Latest California Healthline Stories
More Physicians Go Solo To Address Primary Care Decline
An increased number of physicians have begun to convert to “micropractices” in response to the recent decline in primary care medicine. Physicians also are trying to use technology to increase profits in these practices. Wall Street Journal.
Near Universal Health Insurance Plan Unveiled
The Federation of American Hospitals announces a proposal that would require all U.S. residents to obtain health insurance. Reuters/Los Angeles Times, CQ HealthBeat.
Hospital Group Set To Pitch Universal Health Care Proposal
The Federation of American Hospitals hopes its proposal to require people to maintain health insurance coverage will be incorporated into federal legislation after the 2008 presidential election. New York Times, AP/Boston Globe.
Bill Seeks To Quell Ongoing Patient Dumping Violations
Fifty-five cases of alleged patient dumping in Los Angeles are under investigation, but the absence of any state law specifically prohibiting the practice has made it difficult for authorities to file charges. AP/San Francisco Examiner, Los Angeles Times.
8% Jump Expected for Employer Health Care Costs
A new survey shows that more employers have begun offering wellness programs, a trend that has helped slow health care cost increases. AP/Detroit News.
Groups Allege Federal Medication Costs Inflated
California Rep. Henry Waxman says Medicaid repeatedly has paid higher prices than necessary for drugs, a charge that some advocacy groups echo. Newhouse News/Richmond Times-Dispatch.
President Touts Plan To Expand Health Insurance Coverage
President Bush said health care decisions should be left to individuals and their doctors and called for a smaller role in the health care system for insurers and the government, but Democratic lawmakers are proving hard to sway. USA Today et al.
Budget Report Raises Doubts on Governor’s Health Care Plan
The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s report warned that Gov. Schwarzenegger’s health care overhaul could result in billions of dollars of unanticipated costs at a time when state revenue appears to be falling below earlier estimates. Administration officials continue to defend the budget proposal and say that additional revenue could materialize. Los Angeles Times et al.
Alameda County Report Finds Ethnic Health Disparities
The incidence of diabetes in three cities in the county was higher than the county average, a situation that a county official said could be interpreted as an “early warning signal.” Oakland Tribune.
Medical Price Increases Bump Up Consumer Prices
Medical prices in January had their biggest increase since 1991, driving an increase to consumer prices that was double analysts’ expectations. Reuters.