Latest California Healthline Stories
County Budget Proposal Would Increase Hospital Funding
The proposed 2006-2007 budget for San Mateo County includes a 25% increase in funding for low-income patient care at San Mateo Medical Center and a plan to pay down unfunded liabilities for retirees’ health benefits by 2007. San Francisco Examiner.
More U.S. Companies Offering HSA Plans
Automakers and other large U.S. companies increasingly are offering employees the option of high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts. Detroit Free Press.
County Accepts State Mental Health Funding
San Luis Obispo County supervisors have accepted state funding to expand mental health services, including subsidized housing and job training, for mentally ill residents. San Luis Obispo Tribune, Merced Sun-Star.
Insurers’ Use of Pill-Splitting Programs Examined
Initiatives at several large insurers are underway to urge patients to save money by splitting their pills in half. San Francisco Chronicle.
Ties Between Patient Advocacy Groups, Pharmaceutical Companies Examined
Many patient advocacy groups and pharmaceutical companies maintain close relationships but do not disclose details about those ties. Philadelphia Inquirer.
Riverside County Sees Rise in Syphilis Cases
The number of reported syphilis cases in Riverside County increased to 112 in 2005, including a significant increase of infections among women, health officials said. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Federal Plan Could Cut HIV/AIDS Funding
Federal legislation could divert millions of dollars from California HIV/AIDS treatment programs, with counties that have declining rates of new AIDS cases at risk for losing the most money. Los Angeles Times.
Public-Private Partnership Enrolls Children in Health Plans
A public-private partnership in Orange County seeks to enroll all uninsured children in low-cost or no-cost health insurance plans over a three year period. Los Angeles Times.
Letter Asks CMS To Help Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries Enroll in Prescription Drug Benefit
Almost 150 Democratic House members in a letter have asked CMS Administrator Mark McClellan to help low-income beneficiaries enroll in the Medicare prescription drug benefit. CQ HealthBeat.
States Following Massachusetts’ Lead To Provide Coverage
A new Massachusetts health insurance law has revived efforts in other states to pass legislation to expand coverage to most residents. Wall Street Journal.