Latest California Healthline Stories
Potential Medicare Part D Enrollment ‘Surge’ Could Cause Delays
A “surge of new enrollment” in Medicare prescription drug plans as the May 15 deadline nears could lead to increased wait times for beneficiaries at call centers. New York Times et al.
Mass., Tenn. Could Be Examples for San Francisco
A group appointed by Mayor Newsom should consider approaches taken in Massachusetts and Tennessee as it works to develop proposals to address the issue of the uninsured in San Francisco, an opinion piece states. San Francisco Chronicle.
Health Studies Lead to Action on Emissions Levels
Studies on the health effects of ports and freight yards on area residents and workers may have spurred lawmakers to address emissions, but funding for a plan by Gov. Schwarzenegger is uncertain. Los Angeles Times.
Education Campaign Aims To Prevent Birth Defects
Kaiser Permanente Northern California will start an education campaign to teach women and medical staff about preconception health. Oakland Tribune.
Medical Advocacy Groups, AARP Plan To Lobby Against Association Health Plans Bill
Several medical advocacy groups and AARP plan to increase lobbying efforts against a bill (S 1955) that would allow small businesses to form association health plans under certain conditions. CongressDaily.
Former Secretary Principi’s Role in Contracts Questioned
Questions have arisen about Department of Veterans Affairs contracts with a medical examination firm headed by the former VA secretary. Los Angeles Times.
Stem Cell Research Program Valid, Judge Rules
A Superior Court judge rejected arguments that the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine is unconstitutional, but plaintiffs likely will appeal. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
National Coordinator for Health Information Technology David Brailer announced his resignation after two years in the position. Financial Times, CQ HealthBeat.