Latest California Healthline Stories
Stem Cell Agency Ruling Finalized
A Superior Court judge finalized a ruling supporting state-funded stem cell research, and the agency charged with distributing the funds began developing guidelines for grants. San Francisco Examiner, Sacramento Bee.
Senators Call for Resignation of Medicare Public Trustees
Sens. Chuck Grassley and Max Baucus asked the two recently appointed public Medicare trustees to resign their positions. CQ Today, AP/Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Former FDA Commissioner Under Criminal Investigation
A federal grand jury is investigating former FDA Commissioner Lester Crawford over allegations of financial improprieties. New York Times, Wall Street Journal.
Lawmakers Should Consider Health Mandate
Creating a health insurance mandate in California could be difficult, but it is necessary, according to an opinion piece by the CEO of Blue Shield of California. Los Angeles Times.
Senate To Delay Votes on Health Care Legislation
Senate Republicans said that they likely will delay votes on medical malpractice and association health plan legislation from May 1 until at least May 8 because of debate on the emergency supplemental bill. CQ Today, Washington Times.
Deadline Approaching for Medicare Drug Benefit Enrollment
Local officials in the San Joaquin Valley say most problems with the Medicare drug benefit have been resolved, but thousands of area Medicare beneficiaries have not yet enrolled in prescription drug plans. Fresno Bee.
City Budget Proposal Omits Funding Details
A budget analyst’s report found that San Diego’s budget proposal does not include plans for funding future costs, such as retiree health care benefits and programs funded by the city’s share of tobacco settlement funds. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Competition Limited Among Insurers in Some Markets
A small number of health insurers account for a large share of the policies sold to small businesses in most states, according to a government report. New York Times.
County Supervisors Voice Opposition to Medicaid Cuts
Los Angeles County supervisors lobbied to stop proposed cuts to Medicaid, but meetings with members of Congress and the Bush administration left them unsure of the future of federal funding for the program. Los Angeles Times.
Three Insurers Account for More Than Half of Drug Benefit Enrollment
UnitedHealth Group, Humana and WellPoint account for more than half of total drug benefit enrollment, according to government data. Overall, more than 80 companies are offering more than 1,400 Medicare prescription drug plans nationwide. New York Times et al.