Walgreens exudes confidence about future direction
Despite the specter of its standoff with pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts Inc., Walgreen Co. sounded a positive note at its annual shareholders meeting here.
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Judge puts stop to cuts in Medi-Cal
A federal judge late last month blocked California’s move to cut Medicaid reimbursements by 10%. U.S.
New CMS data shows Rx spending up just 1.2%
National health care spending increased less than 4% in 2010 for the second year in a row as Americans delayed drug purchases, doctor visits and hospital care, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
CVS Caremark probe is concluded by FTC
The Federal Trade Commission has ended a two-year investigation of CVS Caremark Corp. with no allegations of antitrust violations or anticompetitive behavior.
High court to take up health care reform in March
The Supreme Court has set aside an entire week in March to hear arguments over the constitutionality of President Obama’s health care overhaul. All told, the court will hear five hours of arguments over health care reform.
HHS to give states flexibility on health benefits
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said last month it would not define a single uniform set of “essential health benefits” that must be provided by health insurers for tens of millions of Americans.
Wellness+ loyalty plan in spotlight at Rite Aid
Rite Aid Corp. is starting off the year with a loyalty program promotion and an initiative to support dieters. Through January 28 the chain’s Resolution Rewards promotion is enabling members of its wellness+ program to get $20 +UP Rewards on their receipts.
Opposition to Express Scripts-Medco merger mounts
A coalition of consumer groups came out this month against the merger of pharmacy benefit managers Express Scripts Inc. and Medco Health Solutions Inc., joining an increasing number of federal lawmakers questioning the deal. The coalition, including U.S.
NACDS sets speakers for Annual Meeting
The lineup of speakers for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Annual Meeting, already highlighted by former president George W. Bush, has been extended to include election analyst and University of Virginia professor Larry Sabato.
Rx should close ranks behind Walgreens
Much has been written about Walgreens’ struggle to flourish in the aftermath of the drug chain’s decision to discontinue its relationship with Express Scripts, one of America’s most important pharmacy benefit managers.
Walgreens takes battle with PBM to Twitter
Walgreen Co. has brought its fight with pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts Inc. to the social media site Twitter. The drug store chain on Thursday began sending out "tweets" urging customers to support Walgreens and "take a stand" against the PBM. As of Jan.
Rx-for-pseudoephedrine bill in California loses steam
In California, legislation to require prescriptions for over-the-counter medicines containing pseudoephedrine stalled in committee this week, with the National Association of Chain Drug Stores applauding opponents of the bill. NACDS said Friday that the legislation, S.B.
NCPDP readies for Technology & Business Conference
The National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) has unveiled the list of speakers for its 2012 Annual Technology & Business Conference in May.
BlueScience grows distribution to Walgreens, drugstore.com
ChromaDex Corp. has landed retail distribution for its BluScience line of dietary supplements with Walgreen Co. and its drugstore.com online subsidiary.
Prasco to distribute Carbatrol authorized generic
Prasco Laboratories has signed a pact with Shire for the U.S. distribution of an authorized generic version of Carbatrol extended-release capsules, a medication for seizures.
Roche to ship Accu-Chek Nano SmartView glucose meter
By the middle of this year, Roche Diabetes Care plans to release the Accu-Chek Nano SmartView, a miniature blood glucose monitor that the company said marks the brand’s first single-strip no-code meter. Accu-Chek Nano SmartView The company said this week that it received clearance from the U.S.