Latest California Healthline Stories
Medicaid Proof-of-Citizenship Suit Dismissed
The judge said plaintiffs had not demonstrated injuries from the regulations but is considering granting an injunction for 500,000 foster children. AP/Washington Times.
Health Workers Union Reaches Tentative Contract Agreement
Members of a union representing Sacramento County health care workers returned to work after reaching a tentative contract agreement with the county to end a two-week strike. Sacramento Bee.
Blue Cross Announces Policy Changes
The changes come after Department of Managed Health Care officials said the agency was poised to take action against the state’s largest insurer for cancellations of individual insurance policies. Los Angeles Times.
Workers’ Compensation Benefit Change Vetoed
Gov. Schwarzenegger said the effort to increase the number of weeks permanently disabled workers would be eligible for benefits was not based on a comprehensive analysis. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Schwarzenegger Signs Children’s Health Measures
The governor gave final approval to legislation addressing Medi-Cal and Healthy Families enrollment and benefits for children. Fresno Bee et al.
Tobacco Tax Measure Campaigns Attracting Major Funding
Supporters and opponents of two measures — including Proposition 86, which would increase the cigarette tax to fund health care programs — have raised approximately $128 million in campaign contributions to date. KQED’s “The California Report.”
Report: Illinois Reimportation Program Illegal
An Illinois auditor general report criticizes the state’s drug reimportation program and attempted 2004 purchase of flu vaccine from abroad. Chicago Sun-Times.
Drug Prices Up During 12-Month Period
An AARP survey finds that manufacturer prices for brand-name drugs used by seniors outpaced the inflation rate by about 60% during a 12-month period ending in June. Newark Star-Ledger et al.
Legislation Will Address Anticipated SCHIP Deficits
Rep. John Dingell plans to introduce a bill that would require HHS to provide states with funds equal to their expected SCHIP budget deficits in fiscal year 2007. CongressDaily, CQ HealthBeat.
Insurers Offering More Dental Coverage
Insurers that offer both dental and medical care coverage expect to reduce medical treatment costs for chronic diseases by expanding dental care. Wall Street Journal.