Latest California Healthline Stories
SIDS Linked With Serotonin, Brainstem Abnormalities
More than 2,000 U.S. infants die annually from SIDS, although the number of SIDS cases has decreased by 50% since 1994 when NIH launched a campaign on the issue. New York Times et al.
Illinois Court Fines Insurer for Medicaid Fraud
A jury ruled that Amerigroup and an Illinois subsidiary sought to increase profit by excluding beneficiaries with health issues from Medicaid managed care plans. Chicago Tribune.
Stem Cell Agency Awaits Delayed State Loan
The loan is awaiting approval by a committee headed by Treasurer Phil Angelides, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee. A spokesperson for the treasurer’s office expects the loan to be approved this month. AP/San Francisco Examiner.
Medicare Drug Benefit Not a Republican Campaign Issue
Some Republican candidates in close races have discussed the program during their campaigns, but few candidates overall have highlighted the Medicare drug benefit. The Hill.
More Uninsured Residents in California
An annual report found that one in five residents under age 65 are uninsured, while the number of those in the same age group with employee-sponsored insurance has declined by almost 10 percentage points in 20 years. Stockton Record.
Stem Cell Research at Issue in Race for Lt. Governor
A spokesperson for Republican nominee Sen. Tom McClintock said he would appoint “taxpayer watchdogs” to the committee that oversees California’s stem cell research program, but Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi and other Democrats questioned what effect any potential McClintock appointments to the committee would have on the research program. Oakland Tribune.
California Medical Association Appoints New CEO
Democratic Sen. Joe Dunn will take leadership of CMA Nov. 1, but his legislative duties will take precedence until his term ends Dec. 4. San Francisco Business Times.
CDC To Focus on Teens in Vaccine Survey
CDC decided to focus on teens, rather than young children, because of the increased number of vaccines recommended for that age group. The study evaluates vaccination rates in Los Angeles and 21 other large cities. Washington Post.
Health Care Not Prime Issue in Governor Race
Gov. Schwarzenegger has said that health care reform would be a top priority in a second term, but neither he nor Democratic nominee Phil Angelides has emphasized the issue in the campaign. Los Angeles Times.
Study Finds Support for Limiting Health Care Costs
The majority of Northern California residents interviewed said that implementing cost-effectiveness standards would be an effective approach to limiting health care costs, while participants with lower income and education levels were the most likely to disagree. Sacramento Business Journal.