Latest California Healthline Stories
U.S. Health Care Ranks Low Among Industrialized Nations
A Health Affairs report examines 37 indicators of health outcomes, quality, access, equity and efficiency among developed nations. Gannett/Hattiesburg American et al.
Many Medicare Beneficiaries Lack Coverage in ‘Doughnut Hole’
Purchasing a plan with coverage during the “doughnut hole” would increase average annual costs by $458 for Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in stand-alone prescription drug plans, a report finds. AP/Boston Globe.
Pancreas Transplant Program Placed on Probation
Officials overseeing the nation’s organ transplant network said no pancreas transplants have been performed at Sharp Memorial Hospital in at least six months. Sharp officials say the problem stems from staff shortages after a surgeon was called up for active military duty. San Diego Union-Tribune, Los Angeles Times.
VA Underestimated Health Care Costs
Department of Veterans’ Affairs budgets for 2005 and 2006 were based on “unrealistic assumptions, errors in estimation and insufficient data,” a GAO report finds. McClatchy/Contra Costa Times, AP/Arizona Daily Star.
Several lawmakers and committees have launched inquires related to bioterrorism, guidance on preparedness for public health emergencies, the National Immunization Program and various internal issues. Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Fundraising Lags for Supporters, Opponents of Campaign Finance Measure
The California Nurses Association is the lead contributor in favor of a ballot measure to reform campaign finance laws, but neither campaigns in favor of nor opposing the measure have launched television or other media advertising campaigns because fundraising has been slow. San Francisco Chronicle.
Wal-Mart To Launch Generic Drug Discount Program
Wal-Mart plans to launch a program in Florida to sell generic versions of popular medications at prices as low as $4 for 30-day prescriptions, compared with average prices of $10 to $30. New York Times, Wall Street Journal.
Reimportation Debate Delays Spending Bill
Some Republican legislators hoped to approve legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security, but legislators from both parties continue to voice support for legalizing reimportation. AP/Sacramento Bee.
Reimportation at Issue in Homeland Security Appropriations
Negotiations on the House and Senate Homeland Security appropriations bills have snagged on provisions that would permit U.S. residents to reimport prescription drugs. CongressDaily.
Report: UC Mental Health Services Need Change
The University of California needs to increase salaries and improve retention efforts for campus mental health care providers to maintain such services for students. San Francisco Chronicle et al.