Latest California Healthline Stories
Study Calls for Drug Database To Track Risks, Benefits
A drug safety database that would pool data from various clinical trials could create a more complete picture of medications’ risks and benefits, according to a new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Under the proposed system, the database could be continually updated as new trial results are published, while independent experts would be free to examine the publicly available information in the database. New York Times.
Former HHS Secretaries Weigh In on Prospects for Health Care Reform
Donna Shalala and Mike Leavitt underscored their shared belief that health care reform would pass this year in some form and called for Congress to debate the issue thoroughly. PBS’ “NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.”
End-of-Life Care Sparks Ethical, Economic Debate
Physicians and advocates concerned about the sustainability of the U.S. health care system are mired in a debate about medical services at the end of patients’ lives. Medicare spent $50 billion last year on treatments for patients in the last two months of their lives, prompting questions about whether it is feasible for the government to continue such expenditures. CBS’ “60 Minutes.”
Plan for King Hospital Part of Trend for Public Facilities
Plans to have the University of California help reopen Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital in Watts would re-establish the facility as a not-for-profit organization governed by a seven-member board of directors. There is much speculation about who will be named to the board and how it will affect the hospital’s operations. New York Times, Los Angeles Times.
Federal Law on Genetic Non-Discrimination Swings Into Effect
On Saturday, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act took effect, barring insurers from denying coverage or basing premiums on a person’s genetic makeup. The law also bars employers from discriminating against workers for genetic reasons. Los Angeles Times, New York Times.
Healthy Families Could Face Budget Axe Amid New Deficit Projections
California lawmakers are likely to revisit proposals to eliminate Healthy Families and other programs as they work to mend a resurgent state budget deficit. Other proposals include cutting HIV/AIDS funding and ending coverage for some Medi-Cal services. San Francisco Chronicle.
National Health Reform Would Not End Need for Healthy San Francisco
Healthy San Francisco is likely to continue operating even if the U.S. passes a national health reform bill. The program already covers undocumented immigrants and other residents who would not qualify for a federal insurance plan. San Francisco Chronicle, AP/Ventura County Star.
Senate Clears Procedural Hurdle To Begin Debate on Health Care
The Democratic caucus closed ranks Saturday to approve a motion to begin debate on a Democratic proposal to overhaul the U.S. health care system. The Senate has adjourned for the Thanksgiving recess but will kick off the floor debate next week, when it will work to iron out disagreements over a government-run health plan, abortion and other issues. Washington Post et al.
Gallegly Says Health Care Reform Plans Will Cut Jobs
Championing his vote for Republicans’ alternative health care reform proposal in the House, Rep. Elton Gallegly asserts that the Democratic proposal would implement new taxes and “eradicate millions of more jobs.” Gallegly urges Congress to pursue provisions of the Republican plan that he says will spur job growth. Ventura County Star.
LTC Patients on Medicaid Don’t Often Return Home
A report from Mathematica Policy Research indicates that few Medicaid beneficiaries in long-term care facilities transitioned to community-based care settings. A government-backed demonstration project sought to transition 34,000 Medicaid beneficiaries back into their own communities by 2013. HealthLeaders Media.