Latest California Healthline Stories
Giuliani Touts Role of Private Coverage in Addressing Uninsured
Rudy Giuliani said tax credits, high deductibles and competition would curb the number of uninsured U.S. residents. Meanwhile, a Boston Globe editorial commends former HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson for his commitment to end breast cancer. AP/Winston-Salem Journal et al.
Reauthorization of Kids’ Insurance Sparks Debate
An editorial chides Democratic lawmakers in the House for their proposal to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, arguing that the bill disregards more effective ways of expanding coverage. Meanwhile, advocates respond to an editorial in the Wall Street Journal that criticized the reauthorization bills in Congress. San Diego Union-Tribune, Wall Street Journal.
Hospital News Roundup for August 17
Kaiser Permanente reconsiders construction project in Redwood City; Parlier clinics reach deal to repay Medi-Cal overpayments
Chief of Federal Health Agency Launches Blog
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said he will write all of the blog entries himself and read as many comments as he can. One day after its launch, the blog had received more than a dozen comments. The Hill.
Report Warns of Exposing Inmates to Valley Fever
The report indicates that valley fever spores are embedded in the region’s soil where the state plans to add new beds at five San Joaquin Valley prisons. Foregoing the construction would significantly impact attempts to resolve inmate overcrowding. Sacramento Bee.
New York Attorney General Warns Insurers on Physician Ranking
In letters to Aetna and Cigna, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo questioned the health insurers’ use of claims data to rank specialists, noting that claims data do not contain complete information and can skew rankings. Los Angeles Times et al.
More U.S. Residents Head to Low-Cost Mexican Nursing Homes
U.S. residents are attracted to Mexican nursing homes because of the low cost, warm climate and the country’s close proximity to the U.S., but officials warn that the Mexican nursing home industry is new and that care quality can vary greatly. USA Today.