https://video.foxnews.com/v/5984887974001
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http://thefederalist.com/2018/12/28/cvs-makes-plans-ration-customers-health-care/
CVS Caremark customers throughout America recently received bad news as the retail pharmaceutical chain officially closed on its $69 billion acquisition of Aetna. This is bad news because CVS is now working with a nonprofit “health” advisor that may ration customers’ health care choices.
In August, CVS announced a partnership with the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), a nonprofit group that bills itself as a medical review board. But its leadership team and the far-left billionaires footing its bill paint a troubling picture.
ICER was founded by Dr. Steven Pearson. Pearson previously worked with the United Kingdom’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). A pleasant-sounding moniker, NICE is anything but.
Thanks to NICE guidelines, millions of British citizens are on waiting lists at any given time for procedures, hundreds of thousands are waiting for basic diagnostic tests, and thousands of operations are regularly cancelled. During the first quarter of 2018, “the number of British patients waiting 18 weeks or more for treatment increased by 35 percent, which was an increase of 128,575 patients from about 362,000 patients in 2017, to over 490,000 patients in 2018. Additionally, by March 2018, 2,755 patients had waited over a year to be treated, compared to 1,528 patients in 2017,” according to The Heritage Foundation.
NICE is even worse about drug approvals. NICE “has declined to fund [drugs] such as Benlysta, Novartis, Sorafenib and Avastin. The first is a treatment for lupus while the last three can extend the life of cancer patients. The Rare Cancers Forum notes that 16,000 patients annually could benefit from cancer drugs rejected by NICE,” notes the National Center for Public Policy Research’s David Hogberg.
Under ICER’s direction, CVS has set a “threshold of $100,000 per QALY, or quality-of-life years, a benchmark that measures both the quantity and quality of life generated by providing a treatment or some other health care intervention.” In practice, that means ICER’s opinion about the so-called quality of life value will determine whether CVS customers can receive new prescription drugs and treatments.
This means that even if a doctor prescribes a drug for a patient, that individual may find that CVS doesn’t carry that medication if it doesn’t fit ICER’s parameters. Think of it as socialized health care without the socialistic government regime.
Former Rep. Tony Coelho (D-Calif.), a primary author and sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act, has been a strong critic of CVS’s decision and ICER’s approach. This is how he explained its effects:
This type of cost effectiveness analysis discriminates against people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups like the elderly because it assigns higher value to people in ‘perfect health’ than people in less-than-perfect health. So let’s say your child has a degenerative neurological condition and an expensive new drug is introduced that can halt, but not reverse, the damage done by the disease. Your child, and other patients like her, would be considered ‘worth less’ under a cost-effectiveness formula. As a result, the new treatment would not meet the threshold.
Recall that the debate over health-care rationing was a primary reason so many folks objected to ObamaCare’s Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). IPAB was to be a 15-person panel deciding which treatments should be allowed under what circumstances for government-run programs.
The idea of a panel deciding who gets what kind of care and when seemed Orwellian from the start, and Americans by and large opposed the entire concept. In February, Congress did away with IPAB.
CVS is now instituting its own form of IPAB with ICER. Rationing, by any other name, is just as insidious. So who is funding this far-left push? The Laura and John Arnold Foundation has donated more than $19 million to ICER since 2015. These big-money liberals appear to have goals of moving beyond ObamaCare to a full-blown single-payer system.
In addition to funding ICER, the Arnolds have teamed up with George Soros to bankroll Patients for Affordable Drugs (P4AD), an advocacy group claiming to be bipartisan yet comprised largely of former Obama and Clinton staffers. P4AD’s political actions during this past election cycle put the truth to the lie of bipartisanship.
According to The Intercept, “P4AD touts itself as a bipartisan organization, which means that come election time, it needs to spend money targeting both Republicans and Democrats. The Democrats being targeted by P4AD are virtually guaranteed to win re-election, which allows the group to claim a bipartisan label without actually harming any Democratic incumbents.”
Obviously P4AD is not bipartisan and neither is the Laura and John Arnold Foundation. As I noted in a recent Investor’s Business Daily commentary, “[f]rom abortion, to anti-Second Amendment work, to liberal ‘investigative’ journalism, to single-payer health care, the Arnolds fund the gamut of far-left causes… They promote their bipartisan giving, yet the Arnolds fund groups whose sole mission is to demonize and bankrupt right-of-center organizations. How is that possibly bipartisan?”
Now, through ICER, the Arnolds resurrecting one of ObamaCare’s most underhanded programs. And CVS is helping them.
During the Obama administration, CVS teamed up with the White House to promote the Affordable Care Act in its stores. Now it is working with far-left actors to revive a version of ObamaCare’s rationing board. CVS customers and investors deserve better.
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Kolodny Congress 5-2014 Opioiods from Media Policy Center on Vimeo.
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They fell like dominos, one after another: first, my medical privileges, then my Ohio Medical License, then my state license, then my board certification, finally my DEA license. While, like most physicians, I had concerns about malpractice suit, a medical board investigation never crossed my mind.
I suppose that’s why the certified letter from an investigator with my state medical board took me by surprise. I was alleged to be “an unregistered terminal distributor of dangerous drugs.” I told the investigator everything. I hadn’t distributed anything. Seven months previously, my husband of 37 years announced that he was getting a divorce. I had no home, no marriage, no job, no doctor, not even a car. I couldn’t stop crying. I couldn’t eat. Worst of all, I couldn’t sleep. I tried alcohol; it didn’t help. In desperation, I had ordered a bottle of Xanax from a wholesaler.
That was it. I signed a release of medical records to confirm my statements and document the help I was getting and the progress I was making. I hadn’t seen any patients during that time, violated any laws, or driven under the influence. Since I wasn’t in any legal jeopardy, I didn’t need a lawyer.
Then the second certified letter arrived. The Board had reason to believe that I was “unable to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care by reason of mental illness or physical illness…” I was ordered to submit to a forensic psychiatric exam. Failure to do so would constitute “an admission of the allegations…and a default and final order may thereupon be entered without the taking of testimony or presentation of evidence.” If I didn’t submit to their demands, I could lose my license.
The interview went smoothly. I had no personal or family history of alcoholism or addiction. I could spell W-O-R-L-D backwards. I did my serial 7s down to 57 and my presidents down to Kennedy, at which point the psychiatrist had said, “Enough!” I was still in therapy and taking an antidepressant, but I was back to work and feeling good. I thought that was it.
But again, I was wrong. Four months later, I got a third certified letter. This time the Board ordered me to submit to a 72-hour inpatient addiction evaluation. Knowing what was at stake, I submitted.
When I arrived at the rehab hospital, my phone, wallet and keys were confiscated, and my car, suitcase and body were searched. During my stay, I was assailed with questions I couldn’t answer, questions like “What’s your drug of choice?” and “Does your family know about your addiction?” I submitted to observed urine drug tests, sleep deprivation and hours of interrogation, group therapy and lectures on alcoholism. The cognitive dissonance was unbearable.
On the morning of the third day in rehab, I was told that, since I was still in denial about my addiction, I would have to stay in rehab at least 28 more days. I had packed for three.
I refused. I was reminded of the consequences to my career. I still refused. I had given the rehab hospital permission to contact my husband, my daughter, my brother and a longtime colleague. They would confirm that, except for that brief period, I was the epitome of sobriety. The nightmare would be over.
It wasn’t. Six weeks later, the fourth certified letter arrived. It stated: “We have reason to believe that you pose an imminent threat to your patients and we thereby are suspending your medical license.” I had to stop practicing immediately. I could have a hearing. It would be adversarial, but it was my last chance to salvage my career.
I prepared assiduously in the 15 days leading up to the hearing. I was an articulate, consistent and contrite defendant, but a terrible lawyer. After eight hours of testimony, the Board’s lawyer concluded that my children were enablers, my spouse was lying, my colleagues were clueless and I was a hopeless drunk full of excuses. Nonetheless, I was hopeful.
Shortly thereafter, the fifth certified letter arrived. I was offered a chance to face my accusers, the eight members of the state medical board, for five minutes at a public hearing. I took the offer. Three and a half minutes into my statement, the Board’s spokesman interrupted me and read a perfunctory statement echoing their lawyer’s sentiments. I was numb.
Two weeks later, the sixth certified letter arrived. It said, “There is clear and convincing evidence that you are impaired in your ability to practice medicine and your Ohio license had been permanently revoked.” The seventh certified letter said my state license was suspended, the eighth, that my Board certification was revoked, and the ninth, that my DEA license was invalidated.
It’s taken me months to be able to write about this. Months to get past the shame of a personal crisis made public, to recover from the pain of the ordeal, and to accept that never again could I practice the profession to which I had dedicated my entire adult life.
I have learned over these months that countless other unwary practitioners have been victims of the same disciplinary fervor. I know now that, to keep their licenses, most of these physicians will submit to what’s demanded of them and they will stay silent to protect their reputations. I, however, was physically, emotionally and financially unable to submit to my Board’s final demand. As a result, I lost everything professionally. I have nothing to lose by speaking out.
My colleagues need to know that if a Board investigator contacts you, you must immediately contact your lawyer. Unlike in a civil case, Boards can presume you’re guilty and ignore exculpatory evidence. Unlike in a criminal case, Boards don’t have to advise of your civil rights because you don’t have any. They can coerce you into medically unnecessary treatment, rob you of your personal freedom, publicly defame you and deprive you of your livelihood, all with complete impunity.
State legislatures cannot abridge the civil rights of its citizens. However, they allow state medical boards to do so based on the rationale that medical professionals must adhere to higher standards than average citizens. I accept that. However, boards should not be allowed to violate our civil rights when evaluating whether or not we are adhering to those standards. Perhaps in the long run, we can repeal the laws that allow this travesty. For now, any of you who can speak up, please do. Talk to your colleagues, your medical society, your state representative. For those who can’t speak up, please know this: you aren’t a pariah, you aren’t worthless, and you definitely aren’t alone.
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https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/11/health/aetna-california-investigation/index.html
(CNN) California’s insurance commissioner has launched an investigation into Aetna after learning a former medical director for the insurer admitted under oath he never looked at patients’ records when deciding whether to approve or deny care.
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6775 Americans will die EVERY DAY – from various reasons
2700 people WILL ATTEMPT SUICIDE
140 will be SUCCESSFUL – including 20 veterans
270 will die from hospital acquired antibiotic resistant “bug” because staff won’t properly wash hands and/or proper infection control.
350 will die from their use/abuse of the drug ALCOHOL
1200 will die from their use/abuse of the drug NICOTINE
1400 will contract C-DIF from Hospital or Nursing home because staff doesn’t properly wash their hands are adhere to infection control
80 WILL DIE – mostly elderly.
850 will die from OBESITY
700 will die from medical errors
150 will die from Flu/Pneumonia
80 will die from Homicide
80 will die in car accidents
70 From ALL DRUG ABUSE
http://www.romans322.com/daily-death-rate-statistics.php
Someone just died by: | |
Abortion *: | 1091318 |
Heart Disease: | 613959 |
Cancer: | 591325 |
Tobacco: | 349779 |
Obesity: | 306806 |
Medical Errors: | 251295 |
Stroke: | 133019 |
Lower Respiratory Disease: | 142853 |
Accident (unintentional): | 135967 |
Hospital Associated Infection: | 98937 |
Alcohol *: | 99937 |
Diabetes: | 76440 |
Alzheimer’s Disease: | 93482 |
Influenza/Pneumonia: | 55192 |
Kidney Failure: | 42735 |
Blood Infection: | 33443 |
Suicide: | 42746 |
Drunk Driving: | 33787 |
Unintentional Poisoning: | 31738 |
All Drug Abuse: | 24989 |
Homicide: | 16788 |
Prescription Drug Overdose: | 14991 |
Murder by gun: | 11486 |
Texting while Driving: | 5985 |
Pedestrian: | 4997 |
Drowning: | 3913 |
Fire Related: | 3498 |
Malnutrition: | 2770 |
Domestic Violence: | 1459 |
Smoking in Bed: | 780 |
Falling out of Bed: | 598 |
Killed by Falling Tree: | 149 |
Lawnmower: | 68 |
Spontaneous Combustion: | 0 |
Your chance of death is 100%. Are you ready? |
Totals of all categories are based upon past trends documented below.
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SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In response to a recent 60 Minutes story about McKesson’s January 2017 settlement agreement with the federal government, McKesson issued the following statement:
We were disheartened to see today’s 60 Minutes story on McKesson and the opioid crisis contain sweeping and unsubstantiated accusations against our company. We provided extensive information to the news outlet by way of interviews with and statements from McKesson and its representatives – including a categorical denial of any criminal behavior or intent. Shockingly, it all ended up on the editing room floor, but nonetheless they made it seem like we refused to cooperate. Sensational journalism focused on finger-pointing and the blame-game does an enormous disservice to those who have suffered losses in this crisis and to those who are focused on finding solutions to this horrible epidemic. The public deserves the facts.
The story has too many inaccuracies and mischaracterizations to address here — one can find the real facts at www.McKesson.com/FightingOpioidAbuse.
McKesson has worked diligently to enhance our monitoring of controlled substances and to develop a more constructive dialogue with the Drug Enforcement Administration. We have invested millions of dollars in our controlled substance monitoring program, and are constantly evolving it to stay one step ahead of those who would divert prescription medications for illegitimate use. We’re developing innovative practical solutions – like a new “red flag” system for pharmacists as they’re filling prescriptions for patients who are at risk for abuse or diversion. And we are working closely with federal and state policymakers and regulators to advance common-sense proposals that can help stem diversion, while simultaneously protecting the availability of appropriate pain therapies for patients with serious illnesses and injuries.
McKesson has been a leader in the healthcare industry for over 180 years: each day helping deliver thousands of safe and effective medicines to the millions of patients who need them. We look forward to setting the record straight and taking care of what matters most: the families and patients who need our support.
Contacts
McKesson
Kristin Hunter Chasen, 415-983-8974
Kristin.Chasen@McKesson.com
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171217005108/en/McKesson-Responds-60-Minutes-Story
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This is your brain on opioids.
While not explicitly stated, that’s essentially the message the Trump administration is deploying in its initial anti-opioid ad campaign, which seeks to keep young adults from becoming dependent on the addictive medications.
The campaign, unveiled Thursday, stresses that dependence on opioids can happen after just five days and is based on the Truth Initiative’s anti-tobacco campaign, which the group says has prevented more than 1 million young people from smoking during the past two decades.
It features four 30-second ads that tell the grisly, based-on-real-life stories of people who purposely injured themselves to get opioids after becoming addicted through prescriptions or recreational use. One spot shows a man who breaks his own back to get more oxycodone.
“That’s the least expensive thing we can do, where you scare them from ending up like the people in the commercials,” President Donald Trump said in March when discussing steps his administration would take to combat the opioid crisis. “And we’ll make them very, very bad commercials. We’ll make them pretty unsavory situations. And you’ve seen it before, and it’s had an impact on smoking and cigarettes. You see what happens to the body; you see what happens to the mind.”
Opioids are the main driver of overdose deaths in the U.S., killing more than 42,000 people in 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Forty percent of opioid overdose deaths involve a prescription.
The Truth Initiative, the Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Ad Council are collaborating on the campaign. The ads will air on TV and online platforms and are part of a White House opioid-crisis response plan that critics have said has not been aggressive enough, though the government is expected to spend a record $4.6 billion this year fighting the epidemic, according to The Associated Press.
The White House said it would spend $384,000 on the ad campaign, the Washington Examiner reported. The initiative also will reportedly involve donated ad time worth at least $30 million.
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