Latest California Healthline Stories
Food Most Widely Marketed Product to Kids
Food is the most widely advertised product to children and adolescents, according to a study released by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Washington Post et al.
Governor Joins Probe of Workers’ Comp Insurer
Gov. Schwarzenegger said he will help “bring integrity back” to the State Compensation Insurance Fund as he teams with lawmakers and insurance regulators to uncover questionable financial practices and overhaul the insurer. Los Angeles Times et al.
Poll: Voters Oppose Coverage for Undocumented Immigrants
A majority of Californians support the main goal of Gov. Schwarzenegger’s health care plan to provide coverage to all Californians and subsidize the cost for low-income residents. However, voters believe undocumented immigrants should not be included in this pool and medical providers should not be forced to help finance the governor’s plan. Los Angeles Times.
Donation Helps University Build Cardiac Care Center
UC-San Francisco’s new facility will house the existing Cardiovascular Research Institute and a new Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease. Scientists and clinicians dispersed at several sites will be able to work together at the complex. San Francisco Business Times.
House Approves Bill To Improve Medical Care for Soldiers
The House unanimously approved legislation that seeks to improve medical care for wounded soldiers treated at military facilities. The bill was prompted by reports of inadequate care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Los Angeles Times, AP/Philadelphia Inquirer.
50% of Patients Fail To Take Rx Drugs as Directed
Researchers say patients with chronic conditions might not follow medication regimens because of side effects, fear of the drugs, depression or memory problems. USA Today.
Insurance Commissioner to Overhaul Workers’ Comp Insurer
Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner’s reform plans include a “top-to-bottom” audit and the hiring of a chief financial officer. The commissioner’s announcement comes one week after State Fund dismissed its president and vice president after a review found mismanagement. Sacramento Bee, Los Angeles Times.
Staff Shortages Put Strain on Mental Health Hospitals
Lawmakers are decrying staff vacancies that resulted at mental health hospitals because of wages. Gov. Schwarzenegger last week ordered raises for mental health workers, but some lawmakers say the damage to each hospital already has been done. Los Angeles Times, San Luis Obispo Tribune.
Fidelity Estimates Retiree Needs for Health Care Costs
An average 65-year-old couple retiring this year will need about $215,000 for health care costs for the rest of their lives, Fidelity estimates. AP/Houston Chronicle.
State Committee To Consider Revisions to Workers’ Comp
Labor officials attending the hearing who are critical of workers’ compensation reform by Gov. Schwarzenegger are expected to argue for extending the duration of temporary disability and increasing permanent disability payments. San Francisco Chronicle.