Latest California Healthline Stories
Bush Chides Congress on Spending Bills, Reiterates Veto Threat
President Bush said he plans to veto 10 of the 12 appropriations bills because the spending included for health care and other domestic programs exceeds his request of $933 billion. Democrats hope to pass a continuing resolution to allow time to resolve differences. USA Today et al.
Edwards Unveils Plan To Limit Malpractice Lawsuits
Under Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards’ plan, attorneys who seek to file malpractice lawsuits should have to obtain certification by two experts to prove that their cases have merit. Edwards also announced a proposal to improve HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment and discussed differences between his plan and Hillary Rodham Clinton’s plan to expand health insurance. AP/Long Island Newsday et al.
Employee Health Plan Costs Set To Increase 8.7% in 2008
A Hewitt Associates report projects that the average annual premium cost per employee will increase from $7,982 in 2007 to $8,676 next year. Employees’ out-of-pocket contributions to premiums also are expected to rise next year. Dow Jones, Washington Times.
Employers, Insurers Tap Care Managers To Control Costs
Employers and health insurers increasingly are using care managers to review physicians’ treatment plans to ensure they are following established evidence-based practices. Critics of the approach say it infringes on physician-patient relationships and puts too much emphasis on saving money. Wall Street Journal.
Health Experts Warn Against Schools Built Near Freeways
The Los Angeles school district continues to open schools near freeways, despite a state law and studies linking the roads to asthma and other illnesses. Schools argue that air filtering will lessen the pollution threat, but health experts warn that the filters do not eradicate a harmful pollutant, adding that a safe distance from freeways has yet to be determined. Los Angeles Times.
California Health Reform Raises Advocates’ Concerns
Provisions of a reported health care reform compromise between Gov. Schwarzenegger and Democratic legislative leaders that would require individuals to buy insurance and provide subsidies for some to buy coverage are drawing fire from some health care advocates, while another advocate is stumping for mandatory electronic prescribing to be written into the plan. Los Angeles Times et al.
Auto Workers Strike at General Motors Despite Health Care Agreement
The United Auto Workers of America reached a deal with automobile manufacturers to move more than $50 billion in retiree health care liabilities to the union but called a strike when parties couldn’t reach a deal on issues related to job security. Detroit News et al.
San Francisco Remains Focused on Expanding Health Access Program
The head of San Francisco’s Health Department said he isn’t convinced that Gov. Schwarzenegger and lawmakers will reach a deal on universal health coverage, leaving a role for the city’s new program to provide health care access to uninsured adult residents. San Francisco Examiner.
Four Insurers To Resume Marketing Medicare Plans
CMS has given approval to four health insurers to resume marketing of private fee-for-service Medicare Advantage plans after they voluntarily stopped marketing the plans in June amid allegations of illegal and aggressive sales practices. Tennessean et al.
Private Hospitals in Southern California Feel Financial Crunch
Increased numbers of uninsured and low-income patients, low reimbursements from insurers, and increased labor and construction costs contribute to financial challenges at Southern California hospitals. More than 50 facilities have closed in the area since 1996. Los Angeles Times.