Regulatory and Washington

WASHINGTON — Growth in health spending has slowed in recent years, including spending by private and public payers, according to data released Monday by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that also found a small contribution to the lower growth from the healthcare reform law.

WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday announced a law enforcement initiative stopping national marketers that used deceptive advertising claims to peddle fad weight-loss products, from food additives and skin cream to dietary supplements.

NEW YORK — Giving young children the influenza and pneumococcal vaccines together appears to increase their risk of fever, according to a study led by researchers from Columbia University Medical Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released Monday afternoon. However, the fever was brief, and medical care was sought for few children, supporting the routine immunization schedule for these vaccines, including the recommendation to administer them simultaneously. 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Tuesday expressed support of several policy changes proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, according to a document filed in the Federal Register. 

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is stepping up its flu shot promotions as flu activity increases.

The retail pharmacy chain said Monday that seasonal flu shots were still available at all its stores, and that people who have not received a shot this season should do so as soon as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu shots for everyone aged 6 months and older.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is providing prescriptions at no upfront cost to customers who have enrolled in the health insurance marketplaces, but have not received an ID number, the retail pharmacy chain said.

The company said that during the month of January, it would dispense a 15- to 30-day supply of many medications to customers who bring in confirmation of their enrollment until their prescription coverage details are available. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare, took full effect Wednesday.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Nipro Diagnostics on Thursday announced it is initiating a voluntary recall and replacement of a limited number of TRUEbalance and TRUEtrack Blood Glucose Meters distributed both in the United States and outside the United States.

NEW YORK — Regional chain Kinney Drugs is the latest to offer prescriptions at no upfront cost to some customers who have enrolled in Obamacare, according to published reports.

The Syracuse, N.Y., Post-Standard reported Friday that the Gouverneur, N.Y.-based chain would offer 30-day prescriptions to customers who have enrolled, but have not received an identification number. The offer is good through the month of January. Kinney operates 99 stores in central and northern New York and adjacent areas of Vermont.