Latest California Healthline Stories
Kaiser Permanente Announces Earnings, Resignation
The announcements come after a company employee alleged that Kaiser could lose as much as $7 billion in the next two years if it does not take steps to control increasing expenses. San Francisco Business Times et al.
Democrats Win Control of House
Democrats’ agenda is expected to include legislation to allow Medicare to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies for discounts on prescription drugs. Chicago Tribune et al.
Drug Benefit Study Seeks To ‘Scare’ Beneficiaries
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and a colleague at his health care think tank write that a recent study’s findings are “misleading” and “based on several fundamental flaws.” Washington Times.
Public Financing Measure Defeated
The California Nurses Association’s measure to create a publicly financed campaign system and cap some political contributions went down by a wide margin in Tuesday’s election. Sacramento Bee.
Experts Project Increase in Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance could help cover the cost of nursing homes, in-home caretakers and assisted-living facilities. MediaNews/Contra Costa Times.
Poll: Beneficiaries Satisfied With Medicare Drug Plans
Seventy percent of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in drug plans said that their medication costs have decreased, while 20% said that their drug plans have not reduced their medication costs. Wall Street Journal.
Medicare Drug Benefit a Voting Issue for Seniors
House Democrats said that if they win the majority, they will change the drug benefit within their first 100 hours in office. Wall Street Journal.
Kaiser Could Lose $7B if Expense Rate Rises
Kaiser’s CEO said the company has taken steps to control expense increases after a project supervisor e-mailed a memo on the HMO’s operating costs to about 180,000 Kaiser employees. The e-mail also documented the project supervisor’s concerns about Kaiser’s electronic health record system. San Francisco Chronicle.
County Approves King/Drew Plan, Renames Hospital
Approval of the plan comes one week after federal officials granted Los Angeles County’s request to continue funding through March, when county officials said the transition to the restructured hospital will be complete. Los Angeles Times.
Groups Support Medical Interpretation Services
A researcher says that Medicare coverage of medical interpretation services could reduce medical errors and improve health care outcomes, but legislators say additional research is needed before Medicare coverage policies are modified. New America Media.