Latest California Healthline Stories
Individual Health Coverage Not Affordable for Many
More than half of people with individual coverage pay at least $3,000 annually in premiums, and about one-third paid at least $6,000 annually, according to a study. Los Angeles Times.
Garamendi: Lt. Governor’s Office Could Be Watchdog
John Garamendi, state insurance commissioner, said the lieutenant governor’s office has been underutilized, and if elected, he would use the position as a consumer watchdog for issues including health care. Sacramento Bee.
Vioxx Increases Risk for Several Conditions, Studies Find
One study finds that participants who took Vioxx had increased risk for arrhythmia and kidney disease, and another study finds a higher risk for cardiovascular events within the first 30 days of treatment. Wall Street Journal et al.
Medicare Outpatient Premiums To Increase
Higher-income beneficiaries in 2007 for the first time will pay a higher monthly premium than other beneficiaries, as ordered by a provision in the 2003 Medicare law. Washington Post et al.
County Rejects Recommendations for Health Agency
A draft response to a grand jury report rejects a number of recommendations for the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency because the county already has begun taking steps to address the agency’s financial issues. Modesto Bee.
Prison Health Worker Pay Increases Recommended
Increasing the salaries of prison doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health workers will allow state prisons to fill vacancies and retain qualified medical personnel, according to a recommendation by the federal receiver overseeing prison health care reforms. AP/San Francisco Examiner et al.
Effort To Defeat Tobacco Tax Could Overshadow Other Measures
The tobacco industry’s commitment to defeat a tobacco tax initiative that would fund health programs is expected to outspend supporters 10 to one and could draw attention away from other measures on the November ballot. San Francisco Chronicle.
Bill Would Limit Payments for Egg Donation
A measure awaiting action by Gov. Schwarzenegger would bar privately funded laboratories from compensating women who donate eggs beyond their expenses. Los Angeles Times.
Children’s Prescription Drug Studies Go Unpublished
Researchers attribute lower rates of children’s studies being published to factors including parents’ hesitation to enroll their children in studies, saying that low enrollment can complicate data compiling and submission. AP/Lexington Herald-Leader, NPR’s “Morning Edition.”
Sacramento Bee Opposes Parental Notification Measure
Voters should reject a measure on the November ballot that would require parental notification before a minor could receive an abortion, and efforts should instead be focused on continuing to reduce teen pregnancies, according to an editorial. Sacramento Bee.