Latest California Healthline Stories
Schwarzenegger Says He Will Back Redistricting Ballot Initiative
Political analysts say Gov. Schwarzenegger’s support for a November 2008 ballot initiative to remove the Legislature’s authority to draw its political districts could raise the stakes in health care negotiations with Democratic lawmakers. San Francisco Chronicle.
Bush Administration Asks Congress for Medicare Bill
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt urged Congress to approve a Medicare bill that does not alter the Medicare prescription drug benefit or make cuts to payments to Medicare Advantage plans. Leavitt also said doctors should be required to use health information technology to receive higher Medicare payments. CQ Today et al.
Chiropractic Board’s Lack of Oversight in Question
A Sacramento Bee investigation found that California’s Board of Chiropractic Examiners has repeatedly failed to improve its oversight of chiropractors or address allegations of fraud, sexual misconduct and neglect. Sacramento Bee.
Globalization Shapes Health Care Choices in U.S., Abroad
More U.S. patients are traveling overseas for medical procedures, and the demand from medical tourists has led to physician shortages for domestic patients in some nations. At the same time, some U.S. institutions are capitalizing on emerging overseas economies through partnership with foreign hospitals. NPR’s “All Things Considered.”
Leadership Change at Union Could Affect Health Care Reform
The departure of Sal Roselli as leader of the Service Employees International Union California State Council could alter health care negotiations. Roselli, who opposed parts of Gov. Schwarzenegger’s plan, could be replaced by a proponent of the plan. Sacramento Bee’s “Capitol Alert.”
Employers Offer Perks To Encourage Healthful Habits
Firms are offering lower premiums on health insurance to workers who participate in wellness programs. Consultants say wellness programs could help employers control health care costs, although companies have to be careful not to run afoul of federal laws on employee health plans. Wall Street Journal.
Many Doctors Fail To Report Medical Errors, Study Finds
The Harvard Institute for Health Policy study found that 93% of physicians believe all medical errors should be reported but that 46% had failed to do so in at least one case. A study author said the survey “raises serious questions about the ability of the medical profession to regulate itself.” USA Today et al.
More Orange County Doctors Not Accepting Private Insurance
A growing number of physicians in Orange County have stopped accepting private insurance due to problems ranging from low reimbursements to lost claims. Patients affected by the cancellations must either pay more money or find new doctors. Orange County Register.
Medicare Plans To Cover Fewer Rx Drugs in 2008
A new analysis of Medicare prescription drug plans offered by major insurers found that the plans will cover noticeably fewer treatments in 2008 than they did this year. The drop comes as a result of changes in Medicare reimbursement policies. USA Today.
Poll: Health Care a Key Issue for Democratic Voters
About one-third of respondents to an Associated Press poll in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina cited health care as the primary issue they were concerned with in the 2008 presidential election. About the same number of voters said the war in Iraq was their main concern. Includes other election news. AP/Minneapolis Star Tribune et al.