Kaiser decides not to cover Viagra pills

Article Abstract:

Industry analysts claim that major insurers may exclude Viagra, Pfizer's impotence pill, following Kaiser's decision not to pay for prescriptions of the drug. Kaiser, the nation's largest not-for-profit HMO, excluded the drug due to an estimated annual cost of $100 million. Kaiser, which has 9.1 million members, is offering optional coverage for Viagra to employers at an extra cost. Other health care companies, such as Blue Cross & Blue Shield and Oxford Health Plans, are offering limited coverage. Pfizer is urging health care companies to approve the drug, but other insurers, such as Prudential Insurance Co. and United HealthCare, have yet to make a final decision.

Comment:

Pfizer urges health care providers to allow payment for the importence drug Viagra

Strategy & planning, Marketing procedures, Health Care, Health Care and Social Assistance, Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing, Life Insurance, Direct Life Insurance Carriers, Health, Education & Welfare, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Drugs, Medical care, Oxford Health Plans Inc., UnitedHealth Group Inc., Prudential Insurance Company of America, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc., Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

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Aetna net surged 80% in 3rd period; new unit improved

Article Abstract:

With help from Aetna Retirement Services and Aetna International, Aetna Inc. posted an 80% increase in net income for Q3. Aetna U.S. Healthcare faces challenges that the whole industry faces, rising drug and doctor costs and less and less profit from the Medicare market. Aetna plans to bow out of some Medicare markets, but in the long run, complete avoidance probably won't be possible for the insurance industry.

Sales, profits & dividends, Insurance, Insurance Carriers and Related Activities, INSURANCE CARRIERS, Finance, Insurance industry, Abstract, Aetna Inc., AET

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Pfizer speaks to concerns about Viagra

Article Abstract:

Pfizer Inc. said that the deaths of six men taking Viagra can be attributed to known risks of increased cardiac stress associated with sex, or of combining the drug with nitrate medications. The company said that three of the deaths were caused by the combination of Viagra with nitrates, while three three were attributed to heart attack or stroke.

Comment:

Deaths of 6 men taking Viagra caused by sex induced cardiac stress or combining drig w/ nitrates

Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing, Public affairs, Impotence Stimulators, Impotence, Neurological stimulators

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