Latest California Healthline Stories
Grocery Chain Workers Approve Contract
The contract will replace the two-tiered wage scale with a one-tiered system. The union plans to use the contract as a model for upcoming negotiations with three other grocery store chains. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.
Universal Health Coverage Re-Emerges as Legislative Issue
Health care reform proposals have been introduced in California and Pennsylvania in recent weeks, and more than six other states also are considering plans. It remains unclear how efforts to expand coverage at the national level will fare. AP/Arizona Daily Star et al.
Governor Presents Reform Proposal to Business Leaders
Gov. Schwarzenegger has begun a series of meetings with business leaders, consumer groups, labor unions and health care officials in hopes of shoring up support for his health care reform proposal. Republican lawmakers continue to oppose provisions that would require contributions from employers and health care providers. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
UC Regents Postpone Vote on Tobacco-Funded Research
The faculty remains divided over a proposal to ban research funding from tobacco companies, with some saying such funding discredits the university and other faculty members saying the issue is a matter of academic freedom. San Diego Union-Tribune, Sacramento Bee.
Fine Expected for Former FDA Commissioner
Under an agreement with federal prosecutors, Former FDA Commissioner Lester Crawford likely will face a $50,000 fine and probation but no jail time. Washington Post et al.
Bush Proposes Tax Breaks for Health Insurance
Under the proposal, employer-sponsored health insurance for the first time would be considered taxable income in some cases. Currently, employees are not taxed on the value of their employer-sponsored health insurance policies. Wall Street Journal et al.
County Receives Tax Revenue for Mental Health Funding
San Joaquin County will use funding from the Mental Health Services Act to create 12 new mental health programs that officials expect to begin this summer. The tax revenue cannot be used to fund existing mental health services. Stockton Record.
Medicare Drug Program Faces Criticism
Medicare’s customer service system is designed to receive a complaint from a member and then forward it to the member’s private drug plan, but health care advocates say there should be more government oversight and enforcement. Los Angeles Times.