House Bill Takes Aim At Prescription Costs
January 18, 2018
Pharmacists would be required to advise people about the costs of escriptions and whether the retail prices of drugs are lower than cost-sharing requirements imposed by insurers or HMOs, under a bill approved unanimously Wednesday by a House health-care panel.
Filed by Rep. David Santiago, R-Deltona, the bill (HB 351) also would require pharmacy benefit managers — often called “PBMs” — to register with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation and to supply information about their chief executive officers, chief financial officers and people responsible for the day-to-day operations of the companies. Registrations would be valid for two years.
Santiago said the bill, approved by the House Health Innovation Subcommittee, “begins to shine light and accountability” on pharmacy benefit managers and their practices.
Insurers and HMOs use pharmacy benefit managers as intermediaries with other health-care companies. Among the largest are Express Scripts and CVS Caremark. Pharmacy benefit managers negotiate large customer contracts and negotiate with pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies to get the best rates.
In addition to requiring pharmacy benefit managers to register with the state, the bill would amend insurance and HMO laws to detail what is allowable in contracts with pharmacy benefit managers and what is banned.
For instance, under the contracts, pharmacy benefit managers could not limit the ability of pharmacies to substitute generic equivalent drugs for brand-name drugs.
Rep. Nicholas Duran, D-Miami, said he was concerned the bill only ties the prohibition to contracts and that Santiago should consider changing it to make sure other documents between insurers or HMOs and pharmacy benefit managers would not impede pharmacists’ ability to let patients know about the most cost-effective options.
The bill is next scheduled to head to the House Appropriations Committee.
While the bill was supported by pharmacists and physicians, Abigail Stoddard, a lobbyist for Prime Therapeutics, raised some concerns. Those concerns included amending state insurance and HMO laws with measures that are currently included in pharmacy regulations. Prime Therapeutics is a pharmacy benefits management company owned by 18 Blue Cross and Blue Shield health plans.
The House Health Innovation Subcommittee also approved a pharmacy-related bill that would preclude HMOs and insurers from requiring customers to be subjected to repeated “step therapy” protocols.
As initially filed, the proposal (HB 199) would have required insurers and HMOs to authorize or deny physicians’ requests to circumvent “step therapy” requirements within three business days for non-urgent care situations and within 24 hours for urgent care situations. If the requests were denied, insurers would have been required to provide detailed written explanations of the denial.
Step therapy is a type of prior authorization where patients must first try less-expensive drugs before they can “step” to more expensive drugs.
Bill sponsor Shawn Harrison, R-Tampa, said the initial bill was identical to a Senate measure (SB 98), which he prefers. But Harrison said he agreed to changes as a way to get the issue considered in the House.
“This is a vehicle we thought we could get started with,” Harrison said. “It’s smaller and we’ll see how it goes as the process moves along.”
by Christine Sexton, The News Service of Florida
FHP Troopers Issued Narcan To Help Fight Opioid Epidemic
January 18, 2018
The Florida Highway Patrol announced Wednesday it is issuing naloxone, an overdose-reversal drug commonly known by the brand name Narcan, to state troopers.
The troopers will be the latest law-enforcement officers to start using the drug, which revives overdose victims. The move comes as law-enforcement agencies and other first responders struggle to deal with the state’s opioid epidemic, which is responsible for at least 16 deaths each day in Florida.
The highway patrol “is part of a concerted, collaborative effort to combat the opioid crisis,” Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Terry Rhodes said in a prepared statement. Rhodes, whose department includes the highway patrol, said it is “critical that our members can safely perform their jobs to help prevent any unnecessary injuries or deaths in our state.”
Troopers in Broward, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin and Indian River counties were the first officers to receive supplies of the drug, according to a news release.
“FHP knows firsthand the seriousness of the opioid crisis and the department is taking the necessary steps to adapt our techniques and arm our troopers with the tools that will ensure the safety of the public and FHP,” Col. Gene Spaulding, director of the highway patrol, said.
The overdose reversal drug will be used to assist members of the public as well as first responders who may be accidentally exposed to potentially fatal synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and carfentanil. Miniscule amounts of such drugs “have been determined to be fatal, and even exposure from minor skin contact” can cause serious medical issues as well as death, according to the release.
by The News Service of Florida
Escambia (FL) And Santa Rosa Schools Back In Session On Thursday, Escambia (AL) Out Again
January 17, 2018
Escambia and Santa Rosa County schools in Florida will be open on Thursday. Escambia County Schools in Alabama will be closed again.
ESCAMBIA, FL
Superintendent Malcolm Thomas has announced that Escambia County (FL) District Schools will resume regular schedules on Thursday, January 18, 2018. However, all outdoor sports/activities for Thursday, January 18 have been canceled due to continued low temperatures. In preparation for the cold temperatures, district transportation routes will be handled as promptly as possible; the District requests assistance in asking families to formulate plans tonight to limit student exposure while traveling to school or waiting at bus stops in the mornings and evenings. Weather forecasts for the rest of the week will be monitored accordingly.
SANTA ROSA
Assistant Superintendent Joey Harrell, said based on the latest reports received from Santa Rosa County Emergency Operations, and Santa Rosa County Roads and Bridges, a decision has been made to resume normal school operations, with the exception of outside activities (to include PE) for tomorrow. Please keep in mind that school start temperatures and wind chill factors will be well below freezing tomorrow morning. Parents are encouraged to be mindful of these extreme conditions, especially if your children will be waiting outside at bus stops.
ESCAMBIA, AL
Escambia County Public Schools (Alabama) will be closed Thursday, January 18, 2018 due to the potential for dangerous icy road conditions. All schools will reopen following the regular schedule on Friday, January 19, 2018. Please stay safe. Thank you for your patience. Friday, students should wear school uniforms. Any warm outerwear will be allowed.
Pictured: Florida Ices Over
January 17, 2018
Here are photos of the accumulation of sleet and ice in Bratt, FL, about 3:45 a.m. Wednesday. A thin layer of ice covered most exposed surfaces. A few flurries were coming down, but the precipitation had mostly passed at the time, according to radar (pictured 3:45 a.m.). NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Have photos? Email news@northescambia.com and include your location.
Today’s Fashion: Dressing For Cold Weather
January 17, 2018
Our brutal cold weather can be dangerous. It’s important to dress in layers, cover skin and limit time outside, according to the National Weather Service.
With a low forecast tonight in the teens here in Florida, here’s how to dress for cold weather:
Authorities Search For Driver That Attempted To Run Trooper Off I-10
January 17, 2018
Law enforcement officers from two states searched Tuesday for a truck driver that attempted to run a Florida Highway Patrol trooper off the road.
Troopers observed a white straight truck with a black dump trailer bypass the Florida weigh station on I-10. A trooper attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle and activated his emergency lights and sirens but the vehicle failed to stop.
The trooper attempted to pull up next to the truck to make sure the driver could see him as they crossed into Alabama. The driver then deliberately swerved twice, both times causing the truck’s trailer to almost strike the trooper in his lane.
Eventually, the driver lost control and crashed into a wooded area. The driver then fled on foot.
Troopers from Florida and Alabama, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and a tracking dog for an Atmore prison attempted to track the unknown white male.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
U.S. House Approves Poarch Creek Land Reaffirmation Act
January 17, 2018
The U.S. House passed a bill known as the Poarch Band of Creek Indians Land Reaffirmation Act on Tuesday.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians Land Reaffirmation Act is a bipartisan bill that simply affirms that land that was taken into trust for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians prior to the 2009 decision in Carcieri vs. Salazari will remain in trust.
On February 24, 2009 the Supreme Court handed down a decision in Carcieri v. Salazar stating that Section 5 of the Indian Reorganization Act authorized the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust only for those tribes that were “under federal jurisdiction” in 1934, when the IRA was enacted
The legislation simply clears up any legal ambiguity that may have been caused by the previous court decision. The legislation does not have any change over the way the Poarch Creek Indians or their land are currently being treated in Alabama.
The bill prohibits and lawsuits related to the trust land
“The Poarch Creek Indians are a valued and trusted part of our community in Southwest Alabama. Their economic impact in Escambia County, Alabama speaks for itself. From their help with funding for community projects to their business enterprises that employ thousands of Alabamians, the Poarch help make life better for so many people in our area,” bill sponsor Congressman Bradley Byrne said.
Pictured: Congressman Bradley Byrne speaks in support of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians Land Reaffirmation Act on the floor of the U.S. House. Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Deputies Seek Info On Dollar General Armed Robber
January 17, 2018
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is seeking help in identifying a suspect from the armed robbery of a Dollar General store.
On January 13, the suspect walked into the Dollar General at 4818 Mobile Highway, pointed a gun at the clerk and demanded cash. He was last seen running into the Mayfair subdivision.
Anyone with information about this suspect or his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Image courtesy Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Freeze Warning — Protecting Pets, Plants, Pipes And Other Tips
January 17, 2018
When temperatures fall into the teens and hard freeze warning, it is time to take necessary precautions to protect pipes, pets and plants, and check on elderly friends and neighbors.
For tonight’s latest forecast, click here.
Here are ways to stay safe during this year’s first round of cold temperatures, courtesy of the American Red Cross:
- Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing body heat.
- Know the signs of hypothermia – confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. If someone has these symptoms, they should get immediate medical attention.
- Watch for symptoms of frostbite including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness or waxy feeling skin.
- Bring the pets indoors. If that’s not possible, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.
- Avoid frozen pipes – run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent them from freezing. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night to help avoid freezing pipes.
- Do not use a stove or oven to heat the home.
- Space heaters should sit on a level, hard surface and anything flammable should be kept at least three feet away.
- If using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
- Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.
And here are a few extra details and tips from ECUA on protecting pipes against the freeze:
- Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas: Pipes located in unheated areas of your house, such as a garage or crawl space under the house or in the attic, are subject to freezing. If you have time to do this before freezing temperatures arrive, wrap these pipes with insulation materials made especially for this purpose. These materials can be found in most hardware stores or home improvement centers.
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses: Detach all hoses from faucets and allow them to drain. This action guards against the water in the hose or pipe from freezing and bursting the faucet or pipe to which it is connected.
- Run a trickle of water: When forecasts call for sustained and / or severe freezing temperatures, run a thin trickle of water from the faucet furthest from the water line coming to your house. Usually this is in a room at the back of the house or outside, in the yard. Allowing the water to circulate through your home’s plumbing helps to keep it from freezing. Some consider this a waste of water but the cost of the water used is extremely slight compared to repairing broken pipes and the resulting water damage.
- Remember the backflow preventer: Residents and business owners who have backflow preventers on their properties for water lines, fire lines, irrigation systems, and swimming pools need to protect their backflow preventers from freeze as well. Extended freezes can burst the body of the backflow assembly, rendering it useless. Wrap these pipes with insulation materials, made especially for this purpose. These materials can be found in most hardware stores or home improvement centers. If the device and the water line are not in use at this time (i.e., irrigation system or swimming pool lines), shut off the water supply line and drain the backflow device.
With Flu Activity Increasing, It’s Not Too Late To Get Your Flu Shot
January 16, 2018
Both in Florida and throughout the U.S., flu activity is on the rise. In Florida, data shows more influenza activity across all age groups this year than detected in the last two flu seasons. Cases of the flu are particularly increasing in the northern portions of the state, including the Panhandle.
The number flu cases is increasing in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, according to the health department. The flu is being reported as at a moderate activity level in Escambia County and at a mild level in Santa Rosa County.
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that based on their data, this might be the peak of this year’s flu season. CDC recommends that people who are very sick or who are at high risk of serious flu complications and get flu symptoms should be treated with antiviral drugs as soon as possible.
It is not too late to get your flu vaccine. There are still weeks of flu activity to come. Flu vaccines can vary in effectiveness from season to season but they continue to be the best way to prevent influenza infection and serious influenza complications. To locate a flu shot near you, contact your physician, your local county health department, or use the Florida Department of Health’s flu shot locator: www.floridahealth.gov/findaflushot
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop protection against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people get injectable flu shots. Nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for this flu season because of concerns about its effectiveness.
It is also essential to practice good hygiene by properly and frequently washing your hands to help prevent the spread of seasonal flu. Make it a habit to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces in your home, school or office. You can take additional steps to ward off the flu by coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow and avoiding touching your face.
