Latest California Healthline Stories
Expanding Health Coverage Would Limit Affordability
An Orange County Register editorial warns of the “devastating economic impact” of a bill by Democratic legislative leaders to expand health care coverage in California. Orange County Register.
Medicare Advantage Plans Drawing Media Scrutiny
Questions have been raised about how private health insurers have marketed Medicare Advantage plans, sometimes leading to confusion among beneficiaries. CBS' "Evening News."
Health Care Benefits Boosted in Tentative Grocery Worker Deal
Union workers at Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons on Sunday will vote on a tentative contract agreement that would reduce the waiting period for workers and dependents to qualify for health care benefits. Negotiations have gone on for more than seven months. Los Angeles Times et al.
President Opposes Tobacco Tax Hike To Fund Kids’ Insurance
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt described a proposed tobacco tax increase to fund the expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program as a “massive budget gimmick” and said that it would push more people out of private health plans and into government programs. President Bush is expected to veto the legislation. AP/Houston Chronicle et al.
Community Health Centers Key to Medical Safety Net
The centers help less than one-third of residents who require their help due a shortage of available physicians. The number of Hispanic residents who seek services at community health centers nationwide increased by 52% to 4.8 million from 2000 to 2005. USA Today.
Los Angeles County Expands Mental Health Services for Children
A new, $90 million plan approved by county supervisors comes as part of a settlement in a lawsuit that faulted the level of mental health care available through the child welfare system. County officials hope to fully implement the plan in the next few years. Los Angeles Times.
Kern County Program Links Patients to Psychiatrists
The $520,000 telepsychiatry program will provide rural residents with easier access to mental health care services. The program serves mostly Medi-Cal beneficiaries, but privately insured patients can use the service for the cost of an in-person visit. Bakersfield Californian.
State Officials Preparing for Blue Cross Hearing
Blue Cross is under close watch from state regulators for more than 1,600 complaints filed against the insurer since 2004 that include claims handling, rising premiums and physician reimbursements. Sacramento Bee.
Clinton Pledges To Increase Federal Aid for Kids’ Health Insurance
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton criticized President Bush’s opposition to a major expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program and emphasized her support for the effort. Separately, Clinton called for expanding the health care work force. AP/Newport News Daily Press et al.
Study: Diet Doesn’t Boost Breast Cancer Survival
Eating more fruits and vegetables did not enhance women’s breast cancer survival rates, according to new research. A separate study found that high-resolution CT heart scans might boost young women's risk of developing cancer. Chicago Tribune et al.