Latest California Healthline Stories
Kaiser Proposes Individual Policyholder Guidelines
The guidelines would require health plans to seek the input of individual policyholders before deciding whether to cancel coverage. Kaiser also agreed to pay a fine for its cancellation of an individual’s policy. Los Angeles Times.
Proposed Legislation Would Let FDA Regulate Tobacco
Sen. Edward Kennedy plans to introduce legislation that would require tobacco companies to provide FDA with a list of ingredients and additives in their products. Philip Morris supports the proposal. Boston Globe.
Report Evaluates California Children’s Health, Well-Being
The report found increased incidences of asthma, autism, obesity and smoking. The advocacy group that released the report says the state could face higher health care costs in the future if children’s services are not improved. Ventura County Star et al.
U.S. Residents Support Health Care Initiatives
Legalizing the purchase of prescription drugs from abroad and federal funding of stem cell research are among Democrats’ legislative priorities supported by respondents of a new poll. AP/San Diego Union-Tribune.
Numbers High for People Seeking Information on Drug Benefit
CMS said that the Medicare phone line received five million calls and that its Medicare drug benefit “Plan Finder” Web site received 30 million page views in the last two months of 2006. Separately, some officials have criticized what they say are steep price increases for a Humana plan that had two million members nationwide last year. The Hill et al.
Governor’s Health Care Announcement Expected Monday
Gov. Schwarzenegger will outline his legislative priorities for 2007 in a series of four speeches over the next week. Monday’s speech is expected to detail plans to expand health insurance coverage. Los Angeles Times et al.
Editorial Series Addresses Governor’s Health Care Reform Proposal
The Orange County Register editorial board called for Gov. Schwarzenegger to pursue market-based reform efforts in his proposal to overhaul California’s health care system and recommended that spending on public health insurance programs be reduced. Orange County Register.
Commission Will Consider Costs of Retiree Health Benefits, Pensions
The commission will offer proposals to address the cost of health benefits and pensions for retired public employees in California by 2008, a year ahead of the deadline for the state to disclose its unfunded liabilities for retiree benefits. The state faces an estimated $40 billion to $70 billion in unfunded retiree health care obligations. Sacramento Bee et al.
Database Law Leads to Increase in Organ Donor Registry
The donor registry, which is operated by Donate Life California, hopes to enroll 15 million licensed drives in the next five years. Sacramento Bee.
Edwards Announces Presidential Bid, Health Care Stance
Former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) said that he is evaluating one universal health care plan that is more ambitious and costly and another that might be more politically feasible. AP/Los Angeles Times et al.