Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Tranquilizers Among Most Commonly Prescribed Drugs For Seniors
ProPublica: One Nation, Under Sedation: Medicare Paid For Nearly 4M Tranquilizer Prescriptions In 2013
In 2012, Medicare’s massive prescription drug program didn’t spend a penny on popular tranquilizers such as Valium, Xanax and Ativan. The following year, it doled out more than $377 million for the drugs. While it might appear that an epidemic of anxiety swept the nation’s Medicare enrollees, the spike actually reflects a failed policy initiative by Congress. More than a decade ago, when lawmakers created Medicare’s drug program, called Part D, they decided not to pay for anti-anxiety medications. Some of these drugs, known as benzodiazepines, had been linked to abuse and an increased risk of falls and fractures among the elderly, who make up most of the Medicare population. (Ornstein and Jones, 6/10)
ProPublica: Florida, Miami-Dade Doctors Are Heavy Prescribers Of Tranquilizers For Seniors, Report Says
In 2012, Medicare’s massive prescription drug program didn’t spend a penny on popular tranquilizers such as Valium, Xanax and Ativan. The following year, it doled out more than $377 million for the drugs. While it might appear that an epidemic of anxiety swept the nation’s Medicare enrollees, the spike actually reflects a failed policy initiative by Congress. (Ornstein and Jones, 6/10)
The Washington Post: Common Heartburn Medications Linked To Greater Risk Of Heart Attack
A novel data-mining project reveals evidence that a common group of heartburn medications taken by millions of people is associated with a greater risk of heart attacks, Stanford University researchers reported Wednesday. (Bernstein, 6/10)
NPR: Data Dive Suggests Link Between Heartburn Drugs And Heart Attacks
Electronic medical records may seem like a distraction when your doctor is busy typing on a screen instead of looking you in the eye. But, as a new study shows, these systems also have the potential to help identify some drug side-effects. Researchers at Stanford University gathered about 3 million electronic medical records — with patients' names and other identifying material stripped away — to look for a link between a popular heartburn drug and heart attacks. (Harris, 6/11)
