Latest California Healthline Stories
Labor Unions Seek To Shape Path to Health Care Reform
The California Nurses Association and the Service Employees International Union’s United Healthcare Workers West are taking strong stands in favor of a single-payer health care system in California, as well as contract issues with California hospitals. San Francisco Business Times.
FDA Asks Congress To Renew Medical Device User Fees
The regulatory agency says funds from the program are needed to keep up with a jump in the number of medical devices submitted to FDA for review each year. AP/Albany Times Union et al.
Bill Would Require Medicare To Compare Medications
A provision in legislation to let Medicare negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies would require HHS to compare the efficacy of different treatments covered by Medicare. Consumer advocates say it is one of the most important aspects of the bill. Los Angeles Times.
Health Care Reform Should Focus on Employer Mandates
The head of a San Diego think tank writes that Gov. Schwarzenegger’s health care reform proposal should be reworked to shift more responsibility for health insurance to employers, rather than individuals. San Diego Union-Tribune.
AARP Lays Out Plans To Expand Insurance Product Offerings
The advocacy group expects to roll out new health insurance options in 2008 that will be targeted at uninsured people ages 50 to 64, with special emphasis being placed on coordinated care for chronic conditions. About $400 million of new revenue from the plans will go to AARP’s campaign for universal coverage. Wall Street Journal et al.
Maryland Opts Not To Appeal Overturned Health Benefits Law
Maryland’s attorney general said appealing the case to the U.S. Supreme Court would detract from other work to expand health insurance coverage, efforts some say might resemble Massachusetts’ health care requirements. AP/Chicago Sun-Times et al.
Amendments Shift Focus of Bill to Vaccine Requirements
Legislation being considered in the Assembly would impose a five-year waiting period on vaccine mandates for students after the vaccines are approved by a federal panel. The bill originally dealt with human papillomavirus. Contra Costa Times.
Prison Health Care Receiver Looks Ahead to Second Year
A federal judge put Robert Sillen in charge of the California prison health care system as part of a ruling in a class-action lawsuit faulting the state for providing inadequate health care services to prison inmates. KPCC.
Tulare County Officials Look at Plan for Clinics
A regional health care provider is offering to extend its coverage network to patients whose access to care might suffer if Tulare County supervisors decide to close several county-run clinics. Fresno Bee.
Home Care Workers Take Wages Case to Supreme Court
The case marks a challenge to Department of Labor regulations that exempt home care workers from federal minimum wage and overtime laws. AP/Winston-Salem Journal, New York Times.