Latest California Healthline Stories
Panel Advocates Closure of Walter Reed Medical Center
A draft report calls for hundreds of millions of dollars in new spending at the facility before it is closed and services are relocated to a nearby military hospital. The Pentagon appointed the panel. Washington Post et al.
Rate Regulation Injected into Debate on Health Care Reform
A bill in the Assembly calls for state regulators to review proposed health insurance rate increases, raising a new issue in the debate on how to rework California’s health care system. No proposal on the table calls for rate regulation, but consumer advocacy groups say throwing the issue into the mix could make the plans more effective. Los Angeles Times.
Procedural Rules Raise Bar for Kids’ Insurance Renewal
Senate approval of legislation to renew the State Children’s Health Insurance Program will require 60 votes instead of 51 because it cannot be included as part of the budget reconciliation process. CongressDaily.
New Medicaid Rules Raise Concerns About Viability of Program
Critics of new rules that give states more options in what services to cover for different populations say disparities among state programs could undermine the program at a national level. Four states have used the rules to offer different benefits packages. Washington Times.
Birth Certificate Bill Stalls on Abortion Rights
Sen. Abel Maldonado is considering changes to a bill to provide special birth certificates in cases of stillbirth to alleviate concerns from abortion-rights supporters that the measure could lead to greater restrictions on the procedure. San Francisco Chronicle.
Senate Sends Stem Cell Research Bill to President Bush
The president said that he would veto legislation to expand federal funding for research on stem cell lines derived from human embryos but supports a narrower measure. It looks like the Senate is one vote short of being able to override the expected veto. New York Times et al.
Illicit Drug Use Linked to HIV in Los Angeles County
Methamphetamine use is on the rise among men who have sex with men, a trend that public health officials say is contributing to the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Los Angeles Times.
Stem Cell Agency Board Opposes Bill on Price Limits
The board of California’s stem cell agency says the agency should be given more time to work out the issue of pricing and revenue sharing for treatments developed using state grants before the Legislature acts on the matter. San Diego Union-Tribune, Sacramento Bee.
More Complications Seen in People With Diabetes
Heart disease, stroke and other problems associated with diabetes are most common among Hispanics, according to a study. Research estimates annual treatment costs for diabetics with complications at about $10,000. Los Angeles Times et al.
California Assisted Suicide Bill Could Shape National Debate
Opponents of a bill to legalize physician-assisted suicide in California say approval of the measure could lead to as many as 500 state residents ending their lives each year. The outcome of the measure in California could push other states to take up similar bills. USA Today.