Latest California Healthline Stories
Los Angeles County Approves New Health Director
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors took action on a number of health care-related issues, including naming a new county public health director and approving a spending plan for mental health funds. Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Daily News.
Bush Pushes Medicare Drug Benefit
President Bush urged Medicare beneficiaries to sign up for the prescription drug benefit before Monday’s enrollment deadline. The Bush administration also announced that it will not impose late-enrollment penalties on beneficiaries who qualify for a low-income subsidy under the drug benefit. South Florida Sun-Sentinel et al.
Senators, Health Care Players Address Issues
The Hill published a series of opinion pieces from senators, health care workers and public officials addressing health care issues. The Hill.
U.S. Health Care Spending Tops List
U.S. spending was 48% higher than Norway, the second-highest spender per capita. Baltimore Sun.
Tobacco Company To Pay $5M in Lawsuit
Tobacco manufacturer RJ Reynolds has agreed to settle a 2001 lawsuit alleging that the company violated state law by distributing free packs of cigarettes at public events. Sacramento Bee, AP/Contra Costa Times.
Health Net’s Q1 Earnings More Than Triple
Insurer Health Net reported that first quarter earnings increased to $76.6 million, driven by increased premiums. Reuters/Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Daily News.
Funds Added for Children’s Health Insurance
An Assembly subcommittee approved a three-year plan to expand children’s health insurance coverage. The proposal would add $50 million to the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Sacramento Bee.
Bill Addresses Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Sens. Arlen Specter and Rick Santorum announced legislation that would require NIH to research and fund methods of creating embryonic stem cell lines without destroying human embryos. Philadelphia Inquirer et al.
San Diego Hospital Could Be Excluded From Medicare
HHS announced a move to exclude Alvarado Hospital Medical Center from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health care programs. Wall Street Journal et al.
Health Agency Cuts Displace Patients
Service reductions in the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency have contributed to an increase of patients seeking care at other safety net clinics and hospital emergency departments. Modesto Bee.