Latest California Healthline Stories
Seniors Experience Higher Rate of Medication Errors
A study found that seniors were at the greatest risk of prescribing errors and that the error rate for seniors increased for those patients who were treated by more doctors and prescribed more drugs. AP/Detroit News.
California Healthline Highlights Recent County Action
Orange, Sacramento and Stanislaus counties this week took action on health care-related issues. Los Angeles Times et al.
Low Reimbursements, Uninsured Contribute to Hospital Deficits
Hospitals that treat low-income and uninsured patients are especially susceptible to financial problems because of inadequate Medi-Cal reimbursements and the costs of uncompensated care. Contra Costa Times.
Schools Urged To Prepare for Flu Pandemic
State officials said schools should work with local governments to prepare for a possible flu pandemic because schoolchildren can easily spread diseases among themselves and family members. Los Angeles Times.
Groups Support Waiver for Drug Benefit Penalty
Bills to waive a financial penalty for Medicare beneficiaries who missed the May 15 enrollment deadline have stalled in the House and Senate, but advocacy groups continue lobbying efforts. AP/Sacramento Bee.
Kaiser Program Remains Eligible for Federal Funds
CMS found a kidney program at Kaiser’s San Francisco hospital compliant with federal standards after media reports and an earlier inspection cited quality problems. San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times.
House Panel Passes Electronic Records Legislation
The bill would provide federal employees with electronic health records that include health insurer and personal health information. CongressDaily.
Governor Vetoes Health Benefits Bill
The measure would have required large employers to spend a certain percent of payroll on workers’ health insurance. Gov. Schwarzenegger’s veto message said the legislation would have done “nothing to lower costs” or ensure coverage for employees. AP/Los Angeles Times et al.
Workers’ Compensation Premium Reduction Recommended
The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau recommended a lower premium reduction for policies beginning in January than it recommended in the last few rounds of proposed rate decreases. A spokesperson warned that rates could increase if Gov. Schwarzenegger signs legislation to increase benefits for permanently disabled workers. Contra Costa Times.
Federal Coordination Needed for Obesity Efforts
An Institute of Medicine report calls for existing small-scale antiobesity programs to be evaluated and for effective programs to be implemented on a larger scale. Wall Street Journal et al.