Latest California Healthline Stories
Medical Bills Contribute to Seniors’ Debt
The average amount of credit card debt has more than doubled for households ages 65 and older, and bankruptcies among seniors also are on the rise. AARP has voiced concerns about the trend as baby boomers retire. USA Today.
Stem Cell Agency Faces New Licensing Rules
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine no longer will be required to purchase licenses on stem cell lines, but groups challenging the original patent said they will continue their lawsuit. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.
County Addresses Minority Health Disparities
San Bernardino County’s death rate from diabetes for black residents is 23% higher than for whites, and black residents also are more likely to be obese, exercise less and have less healthful diets than whites. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Revolution Health Unveils Preview of New Web Site
The Web site eventually will store personal health records, offer telephone services to consult users on their health and provide users with recommendations on management of health insurance claims. Washington Post et al.
Electronic Records Could Increase Costs, Decrease Quality
“Admittedly, other industries have seen large cost savings from computerization, but health care is different,” according to a professor of medicine at the University of California-Davis. Sacramento Bee.
Program Discourages Use of EDs for Non-Urgent Care
A program at Los Angeles County-USC Hospital provides no-cost health care services and health coaches to people who repeatedly seek care for non-urgent conditions at the hospital emergency department. Private clinics provide the medical services. Los Angeles Times.
Business Groups Weigh Implications of Governor’s Proposal
Some financial planners and bankers say Gov. Schwarzenegger’s health care proposal would encourage more California residents to open health savings accounts, while health insurers continue to tout their own plans to expand coverage. Investment News, Los Angeles Times.
Providers, Companies Offer Medical Credit Cards
Under the program, workers’ copayments for health care services are paid through automatic payroll deductions. Boston Globe, New York Times.
Rodham Clinton Announces Presidential Bid, SCHIP Proposal
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) said her priorities will include health care issues. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) and Republican Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas also entered the race. Cox/St. Paul Pioneer Press et al.
Groups Seek Changes To Encourage Retail Clinics
The growing trend in medical retail clinics throughout the country has been slow in California in part because of more stringent physician oversight regulations for nurse practitioners. Los Angeles Times.