Latest California Healthline Stories
Bay Area Medical Group To Double Over Decade
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation’s recruiting advantage in the Bay Area can be attributed partly to its ability to provide support to young primary care physicians who are beginning their careers, along with investments in information technology and other infrastructure. San Francisco Business Times.
Health Care Spending Growth Slows
Despite the slower growth rate, health care spending in 2005 continued to rise more quickly than the economy as a whole, wages, and general inflation. New York Times et al.
Groups Seek Improved Health Benefits for Wal-Mart Employees
More than 100 political, religious, business and civil rights leaders from Los Angeles and nine other cities criticized the “poverty-wage jobs” offered by the company and asked that Wal-Mart improve its health benefits package for employees. AP/Boston Herald.
Chan Appointed to California Medical Assistance Commission
Some taxpayer and government watchdog groups criticized the appointment as an ongoing trend for legislative leaders to appoint political allies to lucrative government positions. Chan chaired the Assembly Health Committee. Oakland Tribune.
CDC Unable To Distribute Literature
CDC has told individuals who seek to order brochures through the agency Web site or by telephone that they cannot place orders for at least two weeks because of a problem with a contractor. Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Universal Coverage Proposals Under Consideration in New Mexico
The proposals have gained support in part because of increasing premiums, and the insurance industry might face difficulty blocking the legislation. New Mexico Business Weekly.
Insurers Could Reduce Costs, Prevent Heart Attacks
Heart medications and cholesterol-lowering drugs can reduce the risk of death from heart disease by an estimated 80%, although they often are underused. AP/Los Angeles Times.
Governor To Propose Cuts to Welfare Budget
Health and social services advocates, as well as Democratic legislators, are among those opposing the proposal. Meanwhile, Democratic gubernatorial nominee and outgoing Treasurer Phil Angelides calls for legislation addressing administrative costs and overhead costs for health insurers. San Jose Mercury News et al.
New Health Care Regulations, Laws Taking Effect
Some health care advocates said that the administration of Gov. Schwarzenegger has proposed industry-friendly regulations to implement laws governing health insurers, a statement that administration and insurance company officials reject. Sacramento Bee et al.
County Jails Face Staff Shortage
A union representing some workers at the Alameda County jail said that nurses were forced to work overtime and that inmates’ access to care was denied because of a nursing shortage. MediaNews/Contra Costa Times.