Latest California Healthline Stories
Molina Healthcare Wins Medi-Cal Contract
Molina Healthcare of California was awarded a new Medi-Cal contract after the Department of Health Services reconsidered the extent of the HMO’s physician network in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
An Assembly and Senate panel began debating a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Lawmakers are hopeful that a budget will be approved before the June 15 deadline. Sacramento Bee, AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
One Percent of U.S. Residents Account for 22% of Total Health Care Expenditures, Brief Finds
One percent of the U.S. population accounted for 22% of total health care expenditures in 2002, and the half of the population that received the least amount of care accounted for only 3% of expenditures, according to a statistical brief released last month by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. CQ HealthBeat.
County Pharmacy Closures Affect Some Patients
Some Contra Costa Health Plan beneficiaries who have been directed to fill new prescriptions at commercial pharmacies are experiencing difficulties obtaining medications after officials announced a plan to close three county-run pharmacies. Contra Costa Times.
Garamendi: Reduce Workers’ Compensation Premiums by 16%
Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi recommended a 16% reduction for workers’ compensation premiums, but industry experts say it might be the last large reduction “for a while.” Los Angeles Times et al.
Prescription Drug Coverage Caps for Seniors Do Not Result in Savings, Study Finds
Medicare beneficiaries with caps on prescription drug coverage spend 31% less on medications than those without caps but are more likely to skip doses of treatments, visit hospital emergency departments and die, according to a study published on Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine. Washington Post et al.
Emergency Department Wait Times Vary by State, Study Finds
Visitors to U.S. hospital emergency departments wait an average of 222 minutes, or 3.7 hours, before being seen by a provider, and patients in California wait an average of 230.2 minutes, according to a new state-by-state study released by Press Ganey Associates. USA Today.
Von Eschenbach To Resign as NCI Director This Month
Acting FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach announced that he will resign from his position as director of the National Cancer Institute. AP/Chicago Tribune, New York Times.
State Investigates Kaiser Permanente Marketing Practices
The Department of Managed Health Care is examining whether Kaiser Permanente in Southern California engaged in deceptive marketing practices regarding changes to its physician network in Coachella Valley. Los Angeles Times.
Canadian Residents Healthier Than U.S. Residents
U.S. residents are more likely than Canadian residents to have diabetes, hypertension and arthritis, according to a new study. AP/Long Island Newsday.