Latest California Healthline Stories
Los Angeles To Test One Million Individuals for HIV
The privately funded initiative will expand testing at more than 50 hospitals and clinics in Los Angeles. HIV rates are increasing among Latinos, blacks and Asians in the city. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Individual Health Care Policies on the Rise for Older Residents
The number of baby boomers retiring early coupled with a drop in employer-based health insurance has pushed several major health insurers to more aggressively market individual policies to uninsured residents who are not old enough to qualify for Medicare. AP/San Diego Union-Tribune.
Kids’ Health Insurance Bill Remains a Top Objective in Congress
As lawmakers return from the Thanksgiving recess, reauthorizing the State Children’s Health Insurance Program is expected to be a main goal. Meanwhile, California regulators postponed a vote on adopting a wait list or dropping kids from its version of SCHIP. USA Today et al.
Analysis: Bill Gives Health Coverage to Immigrant Kids
A loophole in revised State Children’s Health Insurance Program legislation would allow undocumented immigrants to enroll in the program with stolen Social Security numbers, according to a conservative analysis. Democrats maintain there is no evidence that immigrants are abusing the system. Washington Times.
FDA Report Calls for More Funding, Staff, Technology
A Science Board report commissioned by FDA found a “plethora of inadequacies” at the agency, including low inspection rates, import safety problems and a lack of experts on new technology. FDA requires more funding from Congress to handle its growing responsibilities. Bloomberg/Washington Post et al.
Auto Workers Union Set To Gain Clout in Health Care
The United Auto Workers wield more influence over health care costs once it assumes responsibility for health care benefits for workers at Chrysler, Ford and General Motors. The union assumed this responsibility in its most recent contract with the automotive firms. AP/Philadelphia Inquirer.
Edwards Details Penalties Under Health Coverage Plan
Former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) opened the door to garnishing wages and withholding tax refunds to enforce a requirement that all residents have health insurance under the health care reform proposal he has offered as part of his presidential campaign. Includes other election news. Des Moines Register, New York Times.
Insurance Chief Against Hiking Workers’ Comp Rates
Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner said his recommendation to keep workers’ compensation rates at the same level next year is based on a steady decrease in benefits costs and his belief that insurers can lower premiums even more. San Francisco Business Times, Sacramento Bee.