Latest California Healthline Stories
Wal-Mart Expands Discount Drug Program Nationwide
Wal-Mart will expand its discount program for generic drugs to California and the 10 other remaining states without it. Dow Jones.
Garamendi Seeks Role in Health Care Reform
Lt. Gov.-elect John Garamendi said he could build on his experience as insurance commissioner to help Gov. Schwarzenegger enact health care reform. Stockton Record.
California Healthline Highlights Recent Hospital News
Nurses at Bakersfield hospital approve strike; proposed owner of National City facility outlines management strategy
Stanford Medical Campus Plans Major Expansion
The university’s proposal cites compliance with state seismic safety rules as part of the reason for the construction project, which highlights an emerging trend toward providing larger, private rooms for patients. San Jose Mercury News.
Legislation Needed To Improve Access to Tax Records
Officials estimate that about 6.1 million beneficiaries are eligible for subsidies under the 2003 Medicare law, but an HHS official says it is impossible to know the exact number without IRS records to which HHS’ access is restricted. AP/Albany Times Union.
County Receives Funds for Child Health, Education Programs
Stanislaus County plans to use surplus funds from a state tobacco tax to fund early childhood health and education programs, including health care visits, health insurance enrollment services and referrals. Modesto Bee.
Drug discount programs offered by Wal-Mart and other retailers show that the “market can satisfy the demand for affordable drugs,” an opinion piece states, noting that the “genius of competitive markets, for medicine and everything else, is that they allow individuals to decide what they need.” Baltimore Sun.
Sutter Withdraws From Contracting Network
Kaiser Permanente had planned to “rent” other providers’ hospitals and physician groups as it worked to expand its health plan offerings. Sutter said the move is intended to stave off competition from Kaiser in the PPO market. San Francisco Business Times.
California Health Care Firm Wins National Award
Premier worked with hospitals to help them adopt treatment guidelines for common medical conditions as part of a Medicare pilot project. Congress has called for the pay-for-performance program to be expanded nationwide. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Agency Staffing Could Hinder Response to Medicare Questions
The Social Security Administration began mailing notices about increases to Medicare Part B premiums this week, but staffing shortages at the agency could affect employees’ responses to requests from beneficiaries for SSA to recalculate their premiums if they believe the original figures are incorrect or if they recently have experienced a “life-changing event.” Washington Post et al.