Latest California Healthline Stories
California Residents May Be Left In Bind From Medical Supply Company Closure
Lifecare Solutions, which has locations in Thousand Palms, mailed notices to customers to inform them of the change. In other news from around the state, the blood supply drops to a critical level. And Chula Vista reverses its chocolate milk policy.
Opioid-Linked Visits To ERs Double In Orange County
KPCC finds that as the drug problem grows, the county’s wealthier communities are seeing the brunt of the epidemic. In other news, the country’s largest pharmacy benefit manager is seeking to limit access to opioids and public health advocates warn about overdoses while driving.
Trump Poised To End Contraception Requirement For Employee Health Benefits
President Donald Trump is expected to issue a regulation allowing employers with religious objections to omit coverage for contraception from their workers’ insurance plans. In other Trump administration news: the Department of Health and Human Services names 14 people to its mental health panel; the cancellation of several payment reforms is complicating efforts by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to promote value-based care; and the National Parks Service lifts a ban on selling plastic water bottles in the parks.
Questions About Congressional Rules Could Complicate Further Repeal Efforts
Politico Pro reports that the Senate parliamentarian is looking into whether Republicans can continue to debate the replacement of the federal health law using fast-track procedures set up under the 2017 budget after the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30.
After Hemming And Hawing, White House Says It Will Make August Payments To Insurers
These payments, known as cost-sharing reductions, are paid to health plans to offset the costs of providing coverage to low-income consumers. The decision, which drew criticism from some congressional conservatives, signals, for now, that the administration has decided against triggering a collapse of the health law’s individual market. This step could create a window of time and opportunity for Congress to pass some fixes to stabilize the markets.
Contaminated And Unsafe Water Flows Through California And Rest Of Nation
A new research center will study chemicals not yet regulated by the federal government but that have been linked to cancer and other diseases. And News21 releases its investigation that finds as many as 63 million Americans are exposed to unsafe drinking water.
ER Treatment For Opioids Increases 141 Percent In Orange County
A new report finds that between 2005 and 2015, 7,457 residents went to county hospital emergency rooms for reasons such as opioid addiction or heroin poisoning.
Drugmakers ‘Game The System And Game The Rules,’ FDA Head Gottlieb Says
Food and Drug Administration chief Scott Gottlieb speaks with USA Today. In other pharmaceutical industry news, biopharma companies spend big on lobbying lawmakers. And drugmakers walk a fine line between pricey innovation and consumers’ fiscal tolerance.
Bakersfield Facility Illustrates Complexity Of Building New Hospital From Ground Up
Hospital builds are among the most challenging projects in the construction industry. In other hospital news, a “medical hub” in Seven Oaks Business Park serves area’s growing health care demands. And the Bay Area News Group examines the state’s looming doctor shortage.
California Vaccination Rates Climb But Pockets Still Worry Health Officials
In other health news from around the state, startup insurer Oscar reports first-half losses of $57.6 million from California, Texas and New York. And Sacramento County orders a makeshift youth shelter to close.