Latest California Healthline Stories
New Computer Targeted at Health Care Providers
A new portable computer features bar code technology to track patients and medical records and is intended to help reduce paperwork and medical errors in hospitals. Bloomberg/Los Angeles Times et al.
Survey: Voters Favor Democrats Over Bush on Health Care Reform
A new survey finds that Democrats win greater confidence from voters on the issue of health care reform than President Bush or Republican members of Congress. Almost half of respondents said they do not believe Bush will improve health care. Wall Street Journal.
Report: Federal Medical Privacy Protections Lacking
Legislators and privacy advocates are criticizing the administration of President Bush’s administration after a government report found that the federal government does not have a cohesive strategy for guarding medical privacy. New York Times, Wall Street Journal.
Governor’s Health Proposal Stirring Concern Over Costs
Health policy experts and businesses are taking on components of Gov. Schwarzenegger’s health care reform plan that would ask individuals to buy health insurance coverage and employers to offer health benefits to workers. Meanwhile, the governor and lawmakers say increasing Medi-Cal reimbursements is the first step toward reforming the health care system. Los Angeles Times et al.
Legislature Might Look Anew at Assisted Suicide Bill
A co-sponsor of legislation to legalize physician-assisted suicide said the effort might face improved chances of passage after two previous defeats. KPBS, KCET.
Pirated Medications a Drag on L.A. County Economy
Piracy is a more serious problem for entertainment firms, but a publicly funded study includes prescription drugs on a list of pirated goods plaguing Los Angeles County’s economy. Los Angeles Times.
President Stumps for Health Care Proposals in Weekly Radio Talk
President Bush talked up the possibility for bipartisan efforts at health care reform, saying that he believed Congress and the administration could help improve the private health insurance system. New York Times et al.
House Members Push Expansion of Kids’ Insurance Program
Legislators in the House have kicked off an effort to expand enrollment in the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. The proposal is modeled after a plan recently released by a broad coalition of health care stakeholders. Chicago Tribune et al.
Proof-of-Citizenship Policy for Medi-Cal Closer to Enforcement
California has issued draft regulations in compliance with a new federal law aimed at saving money by cutting off coverage for undocumented immigrants who do not qualify for Medicaid. Medi-Cal is the state’s Medicaid program. Los Angeles Times et al.
State Set To Raise Fees for Medical Marijuana ID Cards
The annual fees for the state-issued identification cards will jump by more than $60 for Medi-Cal beneficiaries and by more than $100 for other people who use marijuana under the state’s medical marijuana laws. Santa Rosa Press Democrat.