Latest California Healthline Stories
IBM’s ePedigree System To Combat Counterfeit Rx Drugs
IBM’s system uses radio-frequency identification technology to allow drug companies to create electronic certificates of authenticity for drugs and track them through the supply chain and into the hands of consumers. AP/Houston Chronicle.
President Bush Renews Vow To Veto Children’s Health Insurance Bill
President Bush has pledged to veto either the Senate or House bill to reauthorize and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program because he says the proposals are both too expensive and push the U.S. toward a nationalized health care system. McClatchy/Contra Costa Times et al.
California Representative Stumps for Kids’ Insurance
Rep. Lois Capps is backing a House proposal that would increase funding for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program by $50 billion over five years, despite a veto threat from President Bush. Ventura County Star, San Diego Union-Tribune.
California Public Schools Must Offer Services for Children With Diabetes
As part of a settlement in a lawsuit filed by four families and the American Diabetes Association, the state now will require all public schools to employ a staff member who can provide insulin injections and other services for children with diabetes. Bay City News/San Jose Mercury News et al.
Patients, Physicians Sound Off at Blue Cross Hearing
Hundreds of Blue Cross of California physicians and patients have filed complaints over issues with payments and claims. Many came out to testify at a public hearing on whether the insurer has complied with a 2004 merger agreement. KQED’s “The California Report” et al.
Richardson Unveils Tax-Free Universal Health Care Proposal
Under the proposal by Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson, all residents would be required to obtain health insurance. Richardson said that the proposal would cost about $110 billion annually but that savings from the plan would cover the cost. Washington Post et al.
Underinsured Kids Less Likely Than Uninsured To Receive Vaccines
A new study finds that underinsured children often cannot afford vaccines from private physician offices and have problems getting the vaccines at federally qualified health centers. Researchers say the study raises questions about the adequacy of health plans’ vaccine coverage. USA Today et al.
Court Denies Terminally Ill Patients Access to Experimental Drugs
A federal appeals court ruled that terminally ill patients do not have a constitutional right to access unapproved prescription drugs that might be lifesaving. The court urged patient advocates to pursue the issue in Congress rather than in the courts. Baltimore Sun et al.
Generic Rx Drugs Expected To Help Curb Medication Costs
Several blockbuster drugs are set to lose patent protection over the next few years, a trend that could drive down medication costs as more generic treatments enter the market. Pharmaceutical companies are believed to have few major drugs in development to replace those losing patent protection. New York Times.
Stem Cell Agency Should Become More Transparent
If the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine wants residents’ “hard-earned tax dollars, they should justify the scientific merit of their plans in public,” John Simpson of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights writes in a Sacramento Bee opinion piece. Sacramento Bee.