Latest California Healthline Stories
Vote Expected on Out-of-Pocket Expense Limits
A bill that would limit the out-of-pocket expenses for high-deductible health insurance plans and provide more information on plans to consumers is expected to come before the Assembly this week. Modesto Bee.
Supreme Court To Review $79.5M Award in Oregon Tobacco Lawsuit
The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear an appeal in an Oregon lawsuit in which a jury ordered Philip Morris to pay $79.5 million in punitive damages. USA Today et al.
DOD Offers Online Mental Health Screening Program
The Department of Defense has established an online program that allows military personnel and their families to screen themselves for mental health problems. AP/Boston Globe.
San Francisco Neighborhood Children Lack Services
There are higher rates of infant mortality and asthma for children living in the San Francisco neighborhood Bayview-Hunters Point compared with other areas of the city. San Francisco Chronicle.
City Might Charge County for Emergency Response
The Clovis City Council is considering a proposal to charge the Fresno County Fire Protection District a fee for responding to medical-aid calls in unincorporated areas. Fresno Bee.
MDs in Areas With More Resources Have Lower Satisfaction
Primary care doctors who work in areas with the most medical resources say they are less satisfied with the quality of care they provide than doctors in areas with fewer resources, according to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Chicago Tribune.
More U.S. Residents Have Enrolled in Consumer-Directed Health Plans, Report Finds
The number of U.S. residents who enrolled in consumer-directed health plans increased by about three million over the past year, according to a General Accounting Office report. AP/Houston Chronicle.
County Public Health Department Approved
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to split the county health department to create the Department of Public Health, which will oversee emergency preparedness efforts. Los Angeles Times.
Kaiser Permanente Pharmacists Plan Strike
Kaiser Permanente pharmacists in Northern California voted to strike next week unless a contract agreement is reached over pay and retirement benefits. Sacramento Bee, Oakland Tribune.
Lockyer Opposes Tuna Label Ruling
Attorney General Bill Lockyer filed objections to a judge’s decision that tuna canners do not have to warn consumers about mercury levels in their products. Seattle Post-Intelligencer.