Latest California Healthline Stories
Schwarzenegger Rallies Support for Pledged Veto of Budget Deal
Nurses interrupted Gov. Schwarzenegger’s speech to voice concerns about health care providers that have not received Medi-Cal payments because of the state budget impasse. Some nurses have called for lawmakers to OK emergency funding while budget negotiations continue. Fresno Bee et al.
Appeals Court Issues Blow to State Case for Medi-Cal Cuts
A panel of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously rejected California’s arguments that Medi-Cal beneficiaries and providers lacked standing to challenge the state’s Medi-Cal reimbursement cuts in federal court. A spokesperson for Gov. Schwarzenegger argues that the cuts are needed to deal with the state’s budget deficit. The state plans to appeal. Los Angeles Daily Journal.
Stanislaus County Rejects Needle Exchange Plan
On Tuesday night, the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 against establishing a needle-exchange program recommended by a civil grand jury to curb hepatitis C and HIV infections in the county. Modesto Bee.
SEIU Accuses California Union Leader of Corruption
The Services Employees International Union has accused Tyrone Freeman, head of the 30,000-member California United Homecare Workers local, of allegedly engaging in a corruption scheme in which he misappropriated hundreds of thousands of dollars. Freeman has been removed from the payroll and faces formal dismissal pending an internal hearing, according to a spokesperson. Los Angeles Times.
Senate Committee To Discuss Medical Device Advertising
Today, the Senate Special Committee on Aging will hold a hearing on medical devices’ direct-to-consumer advertising. Some lawmakers, medical groups and others are calling for increased restrictions on such advertising, arguing that it often misleads patients. New York Times.
Pharmacy Benefit Managers Tout Generics, Following Doctor Orders
Pharmacy benefit managers are shoring up their finances by urging consumers to use low-cost generic drugs and comply with doctors’ prescribed regimens. Express Scripts, Medco Health Solutions and CVS Caremark all are rolling out new applications to win new customers. Wall Street Journal.
Study Finds Lower Rate of Mental Health Care Among Asian-Americans
Researchers from UC-Davis say preliminary findings show that Asian-Americans seek mental health treatment in much lower numbers than other racial groups. Several experts attribute the treatment gap to cultural differences. Sacramento Bee.
Plastic Additive Linked to Increased Risk for Heart Disease, Diabetes
A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that exposure to the chemical additive Bisphenol A might contribute to increased risk of heart disease and diabetes in humans. Congress is investigating FDA’s oversight of the chemical. Wall Street Journal et al.
Los Angeles Airport Workers Push for More Pay, Benefits
Thousands of workers at the Los Angeles International Airport are pushing for increased health benefits and higher wages. The workers argue that Los Angeles’ living wage law does not provide them with enough income to purchase adequate health insurance. Los Angeles Times.
Schwarzenegger Pledges Veto of Budget; Override Expected
Gov. Schwarzenegger said that he would reject a state budget plan about 12 hours after it won approval in the Legislature. Lawmakers already have scheduled a vote to override the anticipated veto. Health care and education advocates plan to rally today in opposition to the budget, which they say could lead to more severe cuts next year. San Francisco Chronicle et al.