Latest California Healthline Stories
Rate of Health Care Cost Increase Levels
Cost-shifting to employees as a means to control health care spending was not as prevalent in 2006 as it had been in previous years, although more employers are using consumer-driven health plans and disease prevention programs as cost-management strategies, according to a study. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette et al.
Democratic Lawmakers To Focus on Medicare Reform
President Bush and CMS officials oppose legislation to allow HHS to negotiate drug prices directly with pharmaceutical firms, and the Congressional Budget Office and agency actuaries have concluded that such negotiations would not result in additional savings for Medicare. Washington Post et al.
State Costs Increase for Home Care Program
Increased enrollment and higher wages for workers are among the factors contributing to an upswing in state costs for a program intended to provide low-income seniors and state residents with disabilities services outside of nursing homes or other institutions. Sacramento Bee.
Medicare Drug Premiums Higher for 2007
In California, 24 private insurers are offering 55 plans for 2007, compared with 19 insurers offering 44 plans for 2006. Monthly premiums for 2007 plans range from $9.70 to $80.90, compared with a range of $5.41 to $66.08 in 2006. San Diego Union-Tribune, Sacramento Business Journal.
FDA Approves Use of Silicone Breast Implants
The approval stipulates that the manufacturers inform women that the implants “are not lifetime devices” and that most recipients will need at least one additional surgery to replace or remove their implants. New York Times et al.
U.S. Employees Moving From HMOs to PPOs
In the late 1990s, employees began seeking a wider selection of doctors and services from HMOs, coinciding with increasing costs for HMO coverage. Chicago Tribune.
Board of Regents Endorses UC-Riverside Medical School Proposal
The university can begin the planning process of hiring a dean, developing a curriculum and producing a final proposal and business plan. Final approval from the university president, regents and an education commission is required before a medical school could be opened. Riverside Press-Enterprise et al.
Foreign Health Care Providers Compete With U.S. System
U.S. residents should consider physician training and experience, as well as the price of health care procedures, when considering medical tourism. KPBS’ “KPBS News.” Audio.
Kennedy Outlines Health Agenda
Sen. Edward Kennedy said he will focus on moving toward universal coverage, with expansion of SCHIP the first step toward that goal. Kennedy is the incoming chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Washington Times.