Latest California Healthline Stories
Massachusetts Plan Could Make Some Buy Extra Coverage
The plan could require some state residents with health insurance to buy different health policies that meet minimum standards under the state’s health insurance law. Boston Globe.
FDA Plans Reforms To Boost Drug Safety, Increase Communication
FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach said the changes are part of an ongoing effort to improve operations at the regulatory agency, partly in response to a report by the Institute of Medicine. New York Times et al.
L.A. County Settles for Voluntary Trans Fat Controls
Los Angeles County supervisors encouraged state legislation restricting trans fats and requiring calorie and nutritional labeling at restaurants. The agreement for a voluntary program was made after a report released Friday found that state law prohibits a compulsory ban. Los Angeles Times.
Court’s Rejection of Maryland Reform May Limit Schwarzenegger
Some legal experts say a court battle could await Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposal for employer contributions in his health care reform plan after a federal court overturned a Maryland health care law. Sacramento Bee.
Critic Launches Think Tank To Press for Pension Reform
Former Assembly member Keith Richman questioned whether a state commission could find a way to meet the cost of health care and pension benefits for retired state workers. Analysts say the funds are insufficient to pay the full price of the benefits. Los Angeles Times.
NIH Director Assumes Greater Budget Authority
A new law permits the NIH director to organize a “common fund” that eventually would pool about 5% of NIH’s money to fund research projects that span traditional biomedical fields. Wall Street Journal.
Sacramento County Evaluating Options on Retiree Benefits
Sacramento County will consider three alternatives to a proposal to end county subsidies for retiree health benefits for some employees. Sacramento Bee.
Enrollment in Medicare Drug Coverage Tops 39 Million, CMS Says
A CMS report indicates that 1.6 million beneficiaries have enrolled in drug coverage since June 2006 and that enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans has increased by more than 600,000. Detroit Free Press et al.
Republican Proposal Targets Narrower Group of Uninsured
Unlike plans by Gov. Schwarzenegger and Democratic lawmakers, the Republican approach does not seek to provide universal coverage and would not require contributions from employers or health care providers. Newspapers across California characterized the plan as a rejection of the governor’s health care reform proposal. Sacramento Bee et al.
Hospitals Try Mentor Program To Retain Nursing Staff
The California Nurses Foundation is administering a two-year mentorship program, notably longer than similar programs at most hospitals. Nurse turnover is drawing more attention from hospitals as they prepare to meet the needs of baby boomers retiring in large numbers. East Bay Business Times.