Latest California Healthline Stories
Republican Attorney General Candidate Counters Ads
Sen. Charles Poochigian, the Republican nominee for state attorney general, said television ads run by his opponent, Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown, distort his views on abortion and other issues. Sacramento Bee.
UC To Consider Ban on Tobacco-Funded Research
Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante is calling for the University of California Board of Regents to ban research funding from tobacco companies, but opponents of the measure say it infringes on academic freedom. San Francisco Chronicle.
Opinion Pieces, Letter Address Tobacco Tax Measure
Opponents of a proposition to increase the state tobacco tax to fund health care and other services say the measure will lead to higher crime rates and more cigarette smuggling, while a supporter says the measure would improve health care for California residents. Sacramento Bee, TheConservativeVoice.com.
Campaign Finance Measure Aimed at Health Care, Opponents Say
A measure to create a publicly funded campaign finance system supported by the California Nurses Association is part of a plan to establish a universal health care system in the state, according to opponents of the initiative. Sacramento Bee.
Health Care Legislation Approved
Gov. Schwarzenegger signed legislation related to safety net funding for hospitals, the Medicare drug benefit and other health care issues. Office of the Governor.
Children’s Program Responds to Criticism
The Kings County Grand Jury has raised concerns about a county program that provides health and education services to young children. The county board of supervisors is expected to approve a response to the grand jury’s report. Fresno Bee.
Federal Money for Health Care Providers Unused
Nine months into the program, about 15% of $1 billion in federal funding for health care facilities that treat undocumented immigrants has been claimed by health care providers. Chicago Tribune.
Workers Agree to Higher Health Premiums
A union representing Sacramento County workers will begin paying 20% of health insurance premiums over the five-year term of a new contract. Fourteen other unions representing county workers have not reached a contract agreement. Sacramento Bee.
CDC Will Evaluate Cash Awards Process
The committee will include representatives from various levels of both the agency scientific and administrative staffs. One of the co-chairs has received at least eight cash awards since 2000. Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Lawsuit Challenges Repayment of Medicare Reimbursements
The lawsuits states that federal law allows beneficiaries to seek a waiver of recovery of overpaid funds when the beneficiary is not at fault. Long Island Newsday.