Latest California Healthline Stories
FDA To Seek Strong Warnings on Epilepsy Drug Labels
FDA will ask pharmaceutical companies to update the labels of 11 epilepsy drugs to include black-box warnings, the most serious warnings FDA issues, about suicidal behavior, according to documents posted on FDA’s Web site. Wall Street Journal.
WellPoint Agrees To Pay $11.8M to Hospitals in Rescissions Case
WellPoint’s Anthem Blue Cross subsidiary in California was accused of improperly rescinding members’ health insurance policies after they submitted costly claims. Almost 500 California hospitals brought the lawsuit in 2006 after Anthem Blue Cross declined to pay hospital charges arising from the rescinded members’ treatment. Indianapolis Star et al.
Doctors Push Cholesterol Tests, Drugs for Some Kids
On Monday, the American Academy of Pediatricians urged doctors to consider cholesterol tests and medications for children with a family history of premature heart disease, children who are obese and children with a history of diabetes or high blood pressure. A pediatric cardiologist discussed the recommendations. PBS’ “NewsHour.”
Lawmakers Call for Inquiry Into Chemical Plant
On Monday, three California lawmakers called for an investigation of a Mojave Desert chemical plant after the San Francisco Chronicle ran a series about a former chemical worker who has urged regulators for a decade that toxic substances at the plant have harmed workers. The company, now called Searles Valley Minerals, disputes the allegations. San Francisco Chronicle.
Superior Court Denies Pharmacies’ Challenge to Medi-Cal Payment Cuts
In the complaint, eight pharmacies argued that the state needed federal approval before reducing Medi-Cal provider payments by 10%, but the court rejected the argument. Two other suits challenging the Medi-Cal payment cuts remain in federal court. Sacramento Business Journal.
Orange County Groups Tailor Health Messages to Vietnamese Residents
UC-Irvine and Planned Parenthood are among the organizations working with Vietnamese community groups to rework or develop new materials and programs sensitive to Vietnamese cultural norms. Orange County has the largest Vietnamese community in the U.S. Los Angeles Times.
Poll: Dutch Health System Best; U.S. System Worst
The U.S. health care system is rated the worst, while the Dutch system is rated the best, according to a Harris Interactive poll about health care in 10 developed countries. A third of U.S. residents say their health care system needs to be completely overhauled and an additional 50% say fundamental changes are necessary. Just 9% of the Dutch believe their system needs to be completely overhauled. Reuters.
Medicare Payment Fix for Doctors Comes Up Again in U.S. Senate
Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus said it is possible a measure to stop a more Medicare payment cut could get the support needed to move on to a vote. The House approved the bill last month, but the Senate fell one vote short of cutting off debate on the measure. CongressDaily, CQ Today et al.
Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California Face Fines for Rescissions
The two insurers have not reached agreements with California regulators to reinstate coverage for members whose policies they rescinded. The state will review more than 1,700 cases against Anthem Blue Cross and about 400 against Blue Shield. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times.
CDC Launches Campaign To Boost Health in the U.S.
CDC has launched a campaign to make the U.S. a healthier country. The Healthiest Nation Campaign aims to keep U.S. residents healthy by integrating health into social policies across all sectors and at all government levels, CDC Director Julie Gerberding said. USA Today.