Latest California Healthline Stories
Legislature OKs Health Insurance Bills; Governor’s Action Unclear
While some of the bills’ provisions are similar to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed health care overhaul earlier this year, a senior adviser to the governor said the Legislature did not make changes favored by Schwarzenegger and altered bills in ways that might make him less likely to approve them. San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times.
L.A. Residents Doubt Impact of Fast Food Restaurant Ban
Residents say they are skeptical that a ban on new fast food restaurants in low-income Los Angeles neighborhoods will have much of an impact. The ban, which was approved in July, aims to help curb obesity by attracting more healthy alternatives and grocery stores to low-income areas. Reuters.
Study Finds Gap in Breastfeeding Rates at California Hospitals
Research shows that women who give birth at hospitals treating large numbers of low-income, minority women have lower breastfeeding rates than women who deliver at other facilities. Rates are higher at hospitals with a special breastfeeding designation. Riverside Press-Enterprise et al.
Medicare Gets Little Attention in the Presidential Election
In an interview with Newsweek, Joseph Newhouse, a Medicare expert and professor of health policy at Harvard University, discusses why Medicare has taken “a back seat” in the presidential election and how Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain would tackle the Medicare crisis if elected. Newsweek.
Insurers Criticize Proposed Cap on Profit, Administrative Costs
The California Legislature has approved a measure that would require health insurers to spend at least 85% of premiums and other fees paid by members on medical services. Insurers in the state argue that the legislation will do nothing to curb rising health care costs or help with efforts to boost health care quality. The measure is before Gov. Schwarzenegger. Wall Street Journal, Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
California, Other States Mull Abortion Ballot Initiatives
California is among the states with abortion-related measures before voters. California’s ballot initiative, called Sarah’s Law, would require parental notification for minors seeking an abortion. South Dakota and Colorado voters also are considering abortion-related ballot initiatives. Washington Post.
More Firms Offering Health Care Services to Employees On-Site
A growing percentage of employers are opening workplace health care centers in hopes of helping employees receive medical services efficiently and undergo preventive care and wellness services. However, some advocates have raised questions about adequate privacy protections. Philadelphia Inquirer.
San Diego-Based Research Institutes Win Record Grants From NIH
The Burnham Institute for Medical Research and Scripps Research Institute announced record gifts for their organizations from NIH as part of an effort to develop new therapies for uncommon diseases. Over six years, Burnham will get $98 million, and Scripps will get $80 million. San Diego Union-Tribune.
State Budget Deadlock Raises Questions on Pay
Officials for the hospital industry, an academic and a journalist discussed the implications of California’s ongoing budget debate, particularly what services the state is not reimbursing. KPCC’s “Air Talk.”
Pfizer Resumes Lipitor Ads Without Expert Endorsement
On Tuesday, Pfizer resumed airing television ads for the cholesterol medication Lipitor without a celebrity or expert endorsement. Six months ago, Pfizer pulled its Lipitor ads over charges that its use of artificial heart inventor Robert Jarvik, who holds a medical degree but never has practiced medicine, misled the public. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.