Latest California Healthline Stories
Perchlorate Levels Affect Thyroid Function, Study Finds
A rocket fuel chemical called perchlorate, which has contaminated wells and other water sources in some parts of the state, reduced thyroid function in women, according to a CDC study. Los Angeles Times.
U.S. Rep Stark Likely Will Be Re-Elected
U.S. Rep. Pete Stark, who represents some areas of Alameda and Contra Costa counties, opposes efforts to expand health and unemployment benefits to the long-term unemployed and to privatize Social Security. Contra Costa Times.
Insurance Commissioner Race Appears Close
Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante has said one of his main focuses would be to consolidate health insurance regulations within the insurance department, while candidate Steve Poizner has said he would work to reduce insurance fraud in the state. Copley News/San Diego Union-Tribune.
Hold Issued in Suit Over Erroneous Medicare Reimbursements
An appeals court issued a temporary hold on an order by a lower court that CMS must inform 230,000 Medicare beneficiaries who received erroneous reimbursements of their Medicare prescription drug benefit premiums of their right to request a waiver of recovery of the funds. Washington Post et al.
Ballot Measures Draw Biggest Contributions
Spending on some ballot measures for the November election, including one initiative to increase the tax on a pack of cigarettes to fund health programs, has outpaced spending by gubernatorial candidates, campaign filings show. MediaNews/Oakland Tribune.