Democrats news from FierceHealthcare

So, wherefore the public health plan option? Apparently, the Democrats on a pivotal Senate committee have a plan ready to roll that includes a government-run insurance option and a $750-per-worker... Read more...

As FierceHealthcare readers know--or would guess--healthcare lobbyists are doing some record spending in an effort to see that reform goes their way. Now, a new analysis offers a deeper view of just... Read more...

As expected, Congress has overridden President Bush's veto of a bill that will, among other things, block the planned 10.6 percent in Medicare reimbursements for physicians. The veto was overturned... Read more...

> Wondering who's getting pharmaceutical dollars in this election cycle? Guess what--it's the Democrats. Read more...

While medical liability limits are still a top priority for lobbyists with the AMA and other physician specialty groups, lobbyists are beginning to make peace with the idea that their approach will have to shift as Democrats take power in Congress (and potentially the White House). Historically, Democratic lawmakers haven't been terribly sympathetic when it comes to tort reform efforts, and nothing suggests that the upcoming session is going to be any different. While …

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All eyes are on Washington D.C. as Democrats regain control of Congress today, and one of the incoming party's top priorities will be making easier for Americans to buy cheaper prescription drugs from other countries. An Associated Press-AOL News poll found that 69 percent of respondents support legislation that would makes these inexpensive drugs easier to acquire. "Importing prescription drugs to the United States is illegal, but the FDA generally does not bar individuals from …

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Democrats are criticizing HHS secretary Mike Leavitt for using a private jet belonging to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to promote the new Medicare prescription drug benefit. Leavitt visited more than 90 cities to promote Medicare Part D over the last six months. The jet costs about $3,000 an hour to operate, according to critics. Leavitt says the trips involved legitimate public health related business, noting that in most cases he met with officials to discuss pandemic influenza in addition to the new benefit. Article

National Cancer Institute head Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach is leaving his job at the agency to concentrate on his role at the FDA. Critics have argued that it was inappropriate for von Eschenbach to hold the top jobs at both agencies given the potential conflicts of interest involved. Dr. John Niederhuber moves into the top spot at NCI. Washington observers doubt that von Eschenbach will be formally confirmed in his FDA role any time soon since Democrats have vowed to place a hold on his …

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The deadline for what Democrats are calling the "senior tax" is coming at the end of the week. Amidst encouraging media reports that Part D is working better, some still aren't too happy about the forthcoming premium rise. A group of seniors descended on HHS Secretary Leavitt's house last week to protest. Reminds me of the Monty Python "gangs of vicious grannies" sketch a little. Lucky Leavitt himself wasn't there, but apparently his wife was "nervous." Article

There's been a significant push toward getting seniors to sign up for Medicare Part D in recent weeks, with President Bush stumping for the program. The reason is that after May 15, the price starts going up. Despite appeals from Democrats, and popular support for a delay running at 70 percent, it's unlikely that the deadline will be postponed. So far despite Administration claims …

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