Latest California Healthline Stories
More U.S. Residents Seeking Treatment Abroad
Higher costs for health insurance and medical services in the U.S. are driving some patients — regardless of insurance status — to seek treatment in Thailand, India, Singapore and other countries, a report finds. WebMD Medical News.
Advocates Criticize Report on Coverage Expansion
A report by the California HealthCare Foundation cites three approaches to expanding health insurance coverage for state residents, but some health care advocates say the proposals are not the best options for the state. Stockton Record.
CalPERS Moves To Start New Investment Fund
CalPERS members will be able to invest in the program to help fund future retiree health care liabilities. Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation that would have allowed other public entities to invest in the fund. Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento Bee.
Wal-Mart Expected To Expand Drug Discount Program
A Wal-Mart spokesperson said that the company seeks to expand the program to 14 additional states “as quickly as possible.” California is not among the states the program will be expanded to include. Newark Star-Ledger et al.
Debate Continues Over Tobacco Tax Measure
The Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates that the measure would result in about 350 million fewer packs of cigarettes being sold, a figure opponents of the measure say could result in budget problems for the state. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Senate Panel Seeks UnitedHealth Documents
UnitedHealth Group CEO William McGuire could receive a severance package worth about $1.1 billion after agreeing to resign, prompting the Senate Finance Committee to investigate. Wall Street Journal.
San Mateo County officials commissioned a study to assess access to health care for residents with limited English proficiency. San Francisco Examiner.
Stem Cell Institute Official Addresses Policies
The California Institute of Regenerative Medicine’s chief communications officer seeks to clarify the institute’s policies for awarding scientific grants and funds to help offset the cost of renovating or building new facilities. San Francisco Chronicle.
Lawsuit Alleges Mistreatment of Patients, Misuse of Funds
Erin Brockovich and a legal team allege that California hospitals inappropriately received Medicare funds for procedures stemming from medical errors. Fresno Bee.
Medicare Ends Automatic Enrollment for Dual Eligibles
Affected beneficiaries who wish to remain enrolled in the Medicare drug benefit must shop for a plan and enroll on their own during the upcoming open enrollment period. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.