Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Insurers Face Lawsuits Alleging They're Unfairly Rationing Expensive Hep C Drugs
The Seattle Times: Lawsuits Claim Insurers Unfairly Refuse Pricey Hepatitis C Drugs
David Morton figures he contracted hepatitis C back in the late 1980s, when the Ph.D. chemist was doing a dirty job: analyzing raw-sewage samples for toxins in Texas. “We were looking for priority pollutants on the Environmental Protection Agency watch list,” the 61-year-old Redmond man said. “I thought I was benefiting society. I sort of clenched my teeth and did it.” (Aleccia, 2/2)
The Associated Press: Mom Seeks Medical Expenses For Child With Cystic Fibrosis
A Montana mother is suing her health care providers because they failed to diagnose her unborn daughter's cystic fibrosis, denying her a chance to have an abortion. Kerrie Evans of Gardiner is seeking nearly $14.5 million in damages from Park Clinic in Livingston, Billings Clinic's Bozeman OB/GYN, nurse practitioner Peggy Scanson and Dr. William Peters - including $10 million for her daughter's medical and psychological care. The girl, nearly 6, has a severe form of cystic fibrosis and one medication needed to treat it costs up to $300,000 a year, court records said. (Hanson, 2/2)
