Latest California Healthline Stories
Uninsured Cancer Patients Die Sooner Than Insured
A study by the American Cancer Society found that 35% of cancer patients who do not have insurance died within five years, compared with 23% of privately insured cancer patients. Uninsured patients also were less likely to receive recommended tests for cancer. AP/Long Island Newsday.
California Kids Remain Insured as Congress Passes Health Bill
President Bush said he will sign a measure that will maintain current enrollment levels for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program through March 2009. California was prepared to create a waiting list and begin cutting enrollment if the measure failed. The bill also could hamper a health care reform bill in California that would expand children’s coverage. Sacramento Bee et al.
U.S. Lawmakers Approve Protections for West Los Angeles VA Campus
Congress this week passed a measure by Sen. Dianne Feinstein to ban commercial development on the West Los Angeles Veterans Medical Center campus. President Bush opposes the ban but is unlikely to veto the provision, which was inserted into a larger spending bill. Los Angeles Times.
Unions Reap Benefits From Compromise Health Reform Measure
Several provisions in the health care reform plan backed by Gov. Schwarzenegger and Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez would give more funding and authority to two key labor unions that donated money to a separate ballot initiative sponsored by Núñez. Securing union support could help win voter approval of a funding mechanism for the health care plan. Los Angeles Times et al.
Success of AARP Medicare Drug Plans Sparks Conflict
The three Medicare drug benefit plans marketed in partnership with AARP sell better than any other brand and have benefited the organization financially. Advocates say AARP’s role as a commercial enterprise conflicts with its mission as an advocacy group. Philadelphia Inquirer.
Telemedicine Program for Diabetics Expands Statewide
A telemedicine program that screens diabetic patients for a condition that causes blindness is being expanded to 100 clinics throughout the state. During a two-year pilot, 15% of the more than 12,000 patients screened were referred for treatment of retinopathy, glaucoma or cataracts. Modesto Bee.
Report: Workers’ Comp Rates Still Falling Since Reforms
The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau found that businesses in the third quarter of 2007 paid 25% below the average workers’ compensation rate charged for the second half of 2006 and 61% below the average rate charged before reforms. Sacramento Business Journal.
Expanding Ban on Plastics Chemical is Bad Science
Henry Miller, a fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, writes in an opinion piece that Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s attempt at a nationwide expansion of California’s ban on phthalates “ignores the basic principles of toxicology.” Los Angeles Times.
Senate Passes Medicare Bill With Kids’ Health Extension
The bill would delay a Medicare physician fee cut scheduled to begin in January and raise rates by 0.5% for six months. The measure also would extend the State Children’s Health Insurance Program through March 31, 2009. The House will consider the legislation today. CQ Today et al.
Confidentiality in Doctor Rehab Programs Called Into Question
In June, the Medical Board of California plans to end its confidential treatment program for physicians addicted to drugs or alcohol. The issue is part of a nationwide debate over whether doctors should be able to practice while undergoing treatment. AP/Houston Chronicle.