Latest California Healthline Stories
Employee Health Surveys Raising Privacy Concerns
Health surveys are becoming an increasingly popular way to identify employees with medical conditions, especially among self-insured employers that can benefit financially from a healthier work force. However, some employees are concerned about how the survey results are used. San Francisco Chronicle.
McCain Set To Detail Plans for Health Care Overhaul
Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain’s plan would offer tax credits to lower-income residents to help purchase private health insurance. His proposal also aims to reduce costs and boost care quality by focusing on prevention. AP/Long Island Newsday et al.
U.S. Sees Increase in Cases of Untreated Cavities
The percentage of U.S. residents with untreated cavities is the highest since the late 1980s, according to CDC data. The decline in dental health might be attributed, in part, to increasing dentist fees and the fact that more than 100 million people lack dental insurance. New York Times.
Study Finds First Drop in Medicaid Enrollment in More Than 40 Years
New research indicates that Medicaid enrollment declined for the first time in 42 years, largely because of federal proof-of-citizenship rules and low unemployment. The report indicates that many states are looking to Medicaid to help expand health coverage. AP/Houston Chronicle et al.
Editorial Boards, Advocates Urge Action on Health Bills
Two editorial boards called on Gov. Schwarzenegger to sign health care-related bills, while also pushing for the veto of one measure. Meanwhile, health care advocates urged the governor to enact new requirements for restaurants to provide nutritional information. Los Angeles Times et al.
GOP Presidential Candidates Tackle Economy, Health Care
Several Republican presidential candidates during Tuesday’s debate called for reductions in spending on Medicare and other entitlement programs. The candidates also blasted a proposal by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton to expand health insurance to all U.S. residents. Wall Street Journal et al.
State Health Reform Adds Pressure for U.S. Action
A Washington state senator and a health policy analyst argue that state efforts to overhaul the health care system could lead the way for a national approach to health care reform, provided that federal lawmakers withstand pressure from the health insurance and pharmaceutical industries. San Francisco Chronicle.
Kids’ Health Insurance Debate Hinges on Eligibility Limits
Democrats maintain that the State Children’s Health Insurance Program is needed to help low-income people, but some Republicans argue that private insurance is available to many people aided by the program. New York Times et al.
Insurers Vow To Address Medicare Violations Cited in Federal Audit
Health insurers offering Medicare Advantage plans say they are working to address marketing standard violations and to provide better services to beneficiaries. The acting Medicare administrator cites the issue as one of his top priorities. New York Times, The Hill.
Young Californians Have High Rate of Sexually Transmitted Infections
New research shows that the number of young adults in California with sexually transmitted infections is nearly 10 times higher than previously thought. Many of the infection rates previously were unknown because the data are not required to be reported. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.