Latest California Healthline Stories
Physician Group Backs Two Approaches for Universal Coverage
The American College of Physicians said a single-payer health insurance system has lower administrative costs than a pluralistic system but lacks public support. The group said either approach could work in the U.S. to expand health care to all residents. Philadelphia Inquirer.
Use of Antipsychotics at Nursing Homes Scrutinized
More nursing homes are administering antipsychotics off-label to patients to control side effects of dementia. Regulators and patient advocates are questioning the practice, which has helped make antipsychotics the No. 1 drug expense for Medicaid. Wall Street Journal.
CDC: More Than 40M Americans Cannot Afford Needed Care
An annual CDC report cites physician shortages, lack of insurance and transportation issues as other major barriers to care and notes that the U.S. spends more per capita on health care than other nations. The survey found some improvements in childhood vaccinations and adult dental care. Reuters, HealthDay/Washington Post.
Businesses Push Health Care Agenda Before 2008 Election
Business groups are lobbying for industry-friendly rules on health care, workplace safety and other issues before the 2008 presidential election out of concern that a Democrat could win the White House and usher in a climate that is less hospitable to business interests than the Bush administration. New York Times.
FDA Weighs Easing Stance on Off-Label Prescribing
An FDA guidance would permit drug makers to distribute studies about off-label uses of medications to physicians. Current rules allow doctors to prescribe treatments for conditions other than those for which FDA specifically has approved the drug, but firms cannot market the medications for such uses. Washington Post et al.
Health Reform Around the Nation: December 3, 2007
New York state lawmakers plan a law to ensure health insurers account for quality in physician ranking. Texas reports that 1.5 million children eligible for public health insurance programs are not enrolled, while Tennessee and Florida announce higher participation in their versions of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.
San Diego County Expands Eligibility for Health Care Benefit
San Diego County has expanded a program to cover medical costs for uninsured residents whose incomes do not exceed 165% of the federal poverty level, up from 135%. Attorneys argue that the program still falls short of state eligibility requirements. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Health Care Personnel Update for November 2007
Gov. Schwarzenegger announces several appointments, including positions with the Board of Optometry, Board of Psychology and California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
Democratic Frontrunners Continue To Clash Over Universal Coverage Plans
Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards are sparring over what qualifies as “universal” coverage. The candidates have criticized one another’s reform proposals as either incomprehensive or hard to enforce. Los Angeles Times et al.
Health Care Reform Negotiations Continue as Priorities Shift
After canceling a scheduled vote on health care reform, Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez conceded that the issue is no longer the top priority in Sacramento and called recent problems facing homeowners with subprime mortgage loans a “more immediate crisis.” Health care advocates are concerned that odds of approving a health care overhaul in California are narrowing. Sacramento Bee et al.