Latest California Healthline Stories
Bush Says GOP Should Campaign on Drug Benefit
Citing popularity for the Medicare drug benefit among seniors, President Bush said that Republican candidates should highlight the program in their campaigns, while Democrats have said that they would seek modifications to the program if they take control of Congress in the November election. AP/Washington Post.
Latino Community Debates Parental Notification Measure
Opponents and backers of the initiative are targeting the Latino community, a predominantly Democratic constituency that is considered more likely to side with Republicans and vote against the bill. Sacramento Bee.
Hospital Accused of Dumping Patients
The Los Angeles Police Department documented five cases over the weekend of patients who were transported against their will to homeless facilities in downtown Los Angeles after being discharged from a hospital. Another report finds that the area continues to be a problem for staph infection outbreaks in the county. Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Weekly.
McClintock Criticizes Garamendi Health Care Positions
At a debate between the two candidates for lieutenant governor, Sen. Tom McClintock said that Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi favors a state-run health care system that could leave the state bankrupt. San Francisco Chronicle.
Californian Medical Association CEO Steps Down
Jack Lewin is leaving after more than a decade in California to head the American College of Cardiology in Washington, D.C. Sacramento Business Journal.
Medical Privacy Forms Raise Questions
HIPAA disclosure forms detail how physicians can use patients’ medical information, though some patients assume the forms protect their privacy. Wall Street Journal.
Medicare Advantage Plans Seek Members With Chronic Illnesses
Medicare Advantage plans receive higher payments from the government for enrolling sicker beneficiaries, and rules permit insurers to keep the savings if they successfully reduce beneficiaries’ health care costs through improved preventive care. Wall Street Journal.
State Program Offers Option of Home Care
More Vermont residents are receiving home care, and the number of nursing home residents has declined since the program took effect. Wall Street Journal.
Transplant Administrator Often Fails To Address Problems
The United Network for Organ Sharing has never recommended that the federal government close an active transplant program and in some cases takes years to take action against programs that have high mortality rates, an analysis found. Los Angeles Times.
Some Groups Making Endorsements Receive Contributions
The campaign against a measure to increase the state tobacco tax has made contributions to at least one group taking its position on the initiative, and the California Nurses Association has made payments to an advocacy group that supports the CNA-backed public financing measure. Los Angeles Times.