Latest California Healthline Stories
Study Notes County Health Coverage Disparity
The rate of uninsured residents among Los Angeles County neighborhoods varies, but is especially high in downtown and South Los Angeles, according to a study. Los Angeles Times.
Patients Avoid Clinics Fearing Immigration Raids
Patients in East Contra Costa County are canceling appointments at medical clinics, citing concerns that federal sweeps for undocumented immigrants are taking place. Contra Costa Times.
Stem Cell Agency Should Begin Funding Research, Editorials Say
Editorials say stem cell research is important because it will create a new industry in California, and attempts by the Legislature to impose additional rules on the stem cell agency should be rejected. Contra Costa Times, Los Angeles Times.
Democrats Offer Bills on Medicare Drug Benefit
Democratic members of the Senate Finance Committee proposed bills that they said would simplify the Medicare prescription drug benefit. CQ HealthBeat et al.
Candidates Endorse Single-Payer Health System
The six candidates for the Democratic nomination for the 6th District Assembly seat support a single-payer health care system, and three candidates have said it is a major focus of their campaigns. Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
California Healthline Highlights Recent Hospital News
Community Medical Centers proposes one-time salary increase for nurses; Los Angeles facility to lay off 8% of staff
Lawsuits Accuse Insurers of Wrongful Cancellations
More lawsuits were filed accusing Blue Cross of California of systematically canceling insurance policies for some members who had incurred medical costs. Some of the suits accuse Blue Shield of California of the same practice. Los Angeles Times.
House Democrats Call Budget Reconciliation Law Unconstitutional
Eleven House Democrats said they would file suit against the Bush administration, alleging that the fiscal year 2006 budget reconciliation act is unconstitutional because the House and Senate did not approve the same versions of the legislation. CongressDaily.