Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Care at Army Medical Centers Draws Scrutiny
The Army is making changes to its medication policies after a string of overdoses involving veterans at Army medical centers since June 2007. The change is one of several efforts to improve care at the medical centers since news first broke a year ago about substandard conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. NPR’s “Morning Edition.”
Health Care News From the Campaign Trail for the Week of May 2
In Florida, Republican Sen. John McCain announced a plan to expand health insurance coverage and discussed it at campaign appearances in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Meanwhile, campaign ads went on the air addressing the candidates’ health care plans.
House Approves Bill To Ban Genetic Discrimination
In a 414-1 vote, the House on Thursday approved a bill that would prohibit employers and health insurers from discriminating against people based on genetic information. The Senate unanimously approved the bill last week, and President Bush has promised to sign the measure. San Francisco Chronicle.
Universal Health Care Plan Would Pay for Itself by 2014
A report released Thursday by the Congressional Budget Office and Joint Committee on Taxation found that a bipartisan plan for universal health care coverage could be fully operational by 2012 and become “budget neutral” by 2014. Sen. Rob Wyden, one of the plan’s co-sponsors, said the report shows it is possible to provide health care coverage to all U.S. residents without a large tax increase. AP/Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Grand Jury Faults Health Care at Orange County Jails
A grand jury report released Thursday found that staffing shortages, insufficient training, equipment problems and communication breakdowns are hindering nurses’ ability to provide medical care at Orange County jails. Los Angeles Times.
Paramedics, EMTs End Strike, Reach Tentative Agreement
On Wednesday night, AMR, a private ambulance company that contracts with Los Angeles County, and the International Association of Emergency Medical Technicians reached a tentative labor agreement. Under the deal, employees’ wages will increase by 20% over the next four years, retroactive to November 2007, and AMR will not make changes to employee health care benefits through December. Los Angeles Daily News.
San Francisco Businesses Join Health Plan Ahead of Deadline
More than 700 businesses have signed up for Healthy San Francisco, a program that aims to ensure universal health care access to city residents. About half of the businesses’ nearly 13,000 workers are eligible for the program. San Francisco Chronicle.