Latest California Healthline Stories
CMS Sees 12% Increase in Medicare Drug Benefit Premiums in 2009
On average, premiums for Medicare drug benefit plans will rise to $28 next year, up about $3 from this year’s average. Even with the increase, premiums will be less than what analysts projected in 2006 when the Medicare drug benefit launched, CMS officials said. CQ HealthBeat et al.
California Among States Mulling Medicaid Cuts in Face of Budget Deficits
Like other states, California is considering changes to Medi-Cal eligibility rules and payments to health care providers to help address a massive budget deficit. Meanwhile, many Medi-Cal payments in California are on hold until the budget is approved. Christian Science Monitor, KQED’s “The California Report.”
Military Aims To Remove Stigma of Mental Illness
Next month, the Navy and Marine Corps will launch a new program aimed at removing the stigma of mental illnesses by increasing education efforts and describing the ailments as short-term challenges, rather than lifelong disorders. San Diego Union-Tribune.
California Hospital News Roundup for August 15, 2008
Community Memorial Hospital inked a 10-year contract extension to treat Kaiser Permanente members in Ventura County, and the National Labor Relations Board scheduled a vote on union representation at Stanford Hospital and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital.
Housing Market Hinders Seniors’ Long-Term Care Plans
The housing market crisis is limiting some seniors’ long-term care options because they are unable to sell their homes to move into assisted living facilities or nursing homes. CPR’s “Morning Edition.”