Latest California Healthline Stories
Nominee To Head Medicare, Medicaid a New Face to Some
Kerry Weems, the nominee for CMS administrator, is an unfamiliar name to many on Capitol Hill. And since the position has grown increasingly political with the enactment of the Medicare drug benefit, both Republicans and Democrats are looking for signs of his political views. The Hill.
Faculty at University of California Oppose Ban on Tobacco Funds
Faculty leaders said their decision to oppose the ban was a matter of academic freedom, echoing concerns from UC administrators that the ban could set a precedent for restrictions on funds from drug makers or other controversial industries. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Safeway CEO, Governor Head to Legislature To Talk Health Care
Steve Burd says his support for Gov. Schwarzenegger’s health care reform plan is rooted in his belief in free-market economics, arguing that Californians need to make smarter decisions about health care. The governor’s meeting today with business and legislative leaders will be broadcast online. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Demand for In-Home Care Providers on the Upswing
As the population ages, an increasing number of families are hiring professional caregivers to assist elderly and disabled relatives at home. NPR’s “All Things Considered.”
Questions Arise About Kids’ Use of Psychiatric Drugs
An analysis of prescription records in Minnesota shows that payments to psychiatrists for a new class of treatments coincide with a sharp increase in the number of children receiving the drugs, highlighting ongoing concerns about the intersection of physician incentives and medication recommendations. New York Times.
White House Opposes Health Funds in War Spending Bill
New legislation to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan includes appropriations from a previous bill that President Bush singled out in his veto message. The State Children’s Health Insurance Program and avian flu preparedness efforts get funds in the new bill. CQ Today et al.
Trustees’ Report Builds Case for Medicare Reform
A public trustee for Medicare and Social Security says that the growing cost of Medicare should push lawmakers and government officials to re-evaluate how the program is financed and what services it will cover. Wall Street Journal.
CDC Chief Asks Congress for $1 Billion Funding Increase
Research on infectious disease and bioterrorism, as well as campaigns promoting better health care, are among the initiatives CDC Director Julie Gerberding says require budgetary boosts. Cox/Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Study Says Medicaid Experiment in Florida Undercuts Program
Fewer physicians said they would be willing to participate in Medicaid under an effort in Florida to help expand Medicaid managed care and control program costs. Doctors said paperwork increased, while reimbursements fell or stayed the same. Miami Herald et al.
Enrollment Under Way in CalPERS Fund for Retiree Health Care
The state pension fund is pushing a bill that would expand eligibility for a new investment fund intended to help CalPERS members offset future retiree health care liabilities. CalPERS wants to open the program to any public agency in California. San Francisco Chronicle, et al.