Latest California Healthline Stories
L.A. County Sends Emergency Mental Patients to Police
Many mental health advocates are outraged at the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health’s refusal to take emergency calls involving individuals with mental illnesses when no hospitals beds are available. County officials argue that their no-response policy is a legal protection from liability. Los Angeles Daily Journal.
Health Care Workers Protest at National Union Offices
On Wednesday, hundreds of United Healthcare Workers-West members protested outside the Oakland offices of their national union, the Services Employees International Union. The health care workers are calling for more local control over employer negotiations. A similar protest was held in Los Angeles. Oakland Tribune.
Projected Deficit Could Freeze New Healthy Families Enrollment
The board that administers Healthy Families is considering a proposal to freeze enrollment because of a looming deficit in the program’s budget. A wait list for coverage through the program could take effect as soon as next month and could exceed 160,000 kids within six months. Sacramento Bee et al.
Labor Unions Challenge CVS Caremark Over Marketing of Rx Drugs
A coalition of labor unions is set to kick off an advertising campaign alleging that CVS Caremark breached patient privacy by sending a letter to physicians about a high-cost diabetes drug. CVS officials dismissed the charges, and said the letter was not aimed at swaying physician prescribing practices. Wall Street Journal.
Drugmakers Take Aim at Potential Changes to Medicare Rx Purchasing
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America is preparing to launch an advertising campaign intended to chip away at support for an element of President-elect Obama’s proposal to let Medicare negotiate drug prices directly with drugmakers. Washington Times.
Aetna Tells Employees It Plans To Make Staffing Cuts
Aetna has informed employees that it plans to make “selective” staff cuts in response to an expected major economic downturn next year. Aetna CEO Ronald Williams did not say how many cuts the health plan would make and did not offer a time frame. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
Assembly Member To Run for Insurance Commissioner Seat
On Thursday, Assembly member Dave Jones announced that he plans to run for state insurance commissioner in 2010. State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner is a likely GOP gubernatorial candidate. Sacramento Bee.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of November 14, 2008
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital has halted plans for a $68 million expansion plan because of economic considerations, while Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego County announced plans for a more than $200 million expansion and renovation effort.
Medicare Beneficiaries’ Drug Costs To Increase in 2009
Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in drug plans with the largest enrollments will pay on average 43% more in monthly premiums in 2009 than when the drug program launched in 2006, according to two analyses. Meanwhile, the government’s drug spending on the program fell by 12% in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, mainly because of the increase in use of low-cost generic drugs. USA Today.
Study: Americans With Chronic Diseases Face Care Challenges
New research from the Commonwealth Fund indicates that U.S. residents with at least one chronic condition are more likely to go without medical care and experience medical errors than people in other industrialized nations. A researcher said the study highlights the inefficiency of U.S. health care. Reuters/Boston Globe.