What We're Reading: Idaho AG Sues Purdue Pharma; Texas Tobacco Law; Healthcare for Undocumented Immigrants

Idaho Attorney General Sues Purdue Pharma, Sackler Family

Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden has filed a lawsuit accusing Purdue Pharmaceuticals and the company’s owners, the Sackler family, of profiting off the opioid crisis, according to The Hill. The lawsuit alleges the company misled physicians into prescribing opioids over competing treatments despite the dangers and risks of addiction associated with opioids. Purdue has denied the claims and plans to fight them in court.

Texas Governor Signs Bill to Raise Tobacco Purchasing Age to 21

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed a bill into law that will increase the state’s minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21, CNN reported. The law covers cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and other tobacco-related products. Supporters of the legislation, which will become effective September 1, 2019, believe that increasing the age requirement will reduce the risk of addiction.

California Will Become First State to Offer Healthcare to Undocumented Immigrants

California law makers have agreed to a budget deal that will provide health insurance benefits, through the state’s Medicaid program, to low-income, undocumented immigrants between the ages of 19 to 25, The Hill reported. The program would cost approximately $98 million per year and cover about 90,000 individuals. The budget agreement must first be approved by the full state Legislature before it is officially enacted.