Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Insurers Have Near-Monopolies in Many U.S. Markets
Consolidation among health insurers has led to near-monopolies and oligarchies in most areas of the U.S., an American Medical Association study finds. Dow Jones/Baltimore Sun et al.
Emergency Rx Coverage Extended
Emergency prescription drug coverage for dual eligibles who are having problems with Medicare Part D in California was extended for an additional 30 days. Medi-Cal release et al.
Use of Remote Monitoring Devices Increases
The use of telemedicine to monitor patients’ health is becoming more common as insurers increasingly are covering the service. Wall Street Journal.
County Releases Proposition 63 Spending Plan
Calaveras County officials released a plan to use Proposition 63 funds to improve mental health services. Stockton Record.
Several senators sent a letter to HHS Inspector General Daniel Levinson that seeks clarification on how the Medicare prescription drug benefit will affect pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs. CQ HealthBeat et al.
Bill Would Measure Chemicals in Body
A bill to create a program studying the level of chemical contaminants in people has been criticized because it would not provide information on safe chemical levels or what effect the chemicals have on the human body. Sacramento Bee.
Wal-Mart To Offer Health Insurance to More Part-Time Employees
Officials for Wal-Mart Stores on Monday announced that the company will reduce the waiting period for part-time employees to qualify for health insurance. Wall Street Journal et al.
GSK CEO Recommends National Health Insurance System
GlaxoSmithKline CEO Jean-Pierre Garnier calls for a U.S. health insurance system that provides a certain level of coverage to all residents. Philadelphia Inquirer.
Five Rx Companies Establish Policies To Help Employees
The American Cancer Society and five pharmaceutical companies developed cancer policies for employees at the companies that are intended to improve prevention, treatment and detection of the disease to reduce costs. Wall Street Journal.
Health Services May Be Cut in Contra Costa, Los Angeles Counties
Contra Costa and Los Angeles counties could cut health services to address budget shortfalls in the next fiscal year. Contra Costa Times, Los Angeles Times.