Latest California Healthline Stories
Supporters of Tobacco Tax Measure Optimistic
A researcher said California voters might have voted “no” on the measure because they did not understand how funds from the tax increase would have been spent. Los Angeles Times, Winston-Salem Journal.
Generic Discount Program Increased Online Sales
Walmart.com has experienced “triple-digit growth” in sales since the company introduced its generic drug discount program, a company official said. Bloomberg/Chicago Tribune.
Rule Will Require Employers To Report Health Costs
The rule will take effect for some public employers in the first fiscal year beginning after Dec. 15. Wall Street Journal.
California Healthline Highlights Election Results
Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi narrowly defeated state Sen. Tom McClintock for lieutenant governor and businessman Steve Poizner was elected insurance commissioner over the current Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante. Oakland mayor and former Gov. Jerry Brown wins decisively in the race for attorney general. Health care was an issue in each of the races. Sacramento Bee et al.
Regents Consider Proposal for New Medical School
The University of California-Riverside plans to emphasize the need for physicians in the Inland region when it presents the proposal. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Toyota Including Employee Health Clinic at New Factory
The clinic will offer eye care, dental services, pediatrics, laboratory tests and physical therapy for workers and their families as part of an effort to control health care costs. Detroit News.
Parental Notification Measure Rejected
For the second straight year, California voters rejected a measure that would have required parental notification before an unmarried minor has an abortion. Contra Costa Times et al.
Drug Benefit Premium Deductions Remain an Issue
Some advocacy groups are advising beneficiaries to avoid participating in the Social Security deductions for next year and instead use other methods to pay their premiums. USA Today.
Health care is expected to be a major focus of Gov. Schwarzenegger’s second term, with efforts to address health care costs and expand access to health care among legislative priorities. Sacramento Bee et al.
Voters Reject Tobacco Tax Measure
The measure received broader support in polls conducted earlier this year, before tobacco companies began pouring money into the campaign to reject the tax increase. AP/San Jose Mercury News et al.