Oregon Sues J.&J. in Motrin Buyback

An effort by Johnson & Johnson to buy back defective Motrin pills from store shelves — described as a “phantom recall” by some members of Congress — has come under fire in a lawsuit filed by the state of Oregon against the company, the New York Times reports. (NEW YORK TIME, 1/13)

As New York City Defends Medicaid Approvals, Fear of Suit’s Fallout Grows

But this week, Medicaid fraud investigators struck out in a new direction as federal prosecutors brought a civil fraud lawsuit accusing the New York City government of using the bureaucracy to run its own Medicaid mill. And in the minds of several advocates for aged and disabled people, the lawsuit raised new questions about health policy, just as the government is expanding health care. (NEW YORK TIMES, 1/13)

California insurance chief expands inquiry into healthcare rate hikes

California’s new insurance commissioner has expanded his inquiry into rate hikes by major insurers, calling on them to delay pending increases for 60 days while he examines paperwork submitted to his office.

Commissioner Dave Jones had already urged Blue Shield of California to refrain from raising rates for a third time in five months. The increases would drive up consumers’ bills as much as 59% cumulatively. (LA TIMES, 1/12)