Latest California Healthline Stories
California’s Stem Cell Grant Process Frustrates Applicants
Some stem cell grant applicants are upset that the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine uses recommendations from panels of scientists who sometimes make significant errors in their grant request reviews to make funding decisions. The applicants do not have a formal appeals process like the one used by NIH to point out or dispute the errors, and the state’s stem cell institute has no immediate plans to change its policy. San Diego Union-Tribune.
California Action Against Anthem Blue Cross Rescissions Delayed
Anthem Blue Cross has not been fined more than a year after the Department of Managed Health Care announced plans to issue the company a financial penalty for illegally rescinding health insurance. A state official said that settlement negotiations did not yield an agreement and that DMHC is now pursuing enforcement action. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
Sen. Ridley-Thomas Touts E-Pedigree Legislation
In an opinion piece, Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas touted legislation (SB 1307) he introduced to “clarify issues not addressed in previous” electronic pedigree legislation aimed at preventing “counterfeit, misbranded, adulterated or diverted drugs.” He concludes, “It is time for the pharmaceutical industry to embrace 21st century technology and innovation to protect themselves, but most importantly, the public who rely on their products to treat illness and manage threatening diseases.” Capitol Weekly.
Germans Widely Satisfied With Health Care System
The first in a series of reports looking at health care around the world focuses on Germany and notes key differences between the U.S. health care system and Germany’s model. NPR’s “Morning Edition.”
Group Will Spend $40M To Advocate for Health Reform
The newly formed Health Care for America Now will unveil its first advertisement to push for affordable health care next week. The ad will run on television, in newspapers and online. The group is a coalition of labor unions, health care organizations and liberal activists. New York Times‘ “The Caucus.”
Federal Report Lays Out Recommendations for Detained Immigrants
The report was sparked by the deaths of two detained immigrants from pre-existing medical conditions that drew attention to problems with medical care and oversight at detention facilities. The report called for policies to report inmate deaths to federal and state officials. New York Times et al.
Longs Drugs Stores To Keep Filling Medi-Cal Prescriptions
On Tuesday, Longs Drug Stores said that it will keep filling prescriptions for Medi-Cal beneficiaries despite California’s plan to cut reimbursements by 10%. Longs said it will take a loss when dispensing most brand-name prescription drugs covered by the Medi-Cal program. East Bay Business Times.
San Joaquin Valley Counties Among Unhealthiest in State
A new report from the Having Our Say Coalition found that residents of the San Joaquin Valley are more likely than other Californians to live in neighborhoods with very polluted air and have limited access to grocery stores, safe playgrounds and sidewalks. The coalition works in favor of health care reform. Fresno Bee et al.
UnitedHealth Group Announces Plans To Restructure Business
UnitedHealth Group expects earnings to drop by more than 15% because of a slowdown in the economy, problems with its commercial business and Medicare drug plans and other issues. UnitedHealth merged with California-based PacifiCare in 2005. Chicago Tribune et al.
Medi-Cal Cuts Take Effect Amid Lawsuit, Budget Negotiations
The Legislature and Gov. Schwarzenegger approved Medi-Cal provider payment cuts in February, but additional cuts to other Medi-Cal services remain under consideration in budget talks. A suit challenging the cuts is pending. Santa Rosa Press Democrat.