Latest California Healthline Stories
Kaiser Kidney Program Correction Plan Approved
CMS officials said they have approved a plan by Kaiser Permanente to correct deficiencies at its Northern California kidney transplant program, but the federal agency will continue monitoring the program. San Francisco Chronicle, Sacramento Bee.
Boxer, Feinstein Fight Federal Food-Labeling Bill
California’s senators said they would work to prevent the Senate from passing federal legislation that would pre-empt state food labeling laws and create national rules for warning labels. Orange County Register, CongressDaily.
Counties Consider Health Access Plan
Parts of the San Francisco Health Access Program might work to reduce the number of uninsured residents in other counties but adopting the full plan elsewhere likely would be more difficult. Contra Costa Times, Los Angeles Times.
Health Care Among Issues Facing Governor
Gov. Schwarzenegger could be presented with legislation to expand children’s health insurance coverage, with action on the bill steeped in political implications for the November election. Contra Costa Times.
Kerry Offers Health Care Reform Proposals
All U.S. children should have health insurance, Sen. John Kerry writes, recommending that his plan to provide coverage for children in families with annual incomes less than 300% of the federal poverty level be implemented. Boston Globe.
California Healthline Highlights Coverage of November Ballot Measures
Supporters of a measure that would require parents of unmarried girls younger than age 18 to be notified before the girl underwent an abortion say the measure will benefit the campaign of Democratic gubernatorial nominee Phil Angelides, while supporters of a public campaign financing measure sponsored by the California Nurses Association say it likely would face legal challenges. Sacramento Bee, CongressDaily.
Profit Might Decrease for Health Insurers
Health insurers might face decreased profits in the future as more smaller companies drop coverage for employees because of cost issues. Wall Street Journal.
Proposed Medicare Payment Changes Face Opposition
The American Medical Association will launch a campaign to convince lawmakers to pass legislation that would prevent a reduction in Medicare physician reimbursements. Roll Call et al.
CMS Releases Final 2007 Rx Benefit Marketing Guidelines
CMS released the final version of marketing guidelines for Medicare Part D plans, including clarification of some policies related to co-branding, marketing representatives, and the submission of marketing materials to CMS, among others. CQ HealthBeat.