Latest California Healthline Stories
Group Supports Health Insurance Legislation
A coalition of health insurance, business and other groups said a bill to let people buy health insurance in any state would make health insurance policies more affordable. CongressDaily.
Children’s Dental Program Receives Grant
Kern County will be able to expand a program that provides no-cost dental cleanings and treatments to children with a grant from First 5, the organization that distributes revenue from a state tax to children’s health and education programs. Bakersfield Californian.
Organ Donation Registration Increases
More people have signed up for the state organ donation registry after a state law took effect that allows them to register as organ donors when applying for or renewing their driver’s licenses or identification cards. Los Angeles Times.
Additional Efforts Against Medicaid Fraud Needed
CMS has not moved to limit “certain abusive financing schemes” that states have used to obtain improper Medicaid reimbursements but has hired additional staff to review state Medicaid funding practices. CQ HealthBeat.
Measure Would Expand Newborn Screening
Most California hospitals with perinatal services would be required to screen infants for hearing loss under an Assembly bill. Sacramento Bee.
Information From Medicare Call Centers Inaccurate
Staff at call centers operated by insurers participating in the Medicare drug benefit provide inaccurate or incomplete information more than 20% of the time. New York Times et al.
State To Build Avian Flu Treatment Stockpile
California will buy antiviral drugs to treat more than 3.7 million people in case of an avian influenza pandemic. Sacramento Bee.
Letter, Opinion Piece Call for Children’s Health Coverage
A letter to the editor and an opinion piece address efforts to expand health care coverage to all California children, regardless of immigration status, and the barriers to providing that care. Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union-Tribune.
Prices of Cancer Medications Draw Concern
A recent report found that the cost of cancer medications increased by almost 16% in 2005, compared with a 3% increase for other treatments. USA Today.
Family Caregivers Cost Employers $34B in 2004
The cost to employers of full-time employees who also serve as caregivers for elderly family members increased by 16% from 1997 to 2004. Wall Street Journal.