Latest California Healthline Stories
Costco Offers California Dental Plan
Eligible Costco members who choose the dental program will pay $100 per year for discounts on purchases and coverage of some dental procedures. San Francisco Business Times.
Research Focuses on Anti-Aging Treatments
At least two companies are working to develop treatments that replicate a chemical called resveratrol. Recent research found that it might have the same effects as calorie-restricted diets in mice and might protect them from the negative effects of high-fat diets. New York Times.
Candidates Address Health Care in Final Campaign Stops
Gov. Schwarzenegger recommended that state residents vote against the proposed tobacco tax increase and other ballot initiatives that would raise taxes, while Democratic gubernatorial nominee Phil Angelides said he would do more as governor than Schwarzenegger to address health care and other issues. Los Angeles Times et al.
Employers Promote High-Deductible Health Plans
Some employers have required employees to select health plans to prompt them to consider high-deductible health plans, and others have offered employees online tools to help them make selections. Wall Street Journal.
The agency is creating a Web-based training program for staff who volunteer during future emergencies as part of a corrective action plan based on the agency’s response to Hurricane Katrina. CDC will not make public the report upon which the action plan is based. Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Drug Benefit Revisions Might Limit Industry Profit
Democrats say legislation they plan to introduce would save Medicare as much as $190 billion over the next 10 years. New York Times.
Court: Extra Time for Med School Applicants With Dyslexia
Along with providing additional time, the court order could require a separate room, special equipment or other accommodations. San Francisco Chronicle.
Concern Growing Over Retiree Health Costs
Mercer Human Resources estimates that cities and states have promised about $1.4 trillion in retiree health benefits. New York Times.
Garamendi Recommends Lower Workers’ Compensation Rates
If implemented by workers’ compensation insurers, the recommendation would be the seventh consecutive decrease since legislative changes to the system three years ago. Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento Bee.
Long-Term Care Insurers Work on Marketing
Consumers have complained that the policies put them at risk of losing all their benefits if the cost of premiums goes beyond what they can afford. Wall Street Journal.