Latest California Healthline Stories
Schwarzenegger Signs Women’s Health Legislation
Laws enacted by the governor address compensation for women donating eggs for stem cell research and insurance coverage for a test that can detect cervical cancer. Los Angeles Times, Office of the Governor.
Federal Jury Rules in Favor of Merck in Vioxx Case
A federal jury in New Orleans finds that the COX-2 inhibitor Vioxx did not cause a nonfatal heart attack experienced by a plaintiff. Wall Street Journal.
Wal-Mart Cuts Health Plan Options
Current employees still will be able to renew their lower-deductible health plans, but new employees’ choices will be limited to high-deductible plans with lower premiums. Washington Post et al.
Cost of Retiree Health Benefits Set To Increase
Public sector employers in California might have to adjust spending to cover the costs of retiree health care benefits — an issue coming to light as employers prepare to comply with a new accounting rule that will require employers to disclose the cost of future retiree benefits. Financial Times.
Shortage of MDs Expected in Most States
The U.S. will need almost 40% more primacy care physicians over the next 14 years to meet increased demand. AP/Albany Times-Union et al.
A new report found that the percentage of children with private health insurance who received all their recommended immunizations increased and that Medicare beneficiaries who smoked cigarettes received more advice about quitting. AP/Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
Three of San Luis Obispo County’s 6.5 staff psychiatrist positions are vacant, leading county officials to consider a contract with a staffing agency. San Luis Obispo Tribune.
Employees in 2006 paid for about 16% of single health insurance premiums and 27% of family health coverage premiums, a report finds. New York Times et al.
Employers Reducing, Dropping Retiree Health Coverage
Employers began to reduce retiree health benefits in the 1990s because of changes in accounting standards, and in recent years higher health care expenses and corporate cost cutting have accounted for additional reductions. Los Angeles Times.
The television advertisements feature a nurse, firefighter and teacher and question Gov. Schwarzenegger’s acceptance of donations from pharmaceutical firms and other groups. Los Angeles Times.