Latest California Healthline Stories
Obama Elected President; Action on Health Care an Early Priority
As 44th president of the United States, Democrat Barack Obama is expected to act on efforts to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program and allow federal funding for embryonic stem cell research early in his presidency. Questions linger on whether Obama will pursue a large-scale health care reform effort. CNN.com et al.
Tenet Healthcare Announces Swings to Profit for Q3
In the third quarter of 2008, Tenet Healthcare posted earnings of $104 million, or 22 cents per share, up from a loss of $59 million, or 12 cents per share, for the same quarter a year earlier. The Dallas-based hospital chain operates 10 hospitals in Southern California. Los Angeles Business.
Health Care Firms Mull Implications of Election Gains by Democrats
Throughout the campaign, Democratic candidates were critical of subsidies to Medicare Advantage plans, raising some concerns for health insurers in that sector. However, insurers could benefit from proposals aimed at expanding health insurance coverage. Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal.
Results Are Close for Health Care Initiatives on California Ballot
Results were too close to call late Tuesday, but as numbers continued to come in Wednesday, Californians appeared to approve nearly $1 billion in bonds for children’s hospitals and reject a measure seeking to require a parent to be informed before a minor has an abortion. Los Angeles Times et al.
Camarillo Launches Effort To Track Dementia Patients
Residents with dementia who are enrolled in the program will wear radio transmitters in hopes of finding them more quickly if they wander. The effort, called Project Life Saver, is intended to expand throughout Ventura County. Ventura County Star.
Drop in Earnings Sparks Shake-Up in Executive Leadership at Health Net
Concerns about its financial performance prompted Los Angeles-based Health Net to change the focus of the company’s lead management responsibilities. The company’s third quarter came in well below numbers for the same period a year earlier. San Francisco Business Times.
FDA Sends Warning Letter to California Fertility Center
On Tuesday, FDA released a letter to the Center for Fertility and Gynecology in Tarzana, faulting the facility for not adequately screening sperm donors for sexually transmitted infections. FDA has given the center 15 business days to detail its plans to address the situation. Wall Street Journal.
Santa Cruz County Voters Reject Tax for 911 Services
Measure B in Santa Cruz County sought to impose a tax on phone services to help cover the cost of operating the county’s emergency communications center. Without the tax, county leaders said funds would have to be shifted from other programs. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
California Change on Payment of Part B Fees Sparking Concerns
California was one of two states that covered Medicare Part B premiums for some Medicare beneficiaries who also qualified for Medi-Cal benefits, but the budget deficit has pressed the state to shift the premiums back to some beneficiaries. Ventura County Star.
Open Enrollment Periods Begin for Health Insurance
Health care advocates are urging consumers to study their health insurance options closely as many employers’ annual open enrollment periods begin. In a letter to the editor, the chief of the California Association of Physician Groups also urges consumers to study the differences between HMO and PPO coverage. Sacramento Bee.