Editorial: Isn't it interesting that...

...Entertainers that have gone through 3 or 4 (or more) divorces, made and lost millions of dollars, many of which are self-centered, selfish, and definitely don't live the same lifestyle of the rest of America, think that we value their opinions on politics and political and social issues?

...The $750 billion dollar Wall Street bailout that was touted to be an absolute necessity is now possibly going to be used for something totally different?

..."Our" tax dollars all of a sudden became "their" money to spend?

...Politicians are the only people in the world that create problems and then campaign against them?

...Both democrats and republicans are against deficits, but they still make them and we still have them?

...All politicians are against inflation and high taxes, but we continue to have inflation and high taxes?

...100 senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices (545 individuals) are largely directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

...The 545 individuals above spend much of their energy and our money convincing us that the situation is not their fault.

...Editors Note: Maybe it's time we put a limit on congressional outside earnings, require them to participate in the Social Security program, and term-limited them all to two terms! Also, limit the position of "Speaker" to a single 1-year term. Yes, and also when caught and convicted of wrongdoing, they must immediately resign. It seems too many become Washitonians and forget about the real world back home.


Loyd V. Allen, Jr., PhD, RPh
Editor-in-Chief

California May Cap Enrollment in Poor Children's Health Program
Children of families who earn up to 250% of the federal poverty level are eligible for "Healthy Families". That translates to incomes of $44,004 per year for a family of three and $53,004 a month for a family of four. Those below the poverty line are entitled to healthcare through the state's Medi-Cal program.

Beleaguered and almost bankrupt, California cites financial pressures as they are considering capping enrollment in California's health insurance program for children of the working poor, as an influx of new clients overwhelms it.

The program provides medical insurance for 900,000 children. As many as 162,750 children could end up on a waiting list within six months. If the board does not cap enrollment, it would have to take other, more drastic actions later, and capping enrollment, rather than eliminating coverage that a child currently has, seems the preferable path. The Legislature is in special session to deal with the state's growing budget gap, which is projected to reach $27.8 billion over the next 20 months.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-health14-2008nov14,0,2834074.story

Elderly to Pay More
Medicare prescription drug plans with the largest enrollments will pay 43% more on average in monthly premiums next year than when the drug program began in 2006, and some enrollees will see increases of as much as 329%, two analyses show. The rising costs "are wreaking havoc on seniors' wallets and are simply not sustainable in the long run," says Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., who chairs the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Seniors have seen their actual expenses for premiums and drug copayments go up each year. Insurers have raised prices for many reasons, including increases to cover higher drug costs and more prescriptions filled. Again, we see our seniors being charged more after paying into the system all their lives while welfare and illegal alien recipients are not being penalized at all and have not paid into the system. It's time to wake up and get this situation corrected!
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-11-11-drugcosts_N.htm

Extortion of Data from Express Scripts
Some of the clients of pharmacy-benefits manager Express Scripts Inc. have received anonymous letters threatening to expose the personal information of patients. Express Scripts said it believes the threats, which were sent to sponsors who offer its prescription-drug plans rather than directly to patients, are related to an extortion attempt it disclosed last week.

Information in the letters included personal details about patients, such as names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers, similar to an extortion letter Express Scripts received in early October threatening to expose personal data about "millions" of patients covered in the company's drug plans, he added.

Express Scripts immediately informed the FBI, which was already investigating the extortion attempt, about the new threats and has established a $1 million reward for information that results in the arrest and conviction of those perpetrating the blackmail.

The company said it would offer its members free identity-restoration services if they become victims of identity theft as a result of the breach. It has contracted with New York risk-consulting firm Kroll Inc. to assist its members in those cases.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122645284841119467.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Good Practices in Pharmaceutical Premises and Equipment
Botet J
RCN Editora LTDA; www.racinebooks.com.br

This English translation of this book is now available. Dr. Botet is a consultant in the pharmaceutical industry in matters related to organization, quality assurance, risk assessment, audits, validation, training, etc. This hardcover book is primarily aimed at manufacturing but most of its content is equally applicable to larger pharmacy compounding operations.

Some of the chapters of interest to compounding pharmacy include (4) Risk management, (5) Documentation, (6) Metrology, (7) Training, (13) HVAC. Dust collection, (14) Controlled environments. Cleanrooms (Concept and classification), (15) Controlled environments. Cleanrooms II (Functional requirements, Qualification, Monitoring). Laminar airflow hoods, (16) Containment areas; Biological safety cabinets; Isolators, (17) Pharmaceutical water, and (20) Lighting; Noise; Treatment of effluents.

This book is very well illustrated and easy to use, and is very interesting reading. It is recommended for those larger pharmacy compounders and will be of benefit to those undergoing PCAB accreditation.

�that two states that have already legislated expanded healthcare insurance are broke and asking the federal government for help (our money?). What is going to happen if Congress enacts the same legislation? England and Canada that have similar programs are limiting healthcare and cannot afford their programs. Why can't our politicians wake up and see that the U.S. is not a bottomless pit of money...the well is "dry" and rain is not in the forecast! If England and Canada can't afford their programs, what makes us think we can afford the same thing?

Falling Gold
Don't burn the leaves that are falling this season, compost them and spread them on your yard or garden next year.