Latest California Healthline Stories
Legislation Expected To Address Long-Term Care
The proposed legislation would establish state demonstration projects to help U.S. residents use home equity to pay for long-term care to retain a larger share of their assets and apply for Medicaid coverage. CQ HealthBeat, CQ Today.
Prescription Drug Costs Lower at Cash-Only Pharmacy
The pharmacist of a cash-only pharmacy that only dispenses generic drugs said by not dealing with insurance companies the pharmacy can set its own prices, which are often lower than other pharmacies’. Bakersfield Californian.
San Francisco Modifies HIV-Testing Policies
San Francisco is the first city in U.S. to implement a CDC proposal to stop requiring written consent and patient counseling before HIV tests. San Francisco Chronicle, AP/San Francisco Examiner.
Budget Reconciliation Discussions Begin
The House and Senate begin discussions to reconcile their versions of the fiscal year 2007 budget resolution, but an agreement appears unlikely. Washington Post et al.
Public Member Elected Medical Board President
The new Medical Board of California president will focus on consumer protection and increasing medical error reporting by physicians. Medical Board of California release.
Senators Criticize Regulation of Specialty Hospitals
Sens. Chuck Grassley and Max Baucus asked CMS to increase oversight of specialty hospitals. CQ HealthBeat, The Hill.
Greenspan Expresses Concerns About Medicare Spending
Medicare spending is unsustainable and eventually could drive the federal debt higher and cause interest rates to significantly increase, according to Greenspan. Wall Street Journal.