Latest California Healthline Stories
Los Angeles Clinic Charged with Fraud
According to court documents, homeless Medicare or Medi-Cal beneficiaries were picked up in vans on Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles and brought to the clinic two or three times per week for tests. Medi-Cal is the state’s Medicaid program. Los Angeles Times.
Increased Spending Does Not Improve Health Care Quality
One of the greatest inefficiencies of the current health care system is the lack of spending on proven treatments for conditions like heart disease. New York Times.
Norovirus Outbreaks Higher Than Last Year
Noroviruses account for the second-most common illness in the U.S. and cause violent and sudden bouts of diarrhea and vomiting. San Francisco Chronicle.
State, Local Governments Seek To Reduce Liabilities for Retiree Health Benefits
State and local governments have begun to take steps to reduce liabilities of more than $1 trillion for health benefits. USA Today.
Democratic Health Care Agenda Faces Obstacles Next Year
Democrats next year likely will seek to revise the Medicare prescription drug benefit, but their proposals likely will face several obstacles. Albany Times Union et al.
Rev. Jackson, Rep. Lee Encourage Enrollment in Medicare Drug Benefit
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, president of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) encourage Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in the prescription drug benefit. San Francisco Chronicle.
Federal Medicaid Rule Would Reduce Payments
The proposed rule is intended to ensure Medicaid can obtain prescription drug discounts that are similar to those obtained by pharmacy benefits managers and other private entities. New York Times, AP/Long Island Newsday.
Thirty additional nurses will be trained using a federal grant and matching funds. The expanded nursing programs will be based at community colleges in Central California. Fresno Bee.
Drew University Focuses on Latino Community
University President Susan Kelly says the South Los Angeles school needs to “reinvent itself” in order to address the health care needs of the poor in areas where demographics have changed. Los Angeles Times.
Congress Discusses Children’s Health Coverage Expansion
Democrats’ stated commitment to follow ‘pay-as-you-go’ budgeting rules could affect efforts to expand the state children’s health insurance program. California’s version of the program is called Healthy Families. Boston Globe.