Latest California Healthline Stories
Governor Orders $150M Loan to Stem Cell Agency
A bridge loan to the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine was ordered one day after President Bush vetoed legislation to expand federal funding for stem cell research, but critics say the loan is intended to distance Gov. Schwarzenegger from the president, who is unpopular in California. Sacramento Bee et al.
Market for Retail Clinics Expected to Expand
KQED’s “The California Report” on July 20 featured a report on the growth of the retail clinic industry. KQED.
HCA Will Not Accept Buyout Offer
The hospital chain had formed a special committee to study a buyout offer from a group of private-equity companies, but the deal was not completed. Wall Street Journal.
Experts Praise San Francisco Health Access Plan
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is expected to sign the proposed universal health access plan next week if it is approved by supervisors. Los Angeles Times.
CMS Releases Complaint Data for Drug Benefit
CMS in June received about 2.3 complaints per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in prescription drug plans, according to agency data. CQ HealthBeat et al.
Many Hospitals Do Not Provide Translators
Many patients who do not speak English do not receive translator services at hospitals, according to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine. USA Today, AP/Kansas City Star.
Schwarzenegger To Host Health Care Summit
Gov. Schwarzenegger says he called the summit to address increasing health costs and the uninsured, but critics say the event is intended to shore up the governor’s health care record in advance of the November election. Sacramento Bee.
Federal Judge Overturns Maryland Health Care Law
The Maryland Attorney General’s office said it would appeal the decision on the law, which would have required large employers to spend a certain percentage of payroll on health care. The California Legislature is considering a similar bill. New York Times et al.
Poll Finds Support for Linking Insurance Premiums, Behavior
More than half of respondents said people with unhealthy lifestyles should pay higher insurance premiums than more health-conscious individuals. Wall Street Journal Online.
Two Nursing Homes Cited in Patient Deaths
The Department of Health Services issued citations to nursing homes after one patient died after a machine alert malfunctioned and another patient set himself on fire in a designated smoking area. Los Angeles Times.