Latest California Healthline Stories
Abortion Rights at Center of Debate in Legislature
Abortion-rights opponents in California have withdrawn support of a bill to have the state issue certificates of still birth after the measure was amended to win support from groups that support abortion rights. Opponents say the measure could make it more difficult to restrict government funding for abortions. Copley/San Diego Union-Tribune.
Health Care Personnel Updates for May 2007
Gov. Schwarzenegger names several appointments; Adventist Health and Kaiser Permanente make leadership changes
California Hospitals Give Big to Term Limits Campaign
Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez is a strong proponent of the proposed ballot measure to overhaul California’s term limits law, but a spokesperson says the speaker’s actions are not influenced by contributions to the committee pushing the measure for the February 2008 ballot. Los Angeles Times.
Minnesota Doctors Get Rx Payments Despite Citations
At least 103 physicians who had been disciplined or criticized by the state medical board received a total of $1.7 million from drug makers from 1997 to 2005, according to Minnesota’s records on drug company payments. New York Times.
High-Deductible Plans Could Cause Some To Forgo Care
Proponents of high-deductible plans say that higher deductibles could reduce health care costs as consumers become more aware of prices of medical services, but critics of the plans warn that patients might forgo care if they cannot afford the deductibles. Los Angeles Times.
Health Care Reform Around the Nation: June 4
Arizona and Maryland look toward 2008 for possible coverage expansions; Pennsylvania physicians’ group objects to elements of governor’s health care overhaul plan
Coordinated Care Program Reduces Hospital Visits, Costs
Blue Shield of California found that a patient-centered program saved more than $18,000 per patient by having staff members coordinate treatment and make home visits for patients with serious illnesses. Kaiser Permanente operates a similar program. Los Angeles Times.
State Regulators Probe UnitedHealth Contract Adherence; Suit Filed
Two California agencies are investigating whether UnitedHealth is fulfilling terms of contracts with doctors’ groups, raising the possibility of fines. Meanwhile, a major medical group in Northern California has filed a lawsuit against the insurer about its payment practices. Sacramento Business Journal.
Climate for Health Reform Differs From Previous Years
Health care has been a major issue in previous presidential elections and much of the debate remains the same. However, the political climate in some ways has changed due to higher costs and increased public concern about the topic, according to some experts. “The Diane Rehm Show,” WAMU.
Panel: Medicare More Difficult To Reform Than Social Security
A group of experts is touring the U.S. highlighting concerns about rising health care costs and other issues facing retirees, sparking an AARP official to caution against focusing on the federal budget at the expense of efforts to control health care costs. St. Petersburg Times.