over the rest to providers. Article [1]

>  A trade group representing independent community pharmacies continues to lobby Congress, arguing that cuts in Medicaid reimbursement could force them to drop the program. Release [2]

> Extending its range of international locations, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center has opened up a cancer treatment center in Dublin. Article [3]

> New Jersey's emergency departments are being overwhelmed by mentally-ill patients in need of commitment.  Article [4]

And Finally…  Now this should raise your blood pressure--if it isn't high already. Article [5]