Latest California Healthline Stories
Cost for Health Access Program Raises Doubts
The program’s actualy cost might be higher than projected, potentially causing a “huge political headache,” columnist Daniel Weintraub writes. Sacramento Bee.
Sen. Clinton Supports Universal Health Coverage Proposals
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), who might seek the Democratic nomination for president in 2008, says that she continues to support proposals for universal health coverage. NPR’s “Morning Edition.”
FDA Conflict-of-Interest Concerns Examined
The Los Angeles Times profiles a case in which FDA awarded contracts to the company of an FDA information technology official’s husband, raising conflict-of-interest questions.
Local Problems With Retiree Health Benefits Highlight National Issue
Many local governments face problems with current future liabilities for retiree health benefits. New York Times.
Health System To Ban Rx Companies’ Gifts to MDs
Henry Ford Health System will ban incentives from medical equipment and pharmaceutical company representatives to doctors amid concerns that gifts could influence the types of medications physicians prescribe. AP/Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
NIH Reinstates Funding For HIV Clinic
Los Angeles County supervisors on earlier this month voted unanimously to support emergency efforts to save the clinic, which would have been forced to close without the funds. Los Angeles Times
Governor Against Tax Increase To Fund Reform Plan
Gov. Schwarzenegger did not disclose details of his reform plan, but said that he wants to “insure everyone,” beginning immediately with children and “vulnerable citizens.” A Fresno Bee opinion piece discusses options for financing a health care reform plan. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Congress Likely To Consider Health Care Issues in 2007
Congress next year likely will consider Medicare reforms, prescription drug safety issues and efforts to cover the uninsured, but analysts do not expect the passage of broader proposals. USA Today.
Massachusetts Insurance Mandate Prompts Nationwide Interest
About two dozens states are considering universal health care plans based on the Massachusetts health insurance law. Boston Globe.
Editorials Address Health Care Reform
A Contra Costa Times editorial addresses the need for accord among all parties involved in reforming the state’s health care issues. A North County Times editorial expressed the importance of extending health coverage to all uninsured children in California.