Latest California Healthline Stories
Minority Community Hit by Closure of King-Harbor
Despite its poor history of violations, county elected officials always fought to keep Martin Luther King Jr.-Harbor Hospital in Watts open. Its closure last week has left underserved, minority patients without a local medical provider. New York Times.
Lawmakers Again Fail To Agree on Budget; Medi-Cal an Issue
Although California has been without a budget since July 1, lawmakers on Monday were unable to break the deadlock. Republicans are seeking more spending cuts but question shifting $160 million in Medi-Cal funds, as proposed by the governor. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Health Savings Accounts May Have ‘Breakout Year’ in 2008
Health care consultants predict that enrollment in high-deductible health plans linked with health savings accounts will increase by four million to 10 million in 2008 as more insurers and large companies begin to offer such plans. Washington Times.
Firestorm Continues Over California Health Reform
Democratic lawmakers haven’t held hearings on the cost of their health care reform proposal, a move that an editorial warns could lead to an exceedingly costly state-run health care system in California. Meanwhile, Safeway’s CEO and the executive director of Americans for Free Choice in Medicine weigh in on health care reform. San Diego Union-Tribune, Wall Street Journal.
Democratic Candidates for President Address Health Care in Debate
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton touted her experience on health care reform in the 1990s, while former Sen. John Edwards said health insurers and drug companies have derailed efforts to adopt universal health coverage in the U.S. New York Times et al.
King-Harbor Closure Shifts Focus of L.A. County Health Chief
Following the closure of King-Harbor Hospital last week, Bruce Chernof, Los Angeles County’s health services director, is working to help displaced patients and staff find other nearby services while also searching for a private operator to take over the facility. Los Angeles Times, “KPCC News.”
Stem Cell Pioneer To Build Lab in San Francisco
Shinya Yamanaka will open a lab at the J. David Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco. He said he was drawn to California because there would be less government interference in his research. San Jose Mercury News.
Medicare No Longer Will Pay for Treatment of Preventable Errors
A rule that takes effect in 2008 will bar Medicare from paying hospitals for treating patients for eight conditions stemming from preventable medical errors. The rule is expected to push physicians to adhere closely to clinical treatment guidelines. New York Times et al.
Federal Regulators Increase Scrutiny of Rx Drugs
FDA in recent months has rejected or delayed many applications for approval of new medications in response to prescription drug safety concerns. AP/Baltimore Sun.
Military Uses Genetic Tests To Deny Benefit Claims
The U.S. military does not cover treatments for genetic conditions to prevent people with congenital or hereditary conditions from enlisting in the military to qualify for health care benefits. Federal law bans group health plans from adopting similar policies. Los Angeles Times.