Latest California Healthline Stories
Reaction to Expansion of Wal-Mart Generic Rx Discount Program Mixed
The expansion of a Wal-Mart Stores generic prescription drug discount program to 12 additional states receives mixed reaction. Baltimore Sun et al.
Eight-Year Decline in U.S. Smoking Rate Plateaus, Study Finds
Between 2004 and 2005, the proportion of U.S. residents who smoked plateaued at 20.9% after eight years of steady declines, according to a CDC study. Washington Post et al.
Drew University Could Lose Accreditation
A national accrediting body said the university might lose its accreditation because its affiliate hospital – Martin Luther King Jr./Drew University Medical Center – recently failed a federal inspection and will lose its Medicare funding. Los Angeles Times.
States To Take Lead on Health Care Reform, Thompson Says
Former HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson said states likely will lead health care reform efforts because federal action likely will not occur. CQ HealthBeat.
Nurses Union Campaigns for Public Financing Measure
Six buses, painted with “Yes on 89” logos, will travel throughout the state until Election Day to visit more than 100 hospitals and other public venues and ask people to make phone calls to voters. Oakland Tribune.
Mass. Has Three of Top Four Health Plans, Survey Finds
The National Committee for Quality Assurance and U.S News & World Report on Friday released an annual survey ranking the nation’s health insurance plans. Akron Beacon Journal, Boston Globe.
Lawmaker Charges Agencies With Improperly Transferring Patients
Assembly member Noreen Evans is asking the state to modify its contracts with regional centers that manage developmentally disabled patients. Evans says the centers are improperly moving patients into community-based care. MediaNews/Contra Costa Times.