Latest California Healthline Stories
CMS Updated Online Drug Plan Tool
The tool will allow beneficiaries to create a monthly cost chart for each plan and sort plans based on factors that are most important to them. CQ HealthBeat et al.
County Officials Concerned About Emergency Services
Los Angeles County officials say as many as 85,000 patients annually could have to seek treatment elsewhere if emergency departments at two hospitals close. Los Angeles Times.
UnitedHealth Group CEO Resigns
A report found that 1.5 million stock options William McGuire received were “likely backdated” and that the compensation committee of the UnitedHealth board was not informed about the dates on the stock options. AP/Washington Post et al.
U.S. Should Ensure Coverage for Children
The increased number of uninsured children has “provoked little discussion in Washington,” but states, including California, have made several “important steps and could take more in November,” columnist Ron Brownstein writes. Los Angeles Times.
Hospitals Have Employee Retention Issues
Chronic shortages of nurses and physical therapists exacerbate employee retention problems, according to a consultant who worked on the new survey. AP/Arizona Republic.
Medco To Offer Discounted Generic Medications
The plan will be offered through health insurers that partner with Medco and will be targeted at businesses with up to about 500 workers. AP/Austin American-Statesman.
Blue Shield Launches New Advertising Campaign
The insurer is part of a trend to use new advertising campaigns to distance itself from the public’s negative impression of the health insurance industry. San Francisco Chronicle.