Latest California Healthline Stories
Núñez Staffer Takes Issue With Recent News Coverage
Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez’s deputy chief of staff faults articles questioning whether the speaker should refrain from voting on health care reform because of his wife’s position at a not-for-profit group backed by hospitals and criticizing the speaker’s campaign spending. Sacramento Bee.
Chronic Disease Top Cause of Death Among Homeless
Untreated chronic disease has become the most common cause of death among homeless individuals. Of the 750,000 homeless individuals in the U.S., about one-third to one-half have chronic diseases, and more than half lack health insurance. Washington Post.
Health Care Reform Around the Nation: Oct. 22, 2007
A Kansas panel finalizes recommendations to address health care costs, and Rhode Island’s lieutenant governor calls for mandated health insurance for all state residents. A Colorado commission’s health care reform plan would cost up to $2.1 billion.
Leavitt’s Health Care Plan Shows ‘Promise,’ Broder Says
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt’s health care proposal could create “a better day not just for children but for all Americans” by allowing the government to “organize the health care marketplace and then let competition based on full information proceed,” Washington Post columnist David Broder writes in an opinion piece. Washington Post.
Governor, Labor Unions Debate Health Care Reform Proposals
Labor unions opposing Gov. Schwarzenegger’s health care reform plan defended their support of a similar plan by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, arguing that Clinton targets drug costs in a way that the governor doesn’t. A health advocate expects labor unions to draft their own ballot measure in California that would seek higher employer contributions. MediaNews/Oakland Tribune et al.
FDA Panel Recommends Ban on Cold Medicines for Young Children
The panel said FDA should prohibit the sale of over-the-counter cold medicines for children under six because the treatments are ineffective and more studies are needed. Manufacturers said the drugs are helpful for older children when used correctly. New York Times et al.
Governor’s Move on Prison Condoms Gets Mixed Reviews
Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have permitted condoms to be distributed in California prisons but called for a pilot program in one facility to test such a program. Supporters hope the pilot will lead to an expanded program, but opponents say it conflicts with state law. Sacramento Bee, New York Times.
Republican Candidates Debate Health Care, Other Issues
At a Florida debate, the Republican presidential candidates proposed a variety of changes to the health care system, ranging from market-based solutions to better preventive care. Several candidates criticized Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s health care plan. St. Petersburg Times et al.
San Francisco Hopes Health Access Program Reduces Hospital Costs
San Francisco leaders see the city’s new universal health access program as a way to control costs in part by providing health care services to uninsured residents at clinics rather than waiting for them to seek treatment at hospital emergency departments. Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle.