MI Moves Step Closer to Repealing Drug Immunity Law, CA Enacts $25 Healthcare Worker Minimum Wage & More

MI Senate Passes Measure to Repeal Drug Immunity Law

The Michigan Senate passed a bill (SB 410) that would allow residents and state and local governments to sue drug manufacturers and sellers if their products cause injury. In 1995 the state passed the strongest drug immunity law in the nation, shielding drugmakers and sellers almost entirely from such suits. The measure is now in the House Judiciary Committee. (BRIDGE MICHIGAN), MICHIGAN ADVANCE, STATE NET)

CA Gov Signs $25 Healthcare Worker Minimum Wage Bill

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed legislation (SB 525) that will phase in a nation-leading $25 minimum wage for workers at hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. The law applies to direct care providers as well as support personnel. (KFF HEALTH NEWS, SACRAMENTO BEE, STATE NET)

Amazon Pharmacy Now Delivering by Drone in TX

Customers of Amazon Pharmacy who reside in College Station, Texas are now able to get their prescriptions delivered by drone. Customers can choose from over 500 medications and have them delivered in under 60 minutes for no additional charge. (CNBC)

Average Health Insurance Premium Reaches Price of New Car

Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums rose an average of 7% to nearly $24,000 this year, according to a KFF survey of over 2,000 U.S. companies. Last year’s increase was 1%. (BLOOMBERG, KFF)

Linking Mental, Primary Care Doesn’t Increase Cost

Research conducted by Penn Medicine and Independence Blue Cross showed that providing mental health services through primary care practices doesn’t increase the overall cost of those services for insurers. Previous research by the two institutions showed that linking mental health services with primary care enabled more patients to obtain needed mental healthcare. (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER)

—Compiled by SNCJ Managing Editor KOREY CLARK