Latest California Healthline Stories
Enrollment Up, Costs Lower for Medicare Drug Benefit
Over 39 million Medicare beneficiaries, or 90%, have some form of prescription drug coverage, including 25.4 million in Medicare Part D, CMS announced. Slower increases in drug prices and more rebates from drug makers have reduced cost estimates for the program. Bloomberg/Philadelphia Inquirer, CQ HealthBeat.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of Feb. 1, 2008
Tenet Healthcare announces four-year agreement with Blue Cross of California; UC-San Diego expands pilot project to provide follow-up care for the uninsured; St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton has awarded more than $130,000 in community-benefit grants
Health Care Election News for the Week of Feb. 1, 2008
Democratic rivals Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama squared off over their health care proposals in a Los Angeles debate ahead of Tuesday’s primary. Meanwhile, Gov. Schwarzenegger says that health reform will be a key issue for California voters in the presidential election.
Stolen Laptop Includes Job Applicants’ Psych Screenings
The laptop, stolen in Mexico from the car of a contract psychologist, contained data from psychological screenings with individuals applying for positions in the California Highway Patrol, the state Department of Corrections and other state agencies. Sacramento Bee.
Scripps Settlement Could Lower Hospital Charges for Uninsured
A San Diego judge will consider approving a settlement in a class-action lawsuit against Scripps Health that claims five of its hospitals billed uninsured patients an average of 412% higher than the Medicare rate. Scripps has proposed giving a discount on overcharged bills. San Diego Union-Tribune.
FDA Warns of Suicide Risk for Seizure Medications
FDA warned physicians that patients taking certain suicide drugs have a twofold increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior but that the risks do not outweigh the benefits of the treatments. FDA advisers will meet in coming months to consider stronger warning labels for the drugs. San Francisco Chronicle et al.