Latest California Healthline Stories
California Prepares for Sale of $250M in Bonds for Stem Cell Research
The sale marks the first portion of $3 billion in bonds approved by California voters for stem cell research over 10 years. The state’s stem cell agency, which oversees the funds, will receive a majority of the money. East Bay Business Times.
Medicaid Plan Could Cost California Schools $100M
A Bush administration proposal to cut Medicaid funding for schools to provide services to disabled students could push schools to eliminate other services to make up for the lost federal money. Gov. Schwarzenegger sent letters to federal officials opposing the cuts. Sacramento Bee.
U.S. Senate Sends Kids’ Health Insurance Bill to President
President Bush has threatened to veto the bill to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program because it would increase spending by $30 billion more than he proposed and expand the program. Bush and other opponents say the bill will lead to a socialized health care system. Washington Post et al.
California Cites Health Risks in Landmark Ban of Ozone Air Purifiers
The California Air Resources Board estimates that the purifiers have exposed more than 500,000 individuals to levels of ozone above federal health standards. The board says the ban is the first of its kind in the nation. It is scheduled to take effect in 2009. Los Angeles Times.
Wal-Mart Continues Expansion of Generic Drug Discount Program
Wal-Mart will add eight more generic drugs to its $4 prescription program and also will offer some family-planning drugs for $9. The discount program has saved U.S. residents $610 million since it launched in September 2006, according to Wal-Mart officials. USA Today et al.
Insurers Offer $25 Million in Grants for Health Care
UnitedHealth Group and PacifiCare will award grants ranging from $100,000 to $5 million. The application deadline is Oct. 12, with the first round of awards set to be announced in December. Riverside Press-Enterprise, Sacramento Bee.
Republican Senator Critical of Health Reform Debate
Sen. Dennis Hollingsworth argues that Gov. Schwarzenegger and Democrats are carelessly trying to broker a deal on a health care reform plan that lacks common ground and does not include input from Republican lawmakers. San Diego Union-Tribune.
UC-Merced Prepares To Launch Telemedicine Center
UC-Merced is considering a list of 100 potential sites for a telemedicine center that would digitally connect rural health centers in the San Joaquin Valley with remote health care specialists. Fresno Bee, Modesto Bee.