Latest California Healthline Stories
Feds Pull Plug on Waiver for Wisconsin RX Drug Coverage
CMS said the state’s application for a new waiver for the SeniorCare program does not show that it is less expensive to the federal government than coverage under the Medicare prescription drug benefit, a finding state officials dispute. Washington Post et al.
Editorial Boards Back State Policy on Free Birth Control
Two California newspapers are calling for the state to oppose a federal policy to verify citizenship before providing birth control to women, saying that the federal stance could drive up health care costs. Bakersfield Californian, San Diego Union-Tribune.
UnitedHealth Looks to Doctor ‘Fines’ To Rein in Lab Costs
Physicians oppose a policy that could result in a fine, lower payments or being pushed out of the insurer’s provider network. UnitedHealth has dropped the policy temporarily in at least one state in the face of legal action. Wall Street Journal.
Congress Working To OK Generic Biotech Drugs
Consumer groups, employers and health insurers say the legislation would help reduce medication costs and improve access to biotechnology treatments, but drug makers say the drugs are too complex to be copied safely and effectively. New York Times et al.
VA Electronic Records System Considered a Model
The Department of Veterans Affairs’ system lets authorized staff members access records for more than five million people who are treated through the department. VA launched the system in 1999. Washington Post.
Small Businesses Unsure About State Health Reform Plans
Small businesses could be exempt from requirements to offer health benefits under some state plans to overhaul the state health care system, but business groups remain concerned about implications for small businesses. Wall Street Journal.
Federal Stem Cell Research Bill Faulted in California
The White House said President Bush supports the bill, but the head of the oversight board for California’s stem cell agency says it would not provide an adequate increase in federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Sacramento Bee, USA Today.
Mental Health Funding at Risk in Governor’s Proposed Budget Cuts
Supporters of a mental health program for the homeless say it has reduced hospitalization and incarceration, while increasing employment. Gov. Schwarzenegger has proposed scrapping the program and making up the services through other programs. San Francisco Chronicle.
Nominee Lays Out Plans for State Public Health Agency
Mark Horton said disease prevention will be a key focus for the Department of Public Health after it launches this summer. Gov. Schwarzenegger last week appointed Horton to head the agency. Office of the Governor release.