Latest California Healthline Stories
Medi-Cal Administrators, Pharmacists Charge Ahead in Pay Cut Suit
In court filings Monday, attorneys for pharmacists seeking to block a Medi-Cal pay reduction argued that state officials intentionally misinterpreted a study to justify the cuts. State attorneys say eliminating the cuts would exacerbate California’s budget deficit. San Francisco Chronicle.
U.S. Senate Approves Funding for Community Health Centers
The legislation would provide almost $13 billion over five years to fund community health centers and other rural health services. The bill by Sen. Ted Kennedy also reauthorizes three federal programs providing services to rural and underserved areas. CongressDaily, Salt Lake City Deseret News.
L.A. County To Launch Probe Into Problem Employees
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors ordered acting Auditor-Controller Wendy Watanabe to complete an investigation within four weeks to identify why problem employees at Martin Luther King Jr.-Harbor Medical Center, who had county discipline records or criminal convictions, were allowed to continue working in violation of county policies. Los Angeles Times.
HIV/AIDS Rate Increasing Among Hispanic Population
Hispanics make up about 14% of the U.S. population, but they accounted for 22% of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses reported by federal officials in 2006. Language, cultural and legal barriers make diagnosis and treatment difficult for Hispanics. Washington Post, KQED’s “The California Report.”
Action on Health Insurance Rescissions Sparks Debate
Recent lawsuits by Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo and settlements between the Department of Managed Health Care and major health insurers in California have drawn widespread attention. Health care stakeholders discussed the situation in a public radio program. KCRW’s “Which Way, L.A.?”
Low Enrollment of Minorities Persists at California Med Schools
A report from the Greenlining Institute shows that racial and ethnic minorities continue to be underrepresented at University of California medical schools. An institute official said minorities account for about 20% of medical students but make up 40% of Californians. New America Media.
California, Pharmacies File Arguments in Suit Over Medi-Cal Pay Cuts
A lawsuit challenging Medi-Cal payment cuts to pharmacies is continuing in a federal appeals court this week. Pharmacists maintain that lower Medi-Cal reimbursements are inadequate and will push many pharmacies to stop participating in the program. Riverside Press-Enterprise, KPBS’ “KPBS News.”
New Field Poll Finds Voters Unaware of Initiatives on Nov. Ballot
Pollsters asked likely voters about five of the 12 ballot initiatives that have qualified for the Nov. 4 California ballot. More voters know about a measure dealing with parental notification before an abortion than any of the other four initiatives. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
U.S. Health Care Chief Touts Medicare E-Rx Provision
On Monday, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said a new law that links Medicare payments to physicians’ use of electronic prescribing should reduce drug-related errors and could save taxpayers up to $156 million over the next five years. Nationwide, an estimated 9% of family physicians use e-prescribing technology. California ranks 22nd in the country in e-prescribing. AP/Seattle Times, Santa Cruz Sentinel.
One Out of Four Blue Collar Workers in State Uninsured
More than 25% of California’s blue-collar work force is uninsured, according to a new report from the Center for Policy Initiatives. The occupations with the highest percentage of uninsured workers include security guards, car mechanics, ground maintenance workers and those in the food service industry. KPBS’ “KPBS News.”