Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Care News From the Campaign Trail for the Week of May 9
Differences between health care proposals offered by Democratic Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama and Republican Sen. John McCain drew media scrutiny this week. The candidates’ positions on Medicare and Social Security also got attention.
Doctor-Patient Partnership Law Should Remain Intact
Personal injury lawyers in California are pushing a bill (AB 2690) that “would repeal drug companies’ basic protection against lawsuits over prescription medicines,” John Sullivan, president of the Civil Justice Association of California, writes in an opinion piece. He concludes, “So until your health plan, insurer or your own common sense tells you to see a lawyer instead of a doctor when you’re sick, the doctor-patient partnership law should not be repealed.” Capitol Weekly.
Democrats Push for Tougher Rx Drug Ad Regulations
Democratic lawmakers are renewing their fight to strengthen government regulation of the drug industry’s direct-to-consumer advertising. A TV industry lobbying group and a drug industry trade group have thwarted several congressional efforts in the past to strengthen regulations on prescription drug TV commercials. Wall Street Journal.
Fresno County Steps Into Medi-Cal, Healthy Families Contract Talks
Fresno County parents said they are having problems getting care for their children since a contract lapsed between Children’s Hospital Central California and an Anthem Blue Cross plan for Medi-Cal and Healthy Families beneficiaries. The contract ended in August 2007. Fresno Bee.
Workers’ Compensation Reform Necessary
Changes are needed to the state’s workers’ compensation system, according to Sue Borg, president of the California Applicants’ Attorneys Association. She writes in an opinion piece, “California has fallen to the bottom of the nation in the compensation it provides to its men and women who are injured on the job.” Capitol Alert.
Special Report Explores Rise of Medical Tourism
A package of articles in this week’s U.S. News & World Report guides consumers on the benefits and pitfalls of traveling abroad for medical care. U.S. News reporter Avery Comarow also discussed the appeal of medical tourism to health insurers in an appearance on NPR. U.S. News & World Report, NPR’s “The Bryant Park Project.”
Bush Administration Suggests Leeway on Kids’ Health Coverage
In letters to state health officials, the Bush administration explains that states can use data from Medicaid, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program and private insurers to show that they meet proposed federal standards for expanding eligibility for SCHIP. Legislation in Congress aims to stop the regulation from taking effect. CQ HealthBeat, Wall Street Journal.
California Stem Cell Agency Awards $271M For 12 New Facilities
Including private fundraising, the projects will total $831 million and add about 800,000 square-feet of research space statewide. The funding is provided through a 2004 state ballot measure that OK’d $3 billion over 10 years for stem cell research. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Ventura Residents To Pay 911 Fee Starting in July
Ventura treasury officials on Wednesday said that telephone service providers will not begin collecting a new monthly fee for 911 emergency services until July. According to an unofficial tally, more than 27,000 phone numbers have requested to pay $17.88 per 911 call, rather than the $1.49 monthly fee. Ventura County Star.