Latest California Healthline Stories
GAO Report: CMS Behind in Medicare Pricing Audits
A Government Accountability Office report released yesterday found that CMS has not yet completed most of its scheduled audits of 2006 pricing information. CMS is required to review pricing data for private insurers that participate in Medicare Part D prescription drug program to protect the government and taxpayers from pricing fraud. CongressDaily.
Political Opposition Derails Appointment of Workers’ Comp Chief
After heading the state Division of Workers’ Compensation as acting director for three years, Carrie Nevans was tapped for another post in the department that does not require Senate approval. Lawmakers adjourned without scheduling a confirmation hearing as director of the department. Sacramento Business Journal.
Range of Factors Drives Medicare Drug Spending Below Estimates
Federal spending on the Medicare drug benefit came in about $6 billion below expectations for fiscal year 2008 because of increased use of generics, lower-than-expected enrollment and beneficiaries cutting back on drug costs to avoid the so-called “doughnut hole.” USA Today.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of October 31, 2008
Contra Costa Regional Medical Center officials reported a drop in emergency department wait times. Meanwhile, Salinas Valley Medical Center teamed up with Stanford physicians for a cardiac surgery program, and St. Joseph Health System reached a contract agreement with Blue Shield of California.
Economy, Budget Deficit Make Bond Measures a Tough Sell
With a state budget deficit of $15 billion and the country’s economy in turmoil, it could be difficult to convince voters to approve new taxes to fund ballot initiatives on the Nov. 4 ballot. One such measure would authorize nearly $1 billion for children’s hospitals. Los Angeles Daily News.
Diabetes Cases Almost Doubled Over 10 Years, CDC Statistics Show
Data reported in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report show that U.S. diabetes cases increased from 4.8 for every 1,000 people from 1995 to 1997 to 9.1 cases per 1,000 people from 2005 to 2007. Researchers say increasing rates of obesity contributed to the jump. Bloomberg/Salt Lake Tribune et al.
Cigna’s Q3 Profit Down 53%; Grim Outlook for 2009
Cigna reported that Q3 profit dropped 53% to $171 million, or 62 cents a share, from $365 million, or $1.28 a share, a year earlier. The health insurer forecasted a disappointing profit growth for 2009. Reuters/New York Times.
CVS Cuts Generic Drug Costs, Fuels Price War Between Drug Stores
CVS announced plans to cut prices for generic drugs in an effort to compete with Wal-Mart and other retailers. CVS is tying its effort to its retail health clinics. Meanwhile, CVS announced plans to cut jobs as part of its acquisition of California-based Longs. Los Angeles Times, Contra Costa Times.
Orange County Experts Doubt Candidates’ Health Care Plans
Experts in Orange County say that neither Sens. Barack Obama’s nor John McCain’s health care reform plans will fix the country’s health care system. Isabel Becerra, head of the Coalition of Orange County Community Clinics, said a combination of the presidential candidates’ plans would be ideal. Orange County Register.
Consumer Group Asks FDA To Take Avandia Off the Market
Public Citizen, a consumer group, has filed a petition with FDA to take diabetes drug Avandia off the market. The group argues that the drug poses a variety of life-threatening risks, including heart and liver damage. FDA is continuing to monitor Avandia’s safety record and plans to “carefully review” the petition. AP/Google.com.