Latest California Healthline Stories
San Diego Could Reduce Retiree Health Spending Through Ballot Initiative
A Nov. 2 ballot measure will provide voters in San Diego the option to approve a reduction in funding for city employee health care benefits. There are doubts as to whether changes could be made to benefit plans for current workers. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Avalere: Premiums for Top 10 Part D Plans To Rise Less Than Thought
Avalere Health now estimates that premiums for the top 10 Medicare Part D prescription drug plans will increase by 0.2% in 2011, not 10% as it predicted in September. Avalere still predicts that average premiums across the entire market will rise by about 10%. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” Avalere Health.
Analysis Shows Costs Continuing To Increase at California Hospitals
Hospital costs in California have been rising steadily over the last five years, but even though patients are paying more, they are not necessarily receiving better care, according to a new analysis. Several factors are affecting the rise in prices. Kaiser Health News.
Obama Administration Steps Up Opposition to Prop. 19
In a letter sent last week to former Drug Enforcement Administration officials, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder noted that the Department of Justice “strongly opposes Proposition 19,” which would legalize marijuana in California. He wrote, “If passed, this legislation will greatly complicate federal drug enforcement efforts to the detriment of our citizens.” Holder also indicated that the federal government might sue to overturn the ballot measure if it is passed by voters on Nov. 2, writing that DOJ “is considering all available legal and policy options.” Los Angeles Times et al.
34 States To Link Prescription Drug Monitoring Databases
Thirty-four states with prescription drug databases will link together in 2011 to monitor prescription drug misuse and allow police, pharmacies and physicians to watch for suspicious patterns. The Prescription Monitoring Program Information Exchange will use technology and standards developed by the departments of Justice and Homeland Security, and will swap information through a central hub in Ohio. AP/Atlanta Journal Constitution.
USC Receives $50M for New Cancer Research Institute
On Friday, the University of Southern California announced that it has received a $50 million donation from USC trustee and alumnus Ming Hsieh to fund a new cancer research institute. The center will support nanomedical research related to the development of drugs and other cancer treatments. Hsieh said he hopes the institute will help connect the fields of medicine and engineering. Los Angeles Times.
Papers Split on Insurance Commissioner Endorsements
A San Jose Mercury News editorial argues that Assembly member Dave Jones is the “clear choice” for insurance commissioner. The editorial notes that “Jones has a long record of working to rein in health insurance premiums” and “was instrumental in passing the legislation making California the first state to set up a health care exchange for the uninsured.” Meanwhile, the Modesto Bee argues that while “Jones has more expertise in health care reform,” it believes “the state, and especially the San Joaquin Valley, will be better served by” Assembly member Mike Villines “largely because of his remarkable record of independence.” San Jose Mercury News, Modesto Bee.
Few Groups Applying for Subsidies To Help Cover Early Retiree Insurance
About 3,000 organizations have sought and been approved for subsidies under the health reform law designed to help pay for early retirees’ health care benefits, according to a new study. Roughly 444,150 groups nationwide offer health coverage for early retirees. CQ HealthBeat.
Critics Say Adult Film Clinic Not Doing Enough in HIV Case
Observers are criticizing the Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation for not releasing details or fully cooperating with public health officials after the clinic disclosed that an adult film performer has tested positive for HIV. Clinic officials have yet to report the incident to the state or to Los Angeles County health officials. Attorneys for the clinic say that privacy laws prevent them from releasing more details on the case. Los Angeles Times.
Boxer Discusses Abortion Rights in Campaign for Senate
On Thursday, Sen. Barbara Boxer said that the abortion stance of her Republican opponent in the race for a U.S. Senate seat, Carly Fiorina, poses “a direct threat” to women’s rights, adding that Fiorina would support overturning Roe v. Wade. Meanwhile, Fiorina said that Boxer’s statements take Fiorina’s position out of context and that Boxer is attempting to call voters’ attention away from issues such as unemployment and federal spending. Los Angeles Times.