Latest California Healthline Stories
Amgen Announces Plans To Lay Off up to 14% of Its Work Force
In response to declining sales of its top-selling anemia drugs, California-based Amgen has outlined cost-reduction plans, including cutting up to 2,600 jobs, to save more than $1 billion in 2008. Amgen expects revenue to drop by $1.3 billion this year. Bloomberg/Boston Globe et al.
Initiative Seeks Limits on California Health Care, Pension Benefits
Two Republican politicians are circulating a proposal that would rework California’s eligibility rules for health care benefits and pensions for retired public workers. Supporters are working to qualify the measure for the June or November 2008 ballot. San Jose Mercury News.
San Francisco Health Access Program Beats Enrollment Target
Early enrollment in San Francisco’s landmark program to ensure that all city residents have access to medical services has exceeded expectations. The city plans to expand the enrollment effort next month, despite a legal challenge seeking to overturn a requirement that employers help cover the cost of the program. San Francisco Chronicle, American Medical News.
Studies Find Low Use of Preventive Health Care Among Minorities
A study released earlier this month found that Hispanics, Asian-Americans and blacks used preventive services at the lowest rates. Meanwhile, a separate, ongoing study on preventive care is having difficulty recruiting Hispanic participants. Houston Chronicle.
Democratic Ad Campaign Urges Support for Kids’ Health Insurance Bill
The campaign criticizes five Republicans for voting against a House bill to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. A Republican organization predicted that the campaign would backfire because many voters in the targeted districts oppose SCHIP expansion. Washington Times.
Schwarzenegger, Compromise Health Reform Plans Blasted
An editorial maintains that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s health care proposal is another example of a state universal health care plan having “run up against fiscal realities,” while a columnist argues that any compromise measure on health care reform in California will be ineffective. Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times.
Report: Temporary Nurses Do Not Lower Quality of Care
A new study indicates that temporary nurses employed by hospitals are as qualified, if not more qualified, than permanent nurses. The findings suggest that the use of supplemental nurses by hospitals does not adversely affect patient care. Newark Star-Ledger.
Diabetics Face Increased Cardiac Risks, Study Finds
An analysis of clinical studies indicates that patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of dying from heart attacks than those who do not have the disease. The study was conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. USA Today.
Bay Area Employers Tout Health Benefits of Walking
About 40% of Chevron’s employees have adopted a program to walk 10,000 steps daily and use pedometers to track the steps. Six other Bay Area employers have taken on similar programs, although a consultant says it can take up to five years to see health care costs decline as a result of such efforts. San Francisco Chronicle.
White House Calls Clinton’s Television Ad ‘Outrageous’
The advertisement launched by Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on Tuesday criticizes President Bush for his lack of attention to health care. White House deputy press secretary Dana Perino rejected the accusation. Meanwhile, a new report examines the health care proposals announced by 2008 presidential candidates. Long Island Newsday et al.