Latest California Healthline Stories
San Mateo County Considering Discount Rx Drug Program
The program would let San Mateo County residents buy medications that are not covered by insurance at discounted prices negotiated by Caremark Rx for the National Association of Counties. About 77 pharmacies in the county have agreed to participate. San Francisco Examiner.
HHS, Homeland Security Chiefs Testify About Hospital Preparedness
A report released earlier this week said that changes to Medicaid proposed by the Bush administration would undermine hospitals’ ability to respond to a terrorist attack. The secretaries of HHS and the Department of Homeland Security disputed the findings. Washington Post, CQ HealthBeat.
Journalist Weighs In With Ideas for Health Care Reform
In a public radio discussion, Jonathan Cohn, senior editor of the New Republic, explained ideas for reducing inefficiency and improving access in the nation’s health care system. A recent book by Cohn documents shortfalls in the delivery of health care in the U.S. KPCC’s “AirTalk.”
Santa Clara County Officials Drop 911 Service Fee Plan
On Tuesday, Santa Clara County officials withdrew their plan to charge residents a fee for 911 services after a San Francisco appeals court shot down a similar plan in Union City. The fee had been estimated to raise more than $9 million annually. San Jose Mercury News.
Senate Republican Says Health Initiative Funds Could Cut Deficit
With Gov. Schwarzenegger estimating California’s budget deficit at $20 billion, Senate Republican Leader Dave Cogdill has advocated cutting services and borrowing from reserve accounts for initiatives voters approved to fund mental health care, early childhood health and education, and transportation projects. Democrats in the state Senate are expected to oppose the move. Sacramento Bee.
Drop in Investment Returns Cuts Into Kaiser Earnings for Q1 2008
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Health Plan reported that operating income increased from the first quarter of 2007 to 2008. However, a nearly $300 million drop in other income resulted in a more than 60% drop in net income for the Oakland-based HMO. East Bay Business Times.
Target To Match Wal-Mart’s Low-Cost Rx Drug Program
A Target spokesperson said the retailer would match Wal-Mart’s low-cost prescription drug program. Yesterday, Wal-Mart announced that it would offer a 90-day supply of up to 350 generic medications for $10. Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.
Lawmakers Press VA Chief on Veterans’ Suicide Stats
At a House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing on Tuesday, committee Chair Bob Filner (D-Calif.) alleged a “cover up” at the Department of Veterans Affairs that concealed the scope of suicides among veterans returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. VA officials said they have been forthcoming about the data. CBS’ “Evening News.”
California Stem Cell Agency Set To OK Funds To Build New Facilities
Grants from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine will cover between one-quarter and two-thirds of construction costs for new facilities that will focus on stem cell research. Projects statewide are valued at $832 million. Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle.
Group Files Lawsuit To Stop Prison Expansion Plans
On Tuesday, Californians United for a Responsible Budget filed a lawsuit to prevent the state from financing its prison expansion plan with “lease revenue” bonds. Last year, a Sacramento County court threw out a similar lawsuit filed by Taxpayers for Improving Public Safety. Sacramento Bee.