Latest California Healthline Stories
Supervisors Add $10 Million for Health Care
The majority of a $10 million increase in health care spending included in Orange County’s 2006-2007 budget proposal would fund local hospitals. Orange County Register.
Health Care Cost Comparison Tools Emerging
Major health insurers are creating or expanding Web-based pricing tools to help members compare costs of health care services. Wall Street Journal.
Legislators Debate State Budget
Democratic lawmakers remain confident that the Legislature will pass a budget by Thursday’s deadline, but Republicans are voicing opposition to some provisions including one that would include undocumented immigrants in efforts to expand children’s health insurance coverage. Sacramento Bee et al.
Newspaper Mischaracterized County Pharmacy Changes
A Contra Costa Times article and editorial addressing the planned closure of three county-run pharmacies misrepresented some facts regarding the alleged difficulties patients are experiencing, a county official states. Contra Costa Times.
AMA Considers Recommendation on Sodium Reduction
The American Medical Association likely will recommend a 50% reduction in sodium in processed foods and meals prepared in restaurants. Chicago Tribune.
Diabetes Research Presented at National Conference
The American Diabetes Association considered studies on elevated glucose levels, prediabetes and weight loss at its national conference in Washington, D.C. AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution et al.
Diabetes in Mental Health Patients a Growing Concern
Atypical antipsychotic pills’ effect on mental health patients’ glucose metabolism is of particular concern to physicians. New York Times.
County Medical Marijuana Lawsuit May Continue
San Diego County can proceed with a lawsuit against the state that claims California laws conflict with federal laws prohibiting the use and possession of marijuana, a judge ruled. San Diego Union-Tribune.
State Employees’ Union Authorizes Strike
Contributions to health insurance benefits are among the issues being debated in state worker contract negotiations. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee.
Union Leader Faults Lack of National Health Plan
The lack of action on a single-payer U.S. health care system has led to problems for automakers, the United Auto Workers president says. AP/Houston Chronicle.