16 Dec 2015

Data Behind the Sovaldi Report: Wyden-Grassley Investigation Looks at Drug Costs in Every State Medicaid Program

By Grassley Press

As Part of a Comprehensive, Bipartisan Report on the High Cost of Hep C Drugs, Senior Finance Members Collected Data on Drug Costs, Prescription Volume, and Patients Treated in All 50 States, D.C.

 

State Medicaid Programs Imposed Access Restrictions Due to Budget Constraints, Yet Sovaldi Still Dominated Drug Spending

WASHINGTON - An investigation released earlier this month by Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, a senior member of the committee, demonstrated the significant financial impact that Gilead Sciences Inc.'s hepatitis C drug Sovaldi and its follow-on drug Harvoni had on state Medicaid programs during 2014, their first year on the market. As a part of the investigation, the senators assembled a comprehensive Medicaid data set based on state-reported data, which is highlighted in detail below. The senators also released today new data on the top 25 state-reported Medicaid drug expenditures, found in the table below.

The 18-month investigation found that because of Sovaldi's high price and Gilead's initial refusal to provide substantial discounts, Medicaid programs were only able treat 2.4% of some 700,000 enrollees infected with the disease, despite spending more than $1 billion on the drug during calendar year 2014, according to state-reported data.

Data provided by state Medicaid programs from all 50 states and the District of Columbia show that Sovaldi ranked among the top five pharmaceutical spending items for 33 different state Medicaid programs. Fourteen states reported that Sovaldi was the top pharmaceutical cost for their fee-for-service (FFS), managed care (MCO), or combined programs. Fifteen more reported Sovaldi was the second highest cost. Four more states reported that Sovaldi ranked third, fourth or fifth in their pharmaceutical spending in 2014. (page 84 of report)

The data provides a state-by-state breakdown of how much state Medicaid programs reported spending on Sovaldi and Harvoni, and where spending on the drugs ranked in comparison to spending on other medications. It also shows the reported prescription count and number of patients treated.

Appendix A of the report aggregated individual states' reported data on spending, prescription and patient recipients, as well as landmark state-reported estimates of Medicaid enrollees infected with Hepatitis C and whether states agreed to supplemental discounts with Gilead for Sovaldi. Appendix A is available in interactive spreadsheet form here. Details on how that data was collected and organized can be found here.

In addition, the senators highlighted letters from 10 states detailing how Sovaldi's high price affected their budgets, providing additional details in several instances, and explaining how their requests that Gilead offer more significant discounts were unsuccessful. Letters included in today's release are from Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington.

Gilead's own documents show that nine months after Sovaldi's release, the company analyzed the impact Sovaldi was having on Medicaid programs, concluding that half of state Medicaid programs were "limiting coverage to the sickest patients" and that budget concerns were leading to "strict management" of the drugs availability to enrolled patients. (page 99)

Staff also visualized Medicaid data in a nationwide map, found below. The map examines the percentage of state-reported Medicaid patients with hepatitis C receiving Sovaldi, as well as Sovaldi's rank for each state's Medicaid prescription drug spending.
16 Dec 2015

Holiday Closings for Waste Commission of Scott County

By Brandy Welvaert

DAVENPORT, IA–Waste Commission of Scott County facilities will close at noon Thursday, Dec. 24 and will remain closed Friday, Dec. 25. However, no appointments will be available for drop-off of household hazardous materials on Saturday, Dec. 26. Facilities will reopen Monday, Dec. 28.

 

Facilities also will be closed Friday, Jan. 1. The Scott Area Landfill and Household Hazardous Materials Facility will reopen Saturday, Jan. 2, and all facilities will be open on Monday, Jan. 4.

 

Facilities include the following:

  • Scott Area Landfill, 11555 110th Ave., Davenport
  • Scott Area Household Hazardous Material Facility, 11555 110th Ave., Davenport
  • Electronic Demanufacturing Facility, 1048 East 59th St., Davenport

The Scott Area Recycling Center, 5640 Carey Ave., Davenport, remains closed for construction, which will allow for single-stream recycling operations. The facility is expected to re-open in summer 2016. While the facility is closed, the recycling drop-off bins on-site continue to be available to residents. In addition, residents with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or full medical sharps containers may drop them off at the adjacent Electronic Demanufacturing Facility, where they also may pick up new containers for sharps.

Waste Commission of Scott County is an intergovernmental agency whose mission is to provide environmentally sound and economically feasible solid waste management for Scott County. For more information about the Commission, please call (563) 381-1300 or visit www.wastecom.com.

# # #
16 Dec 2015

West Music Honored with Retail Excellence Award

By Kelly Goerdt
Coralville, IA - December 15, 2015 - West Music, with headquarters in Coralville, IA was recently awarded a Retail Excellence award from Music, Inc. Each year, Music Inc's Excellence Awards honors 10 retailers and 10 suppliers who go above and beyond in their businesses over the last year. Voted on by their peers, these winners are responsible for advancing the entire music products industry. To view the entire article, please visit musicincmag.com.

With seven retail locations in eastern Iowa and western Illinois and multiple e-commerce websites, West Music prides itself on being a complete music source whose products and services support lifelong music makers. Such relationship-building with customers, suppliers, and associates is at the core of the company's philosophy as it heads into its 75th year of doing business. West Music was founded in 1941 and currently employs 210 associates across all business units.

"We are honored to receive this recognition from Music, Inc and from our peers. Our focus is on our customers' experience and we want to be there for them from their very first musical experience. Additionally, we want to be there to help them as they become an intermediate and professional level musician. We are proud of our associates for all their hard work that goes into making our business as customer-centric as possible." says Robin Walenta, West Music President and CEO.
16 Dec 2015

Grassley, Murphy Urge Committee Consideration of Revolutionary War Patriot Memorial Bill

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut have urged the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to consider the National Liberty Memorial Clarification Act of 2015, a bill that would keep the creation of the National Liberty Memorial - a monument to commemorate the tens of thousands of slaves and free black persons who fought for freedom and independence in the American Revolution - on track.

In a letter to Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Murphy and Grassley requested that the committee leaders schedule a hearing on the bill early in the next session of Congress so that it can be reported to the full Senate as soon as possible. The National Liberty Memorial Clarification Act was referred to the Senate committee earlier this year after it passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 402-0.

"We are strong supporters of the creation of the National Liberty Memorial to honor the thousands of enslaved and free black persons who fought in the Revolutionary War.  However, we understand that red tape has led to delays in the final approval of the design and location for the memorial.  In order to streamline the process and keep the memorial on track to be completed in the current authorization period, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1949, the National Liberty Memorial Clarification Act of 2015, on September 17, 2015," wrote the Senators. "H.R. 1949 has now been referred to your committee. We ask that you schedule a hearing early in the next session of Congress to consider this bill with a view to it being reported to the full Senate for consideration as soon as possible."

Grassley's work to get the memorial built began when several young Iowans took an interest in the effort and helped with the initial push for the memorial. One soldier of special interest to many Iowans is Cato Mead, an African American Revolutionary War patriot who spent his final years in southeast Iowa.  There is a monument dedicated to Mead in the Montrose Cemetery in Lee County.

Murphy became involved in the effort after former U.S. Senators Chris Dodd and Joseph Lieberman successfully led the fight to pass legislation that, in 2013, was signed into law by President Obama and authorized construction of the new memorial. At least 820 African American soldiers served in the Revolutionary War from Connecticut.

The National Liberty Memorial will be built by Liberty Fund D.C., a private nonprofit established to lead the effort to construct the memorial. No taxpayer dollars will be used to fund the construction of the memorial.

The full text of the letter is below:

 

The Honorable Lisa Murkowski, Chairwoman

The Honorable Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member

Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

304 Dirksen Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Ranking Member Cantwell,

We are strong supporters of the creation of the National Liberty Memorial to honor the thousands of enslaved and free black persons who fought in the Revolutionary War.  The memorial has been authorized by Congress to be established in Area I or Area II in Washington, D.C. However, we understand that red tape has led to delays in the final approval of the design and location for the memorial.  In order to streamline the process and keep the memorial on track to be completed in the current authorization period, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1949, the National Liberty Memorial Clarification Act of 2015, on September 17, 2015, by a vote of 402-0.

H.R. 1949 has now been referred to your committee.  We ask that you schedule a hearing early in the next session of Congress to consider this bill with a view to it being reported to the full Senate for consideration as soon as possible.

Thank you for your consideration of our request.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Grassley                       Christopher Murphy

United States Senator                        United States Senator

A signed copy of the letter is available here.

-30-
16 Dec 2015

Hey High Schoolers - Enter the App Contest Now

By Rep. Dave Loebsack
Recently, I was thrilled to kickoff the Congressional App Challenge with students at City High School in Iowa City. This competition, which is open to all high schoolers in the Second Congressional District over the age of 13, is a great way for students to engage in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields and is an opportunity for interested students to try their skills at something new!

Even students who have never created an application ("app") before can find resources to help them build one step-by-step through this website. Students can create their app for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice, and can work in teams of up to four students as long as two of them attend high school in the Second District.

I encourage you to forward this email to anyone who you think might want to participate in this exciting competition - click here if you are not sure which Congressional District you live in.  I look forward to seeing what new apps our students submit - the winning app will be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives' website (www.house.gov), and displayed in a U.S. Capitol exhibit.  For more details, you can visit www.congressionalappchallenge.us or call Kate Petersen in my office at (202) 225-6576.  

Sincerely, 

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

16 Dec 2015

Smiddy Sponsors Legislation To Protect Retirees from Taxes

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Continuing his effort to protect seniors on a fixed income, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is sponsoring legislation opposing any effort to tax retirement income in Illinois.
"Too many Illinois seniors already struggle to pay their bills on a fixed income, and simply cannot afford more taxes," Smiddy said. "Taxing retirement income will only hurt our senior's ability to stay in their homes and a part of our community."
Under current law, any retirement income, such as a pension or 401k plan, is exempt from state income taxation. Illinois prepares to enter the New Year without a budget. Some politicians have proposed a new tax on retirement income as a way to reduce the state's debt. Smiddy is standing with a bipartisan group of legislators to make sure seniors are not targeted to fix the state's budget mess by sponsoring House Resolution 890, which opposes any effort to tax pensions, 401k accounts or any retirement income.
"Illinois retirees planned for their golden years, and to force them to pay more would mean terrible set-backs for Illinois seniors," Smiddy said. "Instead of trying to balance the budget on the back of the elderly, we should be eliminating wasteful spending in Springfield and Chicago."
House Resolution 890 was introduced on Dec. 2 and awaits action in the House. 
###
15 Dec 2015

Treasurer Fitzgerald Offers Tips to Protect Your Gift Cards

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (12/15/2015)(readMedia)-- During the holiday season gift cards are popular presents to give and receive. State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald wants Iowa consumers to make sure they take full advantage of the gift card. "According to the National Retailers Federation, gift cards are the most requested holiday gift item for nine years running*," Fitzgerald stated. "Each year, gift cards go unused because the cards are lost or forgotten. Don't let that happen to you! Whether you give or receive a gift card this holiday season, these tips can help protect the value of the card throughout the year."

If you purchase a gift card:

• Give the original receipt to the recipient in the event it is needed to replace a lost or stolen gift card.

• Buy gift cards from reputable retailers where you know the recipient will shop.

• Encourage the recipient to use the gift card right away.

If you receive a gift card:

• Use it as soon as possible. Verify if the card has an expiration date or fees that reduce the card's value over time.

• Save the gift card package and receipt. Having these will make replacing a lost or stolen card much easier.

• Know the balance. Many gift card providers will let you check your balance on their websites.

"We encourage retailers to honor all of the gift cards they sell, even those that have expired," Fitzgerald stated. "In doing so, retailers stay on friendly terms with their customers."

Consumers with questions or concerns regarding an expired gift card a retailer will not honor are encouraged to contact the state treasurer's office. Please provide a copy of the gift card and a brief letter stating the circumstances of the complaint. The information can be sent to the address below or emailed to upreport@iowa.gov.

15 Dec 2015

Red Cross blood donation opportunities Jan. 1-15, 2016

By Theresa Kuhlmann

Resolve to give blood in January for National Blood Donor Month

Dec. 15, 2015 - This January, during National Blood Donor Month, the American Red Cross encourages people to roll up their sleeves to give blood to help maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients.

Since 1970, National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January to not only honor blood and platelet donors, but also to help increase donations during the winter months. Maintaining a sufficient blood supply for patients is difficult at this time of year because extreme winter weather and seasonal illnesses often impact donor turnout.

Karla Essmiller became a blood donor in college, but the importance of giving blood hit home when several family members had medical emergencies. "It only takes once sitting in a hospital, praying that your loved one will live through the day, to know how thankful you are for every single thing done to help them," she said. "Donating blood is a simple gift that I can make that may help up to three people live another day. That makes me feel like a hero."

The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to resolve to give blood regularly, beginning in January. Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types AB, O, B negative and A negative.

To make an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Clinton County, Iowa

Clinton

1/14/2016: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., LyondellBasell Clinton, 3400 Anamosa Road

Henry County, Illinois

Cambridge

1/14/2016: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., St John's Vianney Church, 313 S. West St.

Colona

1/5/2016: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., St Patrick's Church, 201 First St.

Galva

1/5/2016: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 214 N. W.  Second Ave.

Geneseo

1/7/2016: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Grace United Methodist Church, 318 N. Center St.

Kewanee

1/13/2016: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St.

Lee County, Illinois

Dixon

1/12/2016: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Elk's Lodge, 1279 Franklin Grove Road

Mercer County, Illinois

Alexis

1/12/2016: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Alexis Community Center, 204 W. Palmer Ave.

Whiteside County, Illinois

Fulton

1/12/2016: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 4th St.

Rock Falls

1/6/2016: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St.

1/10/2016: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Army National Guard, 716 Sixth Ave.

1/13/2016: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St.

Tampico

1/14/2016: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Tampico United Methodist Church, 202 Lincoln Ave,


How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.


Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

15 Dec 2015

Vote Now for LeClaire Chamber Annual Award Winners!

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

All Current LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Members

are invited to vote for the 2015 Annual Awards recipients

and for the 2016 LeClaire Chamber Board of Directors

 

Please visit the Chamber website,

www.LeClaireChamber.com

to cast your vote or to write in your favorite!

Click on 2015 Awards Ballot on the Homepage

The direct link to the ballot is:

 http://visit.leclairechamber.com/2015-annual-awards-ballot.html

Deadline to vote, December 28, 2015, 11:59 p.m.

 

Only one vote allowed per membership.

Award Winners will be announced at the Annual Dinner,

Saturday, January 30, 2016, Davenport Country Club.

Invitations will soon be sent to Chamber Members,

but anyone is invited to attend.

 

Reservations are $35 per person, paid in advance.

Please RSVP by January 22, 2016 to First Central State Bank

563-289-2265 or email dmulvania@firstcentralsb.com

 

Thank you for your participation!

15 Dec 2015

Fifteen Iowa Cities Receive $9.1 Million in Low-Interest State Revolving Fund Loans for Water Quality Initiatives

By Ashley Jared

State Revolving Fund Assists Cities with Moving Water Quality Projects Forward

 

Des Moines - Fifteen Iowa cities will benefit from a combined total of more than $9.1 million in low-cost water quality loans through the State Revolving Fund. State Revolving Fund Construction Loans are a low-cost construction financing option available for Iowa cities and municipalities for water quality initiatives. Planning & Design Loans are zero percent loans that assist with the first-phase of project expenses. The Iowa Finance Authority and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources jointly administer the State Revolving Fund in Iowa.

"The State Revolving Fund provided low-cost financing for water quality infrastructure improvements benefiting one million Iowans in last fiscal year alone." said Iowa Finance Authority Executive Director Dave Jamison. "The fifteen Iowa cities that most recently received low-cost financing join more than 500 other Iowa cities in recognizing the State Revolving Fund as their best choice for financing of their water quality initiatives."

"Quality water is fundamental to protecting Iowans' health as well as Iowa's natural resources," said Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Chuck Gipp. "The State Revolving Fund is an important resource for Iowa communities as they face a wide-array of water quality improvement needs."

The State Revolving Fund has awarded Iowa communities and municipalities more than $2.5 billion in Construction Loans and $130 million through Planning & Design Loans since the program's inception.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides annual capitalization grants to states. Leveraged bonds and loan repayments expand the reach of the federal investment. More than $3.00 in assistance has been leveraged for Iowa water quality projects for every $1.00 of federal funds.

More information is available at IowaSRF.com.

The Iowa Legislature created The Iowa Finance Authority in 1975 to undertake programs to assist in the attainment of low- and moderate-income Iowans. IFA also administers the State Revolving Fund (SRF) in partnership with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The SRF assists communities with the costs of upgrading or constructing local wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects.

 

Recent Loan Recipients:

 

Loan Recipient

County

Amount

Project Type

Contact

Newhall

Benton

$2,671,000

Sewer Treatment Improvements

Keri Touro: 319-223-5709

Aplington

Butler

$1,020,000

Drinking Water Storage

Deb Prier: 319-347-2425

Granger

Dallas, Polk

$406,000

Storm Water Runoff, Stream Restoration, Sponsored Project

Kristy Trzeciak: 515-999-2210

Ryan

Delaware

$282,000

Drinking Water Well

Natalie Tucker: 563-932-2051

Wahpeton

Dickinson

$107,500

Drinking Water - Planning & Design

Bonnie Roberts: 712-337-3522

Dike

Grundy

$200,000

Sewer - Planning & Design

Patti Freese: 319-989-2291

Little Sioux

Harrison

$102,000

Drinking Water Treatment Improvements

DeEtte West: 712-649-2211

Spragueville

Jackson

$250,000

Sewer Treatment Improvements

Elizabeth Portz: 563-689-6162

Letts

Louisa

$600,000

Sewer Infiltration & Inflow Corrections

Karen Koope: 319-726-3251

Winterset

Madison

$1,400,000

Sewer Treatment Improvements

Mark Nitchals: 515-462-1422

Osage

Mitchell

$96,500

Sewer - Planning & Design

Cathy Penney: 641-732-3709

Harris

Osceola

$192,000

Sewer - Planning & Design

Holly Wilson: 712-832-0094

Underwood

Pottawattamie

$313,000

Sewer Lift Station & Force Main

Jill Willard: 712-566-2373

Tama

Tama

$1,037,000

Sewer Infiltration & Inflow Corrections

Judy Welch: 641-484-3822

Blakesburg

Wapello

$450,000

Sewer Infiltration & Inflow Corrections

Roberta Leffler: 641-938-2413


$9,127,000

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