ALSO NOTED: Part D plans ordered to cover dropped drugs; Minnesota Blues draw fire; and much more...

> Medicare Part D plans that drop drugs from their forumalaries will be required to continue providing them to existing customers who take the drugs. Article

> A Massachusetts-style health initiative would cost California about $9.4 billion, according to new research sponsored by the California HealthCare Foundation. Report

> Minnesota's attorney general released a report on BCBS of Minnesota that concludes the insurer has amassed $1 billion in reserves while continuing aggressive rate increases. Article

> Tufts Health has a major win as it scores an exclusive deal with Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, one the largest physician groups in the state. Article

> The fallout from Katrina continues: Senate investigators have recommend that the Federal Emergency Management Agency be disbanded in the wake of last years' catastrophe. Article

> Thomson Medstat issued a new report detailing the growing popularity of pay-for-performance programs. Release

> WalGreens plans kiosks at in-store clinics where customers will be able to enter medical information. Article

> Smart pump maker Hospira's deal with Innerwireless sets the stage for some major developments, writes Tim Gee of Medical Connectivity Consulting. Blog

> SpineMark, a network of specialty spinal care providers, has bought a controlling interest in the Texas Back Institute Clinical Research Organization. Article

> HISTalk hosts a guest interview with VisualMed CEO Gerard Dab. Blog

> Manor Care reported plummeting earnings. First quarter net income dropped 37.5 percent. Article

And Finally … "Here's how we'll know when hospital safety and quality programs are working," writes the Health Business Blog's David Williams. Blog

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